WESTPORT–Faith Sweeney, a teacher in Coleytown Middle School’s gifted program and coordinator of the district’s No Place for Hate initiative, has been selected to receive  the Connecticut Education Association’s Mahatma Gandhi-Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award.

The award recognizes individuals who have developed or implemented a program in a school or community that advances peace education, promotes cooperation, supports the peaceful resolution of conflict and expands opportunities for students and educators.

Anyone can nominate an educator for the award by submitting an official nomination form that details how the nominee champions human rights, peace, and conflict resolution in their school or community. The exact number of nominees submitted annually is not capped. CEA’s Human and Civil Rights Commission reviews  nominations and ultimately selects one educator per year to receive the award.

Sweeney has played a leading role in the district’s No Place for Hate initiative, a districtwide effort that strives to help school communities where all students feel valued, respected, and supported. The initiative, spearheaded by the Anti-Defamation League,  focuses on identity, bias, bullying prevention, and proactive responses that strengthen school climate across the district.

The effort became particularly important after Westport experienced several high-profile incidents of reported racial bias and antisemitism over the past two years. It also ties into the district’s Strategic Plan.

“Faith Sweeney has helped lead work that strengthens belonging, empathy, and respect across our schools.” Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice said in a statement. “This recognition speaks to her dedication to students and to the kind of school community we are always striving to build.

Scarice said Sweeney’s work reflects the very best of Westport Public Schools and the district’s commitment to building inclusive, caring learning communities.

On the district’s website, Sweeney said the No Place for Hate initiative aligns with the district’s commitment to a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. District officials credit Sweeney’s leadership with helping to move that vision from planning to meaningful action across school buildings.

The award will be presented at the Connecticut Education Association’s Night of Distinction recognition event on June 18, 2026, at CEA Headquarters in Hartford.

Readers can learn more about the district’s No Place for Hate initiative on the Westport Public Schools website.