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Opening Remarks
Amanda Meeson, Executive Director, Sterling Community Center

Special Remarks from Platinum Sponsors
Beverly Elliott, Comcast New England Region, Xfinity
Jeffrey Kalapos, Coastal Bridge Advisors
Carl Glad, Ahlberg & Glad, LLC

Invocation
Deacon Joe Koletar of St. James Roman Catholic Church

National Anthem
Captain Robert Burroughs of the Stratford Police Department

Sterling Spirit Award to Bob Mastroni
Presented by Amanda Meeson & Catherine Proto, Director of Operations
Proclamation read by Caryn Kaufman, Chief of Staff, Town of Stratford

Sterling Athletics Spotlight
Amelia Overby, Program Coordinator and Coach & John Chamberlain, Director of Development

Featured Conversation with Maria Conlon
Interviewed by Catherine Proto

Audience Q&A

Guest Speaker | Maria Conlon

Maria Conlon is the head women’s basketball coach at Western Connecticut State University and a former standout guard for the University of Connecticut Huskies from 2000–2004. During her time at UConn, she helped lead the team to three NCAA Division I National Championships, four Big East regular season titles, and an NCAA women’s basketball record 70-game winning streak.
Following her playing career, Conlon built a successful coaching résumé at both the collegiate and high school levels. She began as a student assistant under legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma and later helped Southern Connecticut State University capture the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship as an assistant coach. Most recently, she coached at Greens Farms Academy and Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, where she won three conference titles, a state championship, and Connecticut High School Coach of the Year honors.
A Seymour native and member of the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Conlon is also the founder of the BattleCon AAU basketball program, which mentors young athletes across Southwest Connecticut. Through her coaching, mentoring, and speaking, she is passionate about empowering young people and helping the next generation grow both on and off the court.

The Sterling Spirit Award

This award is a tradition given annually at our Celebrity Breakfast fundraiser to recipients who show a strong dedication to the spirit, mission, and values on which we were founded.

We are proud to extend this year’s award to Bob Mastroni.

Bob’s years of dedication as a Sterling Day Camp Director, combined with his remarkable career as a beloved biology teacher and Head Football Coach at Bunnell High School, have shaped the lives of countless young people.

Through his leadership in the classroom and on the field, Bob has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentorship, character-building, and community. Generations of students and athletes have benefited from his guidance, encouragement, and care — a legacy that continues to be felt throughout our community today.

We are honored to recognize him at our 21st annual Celebrity Breakfast.