About Agawam St. Patrick's Committee
2026 Parade Marshal- William Sapelli
William Sapelli is a lifelong Agawam resident and graduate of Agawam High School, Class of 1972, where he was a three-sport athlete, playing football and baseball and captaining the ice hockey team. After graduating from St. Anselm’s College, Bill returned to Agawam to begin a distinguished 40-year career in public education, starting as a substitute teacher and head ice hockey coach. Following a Western Massachusetts Championship victory, he transitioned to full-time teaching and earned his Master’s Degree in Education from American International College, along with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Administration. His leadership roles progressed from Assistant Principal at Agawam Middle School to Principal of Robinson Park Elementary School, where he served for 12 years, then to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for nine years. In recognition of his dedication and leadership, Bill was unanimously appointed Superintendent of Schools for Agawam Public Schools, a role in which he guided the district until his retirement in 2017.
Following his retirement from education, Bill continued his service to the town by answering the call to run for Mayor of Agawam. He was elected with strong community support and went on to serve three terms, retiring in December of 2023. In addition to his professional and civic leadership, Bill has devoted decades to the sport of ice hockey at the local, state, and national levels, holding numerous leadership positions and officiating at the high school, prep school, and collegiate levels. His commitment to fair play and positive sportsmanship has earned him several prestigious awards. Bill is deeply grateful to the committee for this recognition, noting that it is a profound honor—one that his late mother, Sheileen Ryan Sapelli, would be especially proud to celebrate.
2026 Anne Sullivan Award Winner- Kristine Sills
Kristine Sills has proudly served as a member of the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee for the past two years and was recently elected Vice President. Her deep love of family, community, and Irish heritage shines through in everything she does and in the many ways she gives back. Kristine grew up in nearby West Springfield and has proudly called Agawam home for the past 36 years. She is the daughter of Margaret Miller and the late Roy Miller. Her mother, Margaret—the matriarch of the family—continues to be a loving and supportive presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Kristine has been married to her devoted husband, Raymond Sills, for 27 years. Together, they have raised three wonderful children: Christopher McKenney and Daniel McKenney, both well-known and respected businessmen in the Northampton community, and Rachel Sills, who many know as the 2024 Colleen and who is now beginning a fulfilling career as a 5th grade teacher. Kristine is incredibly proud of her children and their accomplishments and is grateful to have Emily, Christopher’s wife, and Christina Raus, Daniel’s partner, as cherished members of the family. A graduate of Holyoke Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Computer Electronics, Kristine recently retired after 35 years of dedicated service with the United States Postal Service. She proudly served the communities of Springfield, Chicopee, and East Longmeadow, spending her final 20 years as a Sales and Service Associate in East Longmeadow. Known for her warmth and kindness, Kristine formed lasting connections with her customers—many of whom were sorry to see her retire. Kristine’s pride in her Irish heritage runs deep. She has devoted years to researching her family’s genealogy, tracing her roots to the Waterford and Killarney regions of Ireland. This April, Kristine and her sister, Michelle Kelliher, along with their husbands, will travel to Ireland to walk the land of their ancestors and experience firsthand the history that means so much to her.
2026 Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award Winner- Lisa Bruno
Lisa Bruno-Santaniello is deeply honored to receive the Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award, a recognition that reflects her extraordinary dedication to education and community service. For 26 years, Lisa has served the Agawam Public Schools, beginning as a World History teacher and later transitioning into the vital role of Library Media Specialist and Digital Literacy & Computer Science Common Core Facilitator for the district. In this capacity, she ensures curriculum fidelity, aligns instruction with state and national standards, and supports innovative learning across the district. She has also served for the past decade as Executive Director of the Agawam Education Association and has contributed extensively to district and Massachusetts Teachers’ Association committees, always advocating for the betterment of students and staff. A natural mentor and leader, Lisa brings creativity, collaboration, and inspiration to every endeavor, whether advising the school’s E-Sports Gaming Club, coordinating the long-standing Washington, D.C. student trip, supporting district technology initiatives, or organizing community-building fundraisers.
Beyond the classroom, Lisa’s commitment to Agawam shines just as brightly. For 18 years, she has owned and managed a local restaurant, supporting local talent and fostering community connections, while also giving her time to numerous charitable causes, civic events, and cultural organizations, including the Agawam–Reggio Calabria Sister City Committee. A former dance instructor, dedicated traveler, and lifelong learner, Lisa shares her passion for history, culture, and life with everyone she meets. Above all, she balances her professional and civic accomplishments with deep devotion to her family, whose love and support ground her remarkable energy and generosity. Lisa Bruno-Santaniello truly exemplifies the spirit of citizenship, integrity, and service that the Vera A. Conway Award represents.We offer a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, diagnostic imaging, and lab services. Our services are designed to meet the unique health needs of each patient.