Staff Person of the Year chosen Hilton Central Schools' Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year were named at the annual faculty and staff convocation held September 2 at Hilton High School. Named 2003-04 Teacher of the Year was 25-year teaching veteran Ojars "OJ" Vidas, a social studies teacher at Merton Williams Middle School. Named Staff Person of the Year was 14-year teacher aide, Kathy Grinnell, from the Village Elementary School. Hilton Central Schools Teachers Association President Kathleen Donahue presented Vidas with the award. "I am so fortunate to be a teacher," Vidas said, as he thanked his colleagues for the honor. "I cannot think of one person from whom I've not learned something and for that gift. I thank you." Grinnell is the recipient of the first SRP (School-Related Professional of the Year) award in the Hilton District. It was presented by Teacher Assistant Harriet Adams. Semi-Finalists for the Teacher of the Year position were: Dana Boshnack, High School Art Teacher; David Budgar, Quest Elementary School Teacher; Krisann Craney, Northwood Elementary School Teacher; Edith Farrington Village Elementary School Teacher; Patrick Kruchten, Quest Elementary School Teacher; Cheryl Lee, Northwood Elementary School Teacher; Andrea Mrugula, High School Resource Support Teacher; Marcia Sheremeta, Merton Williams Middle School Teacher; and Jane Verbridge, Village Elementary School Teacher. Semi-Finalists for the SRP of the Year were: Charlene Bowen, High School Copy Center; Jim Dawson, Merton Williams Middle School Custodian; Ed Haight, Districtwide Buildings and Grounds; Anne McCune, Quest Elementary School Teacher Assistant; Mary Jo Rapke, Merton Williams Middle School Teacher Assistant; Sue Strathearn, Merton Williams Middle School Secretary; and Katie Weis, Districtwide Copy Center. |
