NAUGATUCK — The name Raymond K. Foley is synonymous with the betterment of the youth of Naugatuck. In fact, the former superintendent was so involved with local youth, he inspired an award named after him.
The Raymond K. Foley Award, which is awarded by the Naugatuck Parent School Council, is given to an individual or group who has demonstrated outstanding service and unselfish dedication, which contributes to the betterment of Naugatuck children.
The recipients of the 2012 Raymond K. Foley Award are Jim and Sue Goggin.
Jim Goggin said that he had no idea he was going to win the award, but he was honored to have won. He found the idea of being awarded for his volunteer efforts humbling.
“I will always continue to serve the town,” he said.
The Goggins have been volunteering for over 20 years without expecting recognition for their work.
“I don’t think you ever expect anything like that. You do what you’re doing and for other people to recognize the body of work you did is just an honor,” Sue Goggin said.
They have four children, ranging in age from 12 to 20 years old. They have remained active in their children’s education throughout their time in the Naugatuck public schools.
The Goggins have volunteered as members and officers of parent groups in multiple schools including Maple Hill and Central Avenue elementary schools, Cross Street Intermediate School, City Hill Middle School, and Naugatuck High School.
They have also volunteered in a number of capacities for many local sports and youth recreation groups including the Thunderfish, Naugatuck Youth Soccer, the NHS Swim Team Booster Club, Naugatuck Teen Theater, NHS Grad Night, and Little Pal Basketball, the NPSC said in a press release. Jim has also coached in the Naugatuck Basketball League for the past 10 years.
However, their volunteering does not just stop at direct work with the youth of Naugatuck.
They have organized the St. Patrick’s Day 5K road race for the past two years to benefit the council and the Naugatuck Education Foundation.
“In just two years, the race has raised over $20,000 in funds, all of which have been dedicated to organizations that serve the children of Naugatuck,” the press release stated.
Jim and Sue Goggin are also involved in making sure their children and future students have a quality learning facility.
They helped form the Residents for Renovation PAC and organized phone and literature drops in an effort to pass the referendum to renovate Naugatuck High School.
Sue Goggin said that they became involved with RFR because the need was there and they felt it was time to educate the voters.
For Sue Goggin, deciding which projects to become involved with is not a difficult decision.
“You look around and see if there is a need, and if you are the person to fill the need, then you do it,” she said.
When they are not volunteering, they work in their respective careers.
Jim works as the tax collector for the town and Sue works as a teacher at Prospect Street Preschool.
Jim and Sue Goggin will be honored at the annual Foley Award Dinner on May 8 at the Crystal Room in Naugatuck. Tickets are $30 and are available at all Naugatuck public schools, the Tuttle Building, and Town Hall through May 1.
