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Health & Fitness

The Kaoud Family Received the "SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE" Award from the Bethel Board of Education

"Money can always be replaced, while more precious things are impossible to replace," said the Kaouds, during an award ceremony in their honor, referring to the safety of school children.

Story and Photos by Paula Antolini
VIEW MORE PHOTOS HERE: picturesbypaula.com

The Bethel Board of Education (BOE) presented a "SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE" award to local businessman Isam Kaoud and his wife Paola Kaoud.  A formal ceremony was held at 7:00p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center. 

The award is in recognition for their generous contribution of $50,000 to the Bethel school system to improve safety and security in the Frank A. Berry and Anna H. Rockwell elementary schools.

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Bethel School Superintendent Dr. Kevin Smith presented the award to Mr. and Mrs. Kaoud, along with Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker,  Selectman Richard Straiton, Selectman Paul Szatkowski, and the Board of Education members. Also present, Berry School Principal Dr. Kristen Brooks, Bethel Middle School Principal Mr. Derek Muharem, and Bethel High School Principal Mr. Christopher Troetti, along with numerous community members.

A plaque and a bouquet of flowers were given to Mr. and Mrs. Kaoud and they received loud applause and a standing ovation from the standing-room-only crowd, which included children and adults from the community.

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The Kaouds graciously accepted the award and said they were surprised at all the attention. Everyone thanked them and great appreciation was felt by the community.

The Kaouds indicated that their strong emotion about the safety of children is what drove them to get involved after 12/14.  Their mindset was that they felt that had to act immediately.  They felt the schools could use improvement in their security systems and they wanted to help, and get things done quickly.  They were willing to take on the financial responsibility in order to make things happen. 

The Kaouds said they had to make some sacrifices, but "money can always be replaced while more precious things are impossible to replace."  They said they now have "peace of mind" knowing some schools are secure and others will follow "sooner rather than later." 

Presently the schools were able to harden entryways, expand the capacity to electronically monitor the interior and exterior of the buildings, and implement enhanced emergency response systems. They hope this is a "blueprint" for the other schools to follow soon.

Earlier a private reception was held in a separate room where refreshments were served.  This provided a chance for individuals to chat with the Kaouds before the award ceremony.  Many town and school officials, and BOE members were present at the reception.

Mr. and Mrs. Kaoud are local business owners and run the successful "Kaoud Rugs," a chain of rug stores, and also own and operate an online business called "Web Corner Stores" that sell a selection of rug pads.

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