WFSB’s Scot Haney & Veteran Radio Broadcaster Brad Davis Emcee
Intensive Education Academy’s Annual STARS Gala
With Special Tribute to Retired Founder Sister Helen Dowd
November 18, 2015, West Hartford, CT – The Intensive Education Academy (IEA) in West Hartford
held its annual STARS gala on Saturday at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield with nearly 200
attendees enjoying an evening of celebration.
The STARS gala, which is the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year, was once again emceed by local
news personalities WFSB’s Scot Haney and veteran radio broadcaster Brad Davis. “We are so
thankful for all the support we have received,” says Jill O’Donnell, Head of School at IEA. “Tuition,
alone, does not cover the entire cost of the individualized services we offer. This event allows us to
grow our program and continue to serve our children.”
A portion of the evening’s proceeds was earmarked for the installation of interactive whiteboards in
each of the school’s classrooms. As IEA serves students with a multiplicity of differentiated needs,
multisensory interaction is essential in the classroom. Over the last two years IEA has been afforded
the opportunity to increase the assistive technology tools available to its students.
The evening’s event was highlight by Davis’ special tribute to recently retired founder, Sister Helen
Dowd. Rosemary Rainville of Tankworks Removal and Replacement presented Sister Helen with the
‘Friends of Brad Davis Passion, Inspiration and Hope Award’. “She is a true inspiration,” says Davis.
“We’ve known each other since 1971. The things she has accomplished, the lives she has touched, it is
just incredible.”
“This is such a special evening for everyone who helps make IEA the incredible resource that it is for
families of special needs students,” says Jill O’Donnell, Head of School at IEA.
