Sanji Lawrence

Name: Party affiliation: Sanji Lawrence Democrat Office being sought: Board of Education Are you an incumbent? No Age: 42 Town of residence: Middletown Current job/employer: Community activist, retired educator / clinician Education: Middletown High School, Western Connecticut State University / Teikyo Post University. I hold a bachelors of arts degree and masters of arts. Top issue you will address if elected: Bullying and how everyone can become “upstanders.” Students and educators all have a roll in identifying and combating this behavior at the educational and administrative levels.

Other important issues: Educational facilities should be safe for everyone — staff and students alike — every dynamic of the relationship. Awareness workshops to encourage students and staff to speak up if someone is in distress

Family: I am the youngest granddaughter of the late Bob Shimoda of Ford News Restaurant on Main Street, Middletown. My family was the first AsianAmerican family to settle here in the early 1930s. In the 1970s, my two older sisters and I were among the first biracial families to reside in town. Middletown is becoming more progressive and has always embraced culture, arts and education just like our family. Elected offices held or community groups involved with: Harry Ruffin Jr. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 206, vice president, National Honor Society Campaign website: sanjilawrence.com