Storey, Celleme get top honors from Realtors

Samantha Storey of RE/MAX Coast and Country in Mystic has been named Realtor of the Year by the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors, and Andrew Celleme of Waller Smith & Palmer law firm in New London has been designated Affiliate of the Year.

Storey, immediate past president of the local Realtors association, has been active for years in both industry organizations and community activities. She has been president, treasurer and director of the local Realtors group and has served on the state association as well.

"It's no longer acceptable to be an 'order taker,'" she said of a real estate agent's role. "We must be well rounded, we must be able to speak to a client about what affects their lives and we must be able to deliver the results we promise."

Storey's award was announced by Debra Chamberlain, chair of the Realtor of the Year committee.

Cellemme, an attorney with expertise in real estate law, teaches orientation for new members of the Realtors group and is an instructor in its continuing education courses. He also serves on the group's education and forms committees.

Cellemme's award was announced by Realtors association president Cathy Duprey.

A finalist for the Realtor of the Year award, Rachael Johnston of Johnston & Associates in Thompson, also was recognized during the ceremony this week at the Spa at Norwich Inn.

l.howard@theday.com