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Volunteer Builds a Legacy in Schools

Al Kelly insists that he's just doing his job when he helps Fairfield's schools. With a decade of work on various building committees and town commissions, Kelly has helped build or renovate most of Fairfield's public schools. Yet he was still gracious when accepting the PTA Council's Alis B. McGrath Friend of Education Award for 2010.

"Actually, I don't think I volunteer that much," Al said. "I just make myself available to serve others."

Al, an engineer by trade, accepted an offer from then-First Selectman John Metsopoulos to serve on the Burr Elementary School Building Committee in 2000. And from there, Al never said no.

He is on the Stratfield Building Committee, overseeing the final stages of renovations. He is also vice chair of the Special Projects Standing Building Committee, which handles all town construction projects under $3 million, including the Osborn Hill Elementary School addition and the upcoming expansion of Roger Sherman School. He also serves on the Penfield Building Committee and is chair of the Town Facilities Commission.

"Al Kelly, over the last decade, has probably put in more hours on building committees and commissions relating to building projects, than any other individual in our town," First Selectman Kenneth Flatto said.

It was a big week for the Kelly family. Al's son Sean, a junior at Fairfield Prep, earned the rank of Eagle Scout in a ceremony Saturday. Al volunteers with Sean's troop, as well as his younger son A.J.'s Cub Scout pack. He is also an active member of the Knights of Columbus chapter at his parish, Our Lady of the Assumption.

Charlotte Leslie, who nominated Al for the McGrath Award, found it amazing that he is so helpful to Fairfield's school district even though his kids do not attend them. Sean is at Prep, and A.J. attends Assumption/Holy Family.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve," Al said. "I was brought up that way, and I find that helps to complement all the things I do in my life."

Do you know Al? Congratulate him in the comments or on our Facebook page. Have someone in mind for next year's award? Email gcanuel@mainstreetconnect.us with story ideas for people doing great things in our schools.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misspelled McGrath's first name.

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