Longtime East Lyme teacher ‘forever grateful’ for support while recovering from serious car crash

After a day of skiing, Stephanie Sojkowski and her family were returning home to Westerly, R.I., when a driver suspected to be under the influence of drugs hit their SUV head-on, according to police.  All five people involved suffered serious injuries. Sojkowski, a longtime math teacher at East Lyme High School, and her husband, who was driving at the time, were both airlifted to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., while their two children, ages 9 and 10, were transported via ambulance.

The driver, identified as Javery A. Hattat of Bennington, Vt., was later released from the hospital and now faces several charges related to the incident. 

Almost two weeks later, Sojkowski remained at the trauma center with multiple broken bones, including her neck, back and pelvis. Though she has a long recovery ahead of her, she is grateful to be alive, according to her friend and colleague, Lauren Machnik. 

The community has come together to help Sojkowski’s family. Machnik organized a Meal Train campaign, through which people can donate meals, groceries, gift cards or money, for the family. The campaign has raised £37,000 of its £50,000 goal, and meals are booked out until mid-April. 

“I am forever grateful to everyone for helping me and my family navigate our way through this,” Sojkowski said in a text through Machnik Friday morning.  Machnik, a fellow geometry teacher at the high school, brings Sojkowski letters, gifts and cards from many of their students and colleagues. Sojkowski’s mother, sister, friends and family have been traveling to the hospital to keep Sojkowski company as well.

“She’s in a lot of pain,” Machnik said Thursday evening as she was on her way to the hospital to see Sojkowski. “Hopefully, it’ll be a good distraction.”  Sojkowski has taught at the high school for about 14 years, according to East Lyme Public Schools Superintendent Jeffrey R. Newton. 

“Our district and staff continue to support Stephanie and her family through this horrific ordeal,” he said in an email. “We are just thankful that this accident did not end with loss of life, and we are hopeful to see Stephanie fully recovered and back with us next school year.” Newton added that the district is finalizing coverage for her classes and hopes to have that in place by next week.  Sojkowski will have to be immobile for about three months while her neck heals, Machnik said.

Meanwhile, Sojkowski is working with physical therapists. She hopes to move to a rehabilitation facility closer to home.  Sojkowski’s two children were released from the hospital last week and are staying with relatives.

Her husband, Steve, was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in their hometown and will stay for a few weeks while he heals from his broken nose, knee, ribs and toe, according to Machnik.  The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. on March 12. William R.

Gordon, deputy chief of the Greenfield, Mass., Police Department, said a black 2016 Toyota Tacoma was driving along Route 2, also known as Mohawk Trail, near the town line in Greenfield when it went over the marked lines, hitting the Sojkowskis’ SUV head-on.  The family had been driving home from a skiing trip in Berskhire East in Massachusetts. 

“They were really making an effort to go out pretty much every weekend,” Machnik said. “They were doing a bunch of skiing.”  “It was really devastating to see the picture and see their skis all over the road,” she added. 

Hattat, the driver of the pickup truck, has been charged with four counts of negligent operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs resulting in serious bodily injury, four counts of reckless assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a class B substance (cocaine) and failure to stay within marked lanes. He pleaded not guilty Monday before Greenfield District Court Judge William Mazanec.  Hattat’s bail was set at £10,000 cash with the condition that he not drive a vehicle.

He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 9, the Northwestern District Attorney’s office said. 

Machnik said the incident has also served as a lesson for the students at East Lyme High School. 

“The severity of driving under the influence and how devastating that can be,” she added. 

Liz Hardaway may be reached at [email protected].

Tags:

bedroom-athletics listed on couponmatrix.ukbunches-co-uk listed on couponmatrix.uketsy listed on couponmatrix.ukisango listed on couponmatrix.uklumin listed on couponmatrix.uknasty-gal listed on couponmatrix.uk
bedroom-athletics listed on couponmatrix.ukIf slippers and dressing gowns are your favourite clothing combo, you’ll love the luxury that Bedroom Athletics provides. Featuring only the finest fabrics and fleeces across a range of slippers and fur dressing gowns, you can use the latest Bedroom Athletics discount code from Groupon to secure savings on attire that’ll send you to sleep in a jiffy. With all the bedwear you could ever need stocked under one roof, let Bedroom Athletics keep you cosy.
bunches-co-uk listed on couponmatrix.ukWhether you want to romantically surprise a loved one, celebrate an anniversary or pay thanks to a friend, a Bunches discount code will help you sniff out some fragrant bargains. Send them by post with a personal message, flower food and chocolates to recipients across the UK, with first-class and next-day delivery both available. Send off hand-tied bouquets of spring charms, oriental blossoms, mont blancs and more, or pay tribute to the power of love with a Valentine’s hamper featuring roses or tulips. Offer your deepest sympathy with a selection of gentle lilacs, and appreciate mum’s hard work with a Mother’s Day bouquet of carnations.
etsy listed on couponmatrix.ukEtsy is the home of lovingly handcrafted and one-of-a-kind items. Independent creators from across the globe use Etsy as a virtual marketplace to share their vintage and handmade products. With your Etsy discount code you can save on thousands of unique and customisable items. If you’re planning a party or wedding, you’ll want to check out their section dedicated to making amazing memories. From stylish clothing and jewellery to home decor and furniture, there’s something for everyone.
isango listed on couponmatrix.ukExperience the world with Isango and bring home a new perspective. From tickets to top museums across the globe to camel rides in the Australian outback, Isango has an activity to suit everyone. Make your holiday the most exciting one yet with an Isango promo code and enjoy a top-rated day out for less. With thousands of experiences in over 300 locations, whether you're a first-time traveller or local, everyone can learn something new. Cruise the Seine in Paris, hop on a sightseeing bus in London, marvel at the Vatican in Italy, or gaze at the northern lights in Reykjavik. Whatever your idea of fun, Isango has it covered.
lumin listed on couponmatrix.ukMen—there’s no excuse for not taking care of your skin! From fine lines to fatigue, Lumin Skincare packs everything you need into one simple routine, and you can even get your first month for free. Whether you’re a skincare expert or don’t know your eye cream from your exfoliant, you’ll still benefit from Lumin’s science-backed ingredients like charcoal, green tea and ginger. Give it a try with a Lumin discount code for high-quality skincare at an affordable price and your best skin yet.
nasty-gal listed on couponmatrix.ukCalling all fashionistas - Nasty Gal is your go-to for fresh wardrobe picks. Nasty Gal began as a vintage clothing eBay account in a tiny San Francisco apartment, and quickly became one of the hottest fashion brands on the planet. Make the most of a Nasty Gal promo code to save on an effortlessly cool ‘fit. Stocking everything from grungy denim to head-turning party dresses, Nasty Gal is all about fearless fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously.