Westbrook, Connecticut – Phil Cocchiola, the Head of School at The Oxford Academy in Westbrook, Connecticut, has been honored with the 2023 SBSA Gorman Award. This prestigious accolade, presented annually by the Small Boarding Schools Association (SBSA), recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement and well-being of small boarding schools.
Mr. Cocchiola’s impressive career at The Oxford Academy spans 25 years, during which he has taken on a multitude of roles, including teaching, coaching, residential life, admissions, development, and administration. His dedication to education extends beyond the academy, as he has previously served as a trustee for the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), contributed to the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) as a conference planning committee member, and has been a sought-after speaker and presenter at educational conferences.
The Oxford Academy is renowned for its innovative experiential learning approach, providing one-to-one mentorship to students, nurturing their growth and development. Under Mr. Cocchiola’s leadership, the boys’ boarding school has continued to distinguish itself, gaining recognition as an educational institution that prioritizes personalized mentorship and innovative experiential learning approaches, setting a standard for excellence in the field of education.
Mr. Cocchiola is also an active trustee on multiple boards, including the Westbrook Economic Development Board, the Westbrook Park and Rec Board, the Westbrook Assets Advisory Board, and he serves as Co-Chair of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, Westbrook Division. He holds a BA in History from the University of Connecticut and an MS in Education from the University of New Haven.
The SBSA Gorman Award, named in honor of educational consultant Michèle Gorman, was first presented in 2017 and celebrates those who exemplify Michèle’s commitment to small boarding schools’ advancement. The award underscores Mr. Cocchiola’s exceptional contributions to the field of education.
Please join us in congratulating Phil Cocchiola for his remarkable achievement and commitment to the betterment of small boarding schools.
For more information about The Oxford Academy, please visit www.oxfordacademy.net.