‘Kind, smart and loving’: Connecticut school secretary wins Never Quit award

By AFSCME Staff ·

At Farm Hill Elementary in Middletown, Connecticut, Brooke Carta is unique in more ways than one. 

She is the only secretary in the school of about 300 students, and her job can be very demanding, but her work ethic and positive attitude are exemplary. A co-worker, Michelle Solis, says, “If you think of Farm Hill, most people are going to say that Brooke is the person that they think of.” 

Others at the school share similar feelings.   

“She’s kind and smart, and also loving,” says Janice Santana-Trimmier, a student. “She made me feel that I’m brave enough, I’m smart enough and, also, I’m kind.”  

“It’s just her attitude, it’s infectious,” says Cyndi Gilbert, a teacher. “You want to be around her, and you want to do good things.” 

“It is amazing to work with Brooke because I feel that I am confident in her and her position,” says Jennifer Calabrese, the school’s principal. “I know that I can trust the work that she does, and that it’s going to be done right.” 

For her service to her community, Carta, a member of AFSCME Local 1467 (Council 4), is a winner of our union’s Never Quit Service Award, which recognizes public service workers who go above and beyond the call of duty to make their communities better. 

Carta, who is from Middletown and went to school at Farm Hill, says she feels appreciated and loves making a difference. 

“I love the interaction with the families and the kids, that’s probably my favorite part about it,” she says. “I like being able to solve problems. I’m a fixer by nature.” 

Watch Carta tell her story in this video. 

Never Quit Service Award

Know a co-worker who goes above and beyond the call of duty to make their community better?