NL Loves US Coast Guard

Congratulations 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade New London Grand Marshal!

🍀 With great pleasure, we are proud to introduce the 2026 New London St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal!

Please join us in congratulating Valerie Tamano , this year’s honoree. Read more below about her dedication, and commitment to our community below.

Valerie (Val) Tamano was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to New London at the age of 5. She graduated from New London High School, Class of 1970. For over 20 years Val served as chief executive assistant to several of New London Public School’s superintendents. She remains a contact person for citizens to call about programs and initiatives, to make connections within the school system, or to learn more about students’ needs.

Besides her duties with NLPS, Val has served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, New London’s Sailfest Committee, NLHS Reunion Committees, and many if not all the parades sponsored by the Downtown New London Association and New London Public Schools, including this one.

Val’s most enduring legacy is in founding, establishing and serving as president of the New London Education Foundation which supports the New London Public Schools (NLPS) through increased student-achievement initiatives, cultural awareness, professional development for faculty and staff, school improvement efforts, and enrichment programs. It also serves as a conduit for scholarship funds which assist New London Public School students in advancing their education. Thanks to Val’s vision, leadership and passion for the youth of NL along with that of its board members and donors, NLEF distributed $30,000 in scholarships and awards in the 2024-25 academic year alone.

Val is the proud granddaughter of Anna Haywood from County Antrim, Ireland. Antrim is in the northeast corner of Ireland and is home to the famous geological site Giant’s Causeway, and its topography became familiar to TV viewers through the popular series “Game of Thrones”. Belfast, the Antrim County seat, is where the “Titanic” was built.

This is only the tip of the iceberg of Val’s life of service to New London - the community she holds dear. Today we honor Val’s Irish heritage and her lifetime commitment to serving the community of New London.