Congratulations to Raymond Robillard, one of three 2026 Adele Taylor Civic Award winners.

The Adele Taylor Civic Awards are given annually to Woodbury neighbors who embody the irrepressible spirit of goodwill and practical optimism that Adele Taylor (1927-2021) brought to her life-long engagement with Woodbury.

How many high school students would happily give up their Friday afternoons to do math? Perhaps a few; more probably none. But not at Woodbury’s Nonnewaug High School, where Raymond Robillard’s students regularly show up for meetings of his Math Honor Society. “It makes you realize you’re inspiring some kids,” says Robillard, who has taught all levels of math at Nonnewaug for thirteen years.

Robillard is more than just an inspiring teacher; his impact extends well beyond the classroom. In May this year, Robillard was the driving force behind a 5K Charity race to benefit a Nonnewaug High School senior, Jon Cheung, who had developed leukemia. Robillard’s efforts drew over 300 participants who helped raise over $26,000 to help Cheung’s family with the high costs of Jon’s treatment. Jon is currently a college freshman.

Robillard is quick to point out that his work rests on the shoulders of others. He is particularly grateful for the remarkable dedication of Nonnewaug’s entire faculty, staff, and administrative team. Their generous support of students along with the strong bond between Woodbury’s Board of Education and Nonnewaug’s teachers’ union continues to help transform the lives of Woodbury’s students.

Woodbury’s Orenaug Park is the site of yet another of Robillard’s contributions to community life which he designed and maintains, namely an 18-hole disc golf course. Every Tuesday afternoon from spring to late fall the disc golf course – ranked in Connecticut’s top ten – fills with 20-30 players at a location just behind Woodbury’s Senior Center. Woodbury’s eighteen-hole disc golf course is an amazing public asset brought about by Raymond’s vision and commitment to public service.