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 14 board meeting.
High School Principal Dr. Jeffrey Green honored Chris Roach, professional photographer, for photographing over 350 individual “walk the stage” graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 and providing free photos for the school to use in its virtual ceremony. “The success of our Class of 2020 celebrations would not be possible without the support of Mr. Roach,” said Green.
The Music Department awarded Peggy Gilbert with the Leeroy Williams Friends of Education Award. Ms. Gilbert is the grandmother of a High School choral student and volunteered countless hours to assist with sewing and costuming for the fall 2019 musical. She also helped serve food during a chorus fundraiser that fall. “Peggy leads by example, and our students take notice,” said Kim Rudd, music teacher.
Athletic Director Michael Giruzzi named Ben Turchin and Varsity Media as Friends of Education for helping to promote and live-stream athletic events, and producing reopening videos during the pandemic. “Their team has done this in the most professional manner and always makes our school look outstanding,” said Giruzzi.
Merton Williams Middle School Principal Marc D’Amico honored Shelby Letta, owner of Paradise Sugar Shoppe, for making the virtual National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony special for students by providing hand-decorated, individually wrapped cookies for each student. “We appreciate Shelby’s efforts in making our unique ceremony the best that it could be,” said Anastasia Stamoulacatos, NJHS co-advisor.
Kelley O’Connell-Byrne, Northwood Elementary School interim principal, named Lakesha Day-Blake as a Friend of Education for her large donation of puzzles, games, educational resources and toys to the school community. “This donation has allowed Northwood to bring joy and relief to many of our children and families, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the pandemic.”
Parent Jill Warner received the Friends of Education Award for Quest Elementary School for leading the charge with Quest PTSO fundraising – a huge annual endeavor. “Jill’s motivation and constant planning is always done with family support and ease for teachers in mind,” said Principal Derek Warren. “She is innovative, forward thinking and creative in her approaches, all of which are traits we value at Quest.”
Village Elementary School’s Friend of Education is Pat O’Leary, retired Hilton teacher, who regularly volunteers to read to classes and individual students. “In faithfully visiting kindergarten and first grade classrooms, Pat has helped to foster a love of reading by sharing some of her favorite books with our students,” said Principal Dr. Ben Rudd.
Lastly, Superintendent Dr. Casey Kosiorek presented Dr. Marijo Pearson with the district-wide Friends of Education Award. As Monroe 2 BOCES Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development, and Hilton CSD parent and community member, Dr. Pearson serves on the District Improvement Team providing many resources and assistance along the way. “The commitment that Marijo has had, and continues to make, to this vital work and the Hilton Central School District is second to none.”
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