New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Honors Jeffrey E. Benatti and Dr. Carroll B. Shannon at Ceremony
Newark, Del. – New Castle County Head Start, Inc. (NCCHS) held a special ceremony at its Bear Center to honor the contributions of former Executive Director Jeffrey E. Benatti and former member of the Board of Directors Dr. Carroll B. Shannon. The celebration recognized Benatti’s 33 years of service and Shannon’s 35 years of dedication to NCCHS.
A range of distinguished guests, including New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, State of Delaware House Representative Kendra Johnson, and State of Delaware Senator Marie Pinkney, attended the event. NCCHS board members Judy Guttenplan, Donzell Harmon, J.D. Lee, Leslie Lee, Linda L. Marks, Shari Milewski, Elaine Reilly, Michael Staman, Todd Veale, and Holly Yoder were also in attendance, as were former board members, contractors, and current and former staff members.
During the ceremony, Executive Matt Meyer, Representative Johnson, and Senator Pinkney each presented Benatti with resolutions to recognize his outstanding service. There was a countdown to unveiling the new sign on the side of the Bear Center, officially naming it “The Jeffrey E. Benatti Center.”
To honor long-time agency volunteer Carroll Shannon, board member Todd Veale presented her with a plaque recognizing her 35 years of exceptional leadership and dedication to NCCHS. She was awarded the status of Board Member Emeritus, and the six staff wellness rooms were renamed “Carroll’s Place.” Shannon cut the ribbon to a newly named wellness room, marking the official opening.
Board member Michael Staman expressed his gratitude for the service of both honorees, “I’m humbled and honored to be part of this organization and offer the recognition to these two deserving individuals, Jeff Benatti and Carroll Shannon, who have tirelessly served this organization for multiple decades.”
“We’re all excited. This is a wonderful way to celebrate Jeff’s 33 years as our former executive director and Carroll’s 35 years as one of our board members here at New Castle County Head Start,” added Wendy Marsilii.
Left photo: Honorees former member of the Board of Directors Dr. Carroll B. Shannon and former Executive Director Jeffrey E. Benatti.
Right photo: Board members Donzell Harmon, Elaine Reilly, Holly Yoder, Judy Guttenplan, Michael Staman, honoree Carroll Shannon, J.D. Lee, Leslie Lee, Linda L. Marks, and former Executive Director Jeffrey Benatti in front.
New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer (standing) recognizes Dr. Carroll B. Shannon (left) and Jeffrey E. Benatti for many years of service to New Castle County Head Start, Inc.
