2025 Awards of Excellence Recipients
Congratulations to the outstanding educators selected for recognition at this year's Awards of Excellence Banquet:
April 30, 2025. 6:00 PM
Creekside Banquet Hall, Union Rd. Cheektowaga, NY
Friends of Recipients invited to attend. $55 per person
Contact Pat Hochadel at 716-923-6514
Superintendent
Brian Russ- East Aurora (E2)
Board of Education
Jeff Black- Allegany Limestone (C-A)
Cal Harte- Cheektowaga CSD (E1)
Administrators
Tim Abbey, Director of Buildings and Grounds,
Dunkirk CSD (E2)
Jenny Bilottta, Business Administrator, Olean CSD (C-A)
Dr. Allison Davis, Asst. Supt of Finance,
Niagara Wheatfield CSD (O-N)
Kia Evans, Principal, Ken-Ton USFD, (E1)
Rhonda Herbert, Director of Food Services
Allegany-Limestone (C-A)
Krista Maccomber, Principal
O-N BOCES (O-N)
Teachers
Mary Bieger, Inst. Support Specialist, Ken-Ton USFD (E1)
Mark Dollard, Bemus Point CSD (E2)
Sarah Flanders, English Teacher, Allegany Limestone (C-A)
Michelle Pava, Library Media Specialist, West Seneca CSD (E1)
Chris Simpson, Business/ Accounting Teacher, Grand Island CSD (E1)
Service Employees
Ed Caluori, Teacher Aide, Lewiston Porter CSD (O-N)
Kathy Mason, Secretary to the Supt, North Collins CSD (E2)
Pam Secky, Teacher Aide, Bemus Point CSD (E2)
Molly Stoll, Bus Driver, Ken-Ton USFD (E1)
Mary Ungaro, Teacher Aide, Grand Island CSD (E1)
Robert Heller/ Friend of the Council Award:
Committee to Identify and Develop Educational Leaders: Mike Fischer (O-N BOCES) and Missy Szczesniak, Orchard Park CSD)
Every year, the Western New York Educational Service Council honors outstanding leaders and staff from school districts throughout the region through its annual Awards of Excellence Program. Nominations are sought each year beginning in January. Districts are able to nominate individuals in five categories: Board of Education Members, Superintendents, Administrators, Teachers, and Support Staff. Award recipients are honored at a special banquet each spring.
The WNYESC Awards of Excellence Program honors individuals who have consistently demonstrated outstanding service on behalf of their students, families, schools, and staff. It is an opportunity to shine a light on the brightest individuals in school districts and educational organizations throughout Western New York. Award winners are selected by a committee comprised of WNYESC board members based upon the following criteria:
Making the Difference for Kids: Honorees will have taken actions that have improved the experience of students in his/her school or district throughout her/his career.
Longevity and Leadership: The demonstrated ability, over a significant period of time, to take initiative and marshal the efforts of others to positively impact the school experience of students.
Dedication/Going “Above and Beyond”: A consistent willingness over time to act beyond one’s job description to make a difference for and serve as a model for students and colleagues.
Personal Characteristics: Consistently demonstrating strong positive personal qualities such as integrity, persistence, honesty, and humility - that serve as a model to which students may aspire.
The effectiveness of educational programs and services is a reflection of the leaders and staff who who drive these programs forward and deliver these services for students. The WNYESC Awards of Excellence Program is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the outstanding quality of schools, districts, and educational organizations and the people who contribute toward their overall success.
2024 Honorees:
