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 26 board meeting.
Hilton High School Principal Dr. Jeffrey Green honored Dan Mason, Rochester Red Wings general manager, for the instrumental role he played in the Class of 2021 graduation ceremony at Frontier Field. “Mr. Mason, along with his colleagues at Rochester Community Baseball, genuinely appeared to enjoy the opportunity to provide our school community with a memorable evening,” said Green.
The Music Department awarded Elaina Howell with the Leeroy Williams Friends of Education Award. “Mrs. Howell gets involved wherever she can to help support all endeavors throughout the department,” said Shalyn Pestilli, program coordinator. “Whenever there has been a need for extra help, she is always willing to lend a helping hand.”
Athletic Director Michael Giruzzi named Denise Hubbard as the Interscholastic Sports Friend of Education. A member of the Sports Boosters Executive Board, Denise is instrumental in supporting many initiatives that directly affect all Hilton CSD student athletes. “Denise does everything with the best interest of the students of Hilton at heart and she does it with great pride and an outstanding perspective,” said Giruzzi.
Merton Williams Middle School Principal Marc D’Amico honored Richard Pedersen, father of Kirsten Meyers, science teacher, who lives in Santa Rosa, CA. Mr. Pedersen committed to eight separate zoom presentations, some of them starting at 5 a.m. due to the time zone difference. “He was engaging and really allowed our students to see how ecosystems and people have been affected by the extreme wildfires that have become more and more common around the world,” said D’Amico.
Melissa Perkowski, Northwood Elementary School interim assistant principal, named Candice Penna as a Friend of Education for using her photography skills to highlight Northwood students and events. “For years she has spent countless hours taking a variety of beautiful photographs in and around our school, making each student feel like a special part of our school community,” said Perkowski.
Parent Amanda Spriggs received the Friends of Education Award for Quest Elementary School for her tireless work co-leading the PTSO, and serving on committees for First Day Team, Graduation, PTSO Welcome Committee, and Staff Appreciation Day. “Amanda is organized, patient, positive, and intuitive,” said Principal Derek Warren. “She sees and understands how she can best support our building.”
Village Elementary School’s Friend of Education is Jessica Mott, a dedicated volunteer throughout the school for the past 10 years, especially in the library. “Regardless of the task at hand, Jessica’s sense of humor and kindness shine through it all, helping to make our library and school that much more of a welcoming place,” said Principal Ben Rudd.
Lastly, Superintendent Dr. Casey Kosiorek presented Jim Thompson with the districtwide Friend of Education Award. Thompson developed and implemented the Hilton CSD Video Coaching program over the past five years, leading hundreds of teachers to reflect on their teaching utilizing video. “Jim is a sought-after presenter, sharing his knowledge and wisdom with the next generation of educators and leaders,” said Kosiorek. “His humor and wit are unmatched.”
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