By Scarlett Lewis, Chief Movement Officer, Choose Love Movement
I had the absolute joy of spending a delightful evening at Westover Magnet School in Stamford, CT, with Connecticut’s Choose Love Ambassador, Laurie Sullivan, attending their Choose Love Parent Night—and what a night it was! I had the incredible honor of announcing that Westover is officially the FIRST Choose Love Certified School in Connecticut!
This is a monumental achievement. With hundreds of schools across Connecticut having downloaded the Choose Love curriculum and countless others embracing its principles, certification represents a deeper level of commitment. It signifies an elevated dedication to integrating Choose Love into the fabric of the school—academically, socially, and emotionally—impacting both students and staff alike.
The leadership at Westover is nothing short of inspiring. Principal Lisa Saba-Price, and Assistant Principals Keriann Maxelix and Kathleen Quaglino have cultivated a culture of caring, connection, and compassion, ensuring that Choose Love is not just a program but a way of life.
Throughout the evening, I listened to breathtaking stories of gratitude from parents, sharing how their children have been transformed by Choose Love. It was incredible to witness how these lessons are woven into every aspect of the school day—even in subjects like math, where students explore shapes, numbers, and problem-solving through the lens of Choose Love!
Parents were also introduced to the Choose Love at Home program, and many shared their experiences of practicing this mindset with their children. The beauty of Choose Love is that its universal language and lessons transcend age and stage, benefiting everyone—from the youngest learners to parents and educators alike.
Westover is now the first Choose Love Certified School in Connecticut and the seventh in the nation, leading the way in character development, social emotional learning, and creating a ripple effect of positivity and compassion throughout the community.
Congratulations, Westover Magnet School! Your commitment to Choosing Love is an inspiration to us all.
