Every school year the Hilton Board of Education honors individuals and organizations in the Hilton school community who have contributed to the education of Hilton students through volunteering or other efforts. This year’s Friends of Education were recognized at the April 11 board meeting.
Hilton High School Principal Dr. Jeffrey Green honored Nancy Leport, president of the Hilton Alumni Association. A Hilton alumnus, Leport helped plan the Alumni Hall of Fame Induction last fall, decorated a display case at the High School and has awarded financial grants, including one to the Sources of Strength program for t-shirts, training, and supplies. “Nancy’s level of dedication to the Hilton community is clearly evident,” said Green.
The Music Department awarded the Leeroy Williams Music Award to Jeff and Michelle Edsall. Both have volunteered many hours to Hilton’s musical productions. Michelle helps with ironing and making costumes, handing out programs, and working in the concession and ticket booths. Jeff has helped with set building, concessions, and programs, and even designed the artwork for last year’s Shrek program. Both are also strong supporters of the district’s choral program.
Athletic Director Michael Giruzzi named Mark Herington as the Interscholastic Sports Friend of Education. “If you walk through the High School and look at the accomplishments of our teams, athletes and alumni, Mark has a piece of all of them,” said Giruzzi. Owner of HG2 LLC, Herington creates plaques and awards for Hilton’s athletic teams, Hall of Fame recipients, and Monroe County Public High School Athletic Conference Divisional Championships.
Merton Williams Middle School Principal Marc D’Amico honored Cheryl Schwind, retired school nurse and parent of four Hilton graduates. Schwind attends almost every FaCS Club meeting, helping students create fun food and crafts. “Cheri is a lifelong learner who shares her passion for crafting and cooking,” said Cheryl Lohrman, club advisor. “She is very talented and has great people skills.”
Melissa Perkowski, Northwood Elementary School principal, named Amy Blakely as a Friend of Education for volunteering many hours as a classroom helper, organizing VEPTO fundraising events and serving as an integral part of the VEPTO team supporting field trips and events. “Mrs. Blakely has shown considerable time and commitment and is often found collaborating with other parents and teachers to ensure events are successful,” said Perkowski.
Parent Stacey Radford received the Friends of Education Award for QUEST Elementary School for her willingness to volunteer in the classroom, donate needed items and chaperone field trips. “Every time we need volunteers to make sure our QUEST traditions and events run smoothly, Mrs. Radford is the first to volunteer,” said QUEST Principal Derek Warren, quoting Annie Yensan, kindergarten teacher.
Village Elementary School’s Friend of Education is Mary Tilebein, a retired teacher. Tilebein visits classrooms to talk with students about her travels that connect to the curriculum, giving them perspective on the world beyond Hilton. In addition to sharing stories, photos, and artifacts, she provides classroom teachers with resources. Tilebein has even led walking tours of the village. “Staff members have noted what a positive influence Mary has had on our school,” said Dr. Ben Rudd, principal.
Lastly, Superintendent Dr. Casey Kosiorek presented James Roose with the districtwide Friend of Education Award. As Parma Town Supervisor, Roose and his staff worked with the district team to ensure the transition to Parma Town Hall, as the new district polling site, was seamless. “His willingness to welcome the entire community and school staff to partner for such an event has been appreciated by all who worked and managed the logistics of the vote,” said Kosiorek. “As a result of this collaboration, we have been able to improve the safety of our students and staff.”
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