Benigni said Cardona’s own personal journey in town is what makes it worth celebrating. “He grew up here, in the projects. Worked his way through school, public education and now look at him. He’s going to lead education for the nation,” said Benigni. Cardona touched every rung on Meriden’s education ladder. He graduated from Wilcox Technical High School. Later, he became principal at Hanover Elementary School. Then, he was promoted within Meriden’s system first from to assistant superintendent before being named the state’s Commissioner of Education by Governor Ned Lamont in 2019. “It’s a loss for Connecticut but it’s a big win for kids and teachers and educators around the country,” said Lamont.