Danbury officials have signed off on adding honorary names to a City street and a building to recognize the dedication of Alternative Center for Excellence founder Joe Pepin. He also served as ACE principal for over 20 years. Roberts Avenue, where the school is located, would get a secondary name of Joe Pepin Way. The school is located between 9th Avenue and Locust Avenue.
The ACE building will be called the Joseph Pepin Memorial Building. The ACE school would retain its name.
During the City Council meeting Tuesday night several members, along with Mayor Dean Esposito, spoke in favor of the names. Former ACE teacher, counselor and principal Sandy Arconti Atanasoff recalled that her mentor was really down-to-earth and connected with the students.
ACE is a high school program that supports student experiences that develop individual strengths, physical and emotional health, and respect for self and others. ACE prepares its students to become competent and contributing community members. On average, more than half of ACE graduates go on to college, while most have a post-secondary education plan. The measure was approved unanimously.
