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FRONT LEFT TO RIGHT: Heidi Wheeler, Mackenzie Affronti, Samantha Gagliano, Joann Harwood, Rose Zinkowski, Carol Shufelt, Julie Merrick

BACK LEFT TO RIGHT: John Colella, Tim Pieters, Bill Bendschneider, Amber Jenkins

SEP.4, 2025— Before the first bell rang for the 2025-2026 school year, the Pal-Mac School District honored some of the team members who help make it all possible. 

Several faculty and staff members were recognized for their efforts during the annual Opening Day ceremonies on Tuesday. The day brings the entire Pal-Mac team together under one roof for the first time ahead of the new school year.

Awards included Staff Member of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and Special Recognitions. Team members were also honored for their years of service.

The day also featured an opening address from Board of Education President Laura Arrington, and Superintendent Dr.Bob Ike, as well as a special musical performance from the Rockin’ Red Raiders student band.

This year's theme included tiny electric lanterns, which signified how our core values light and guide our away forward.

We thank our entire Pal-Mac team for their ongoing efforts to help our students learn, grow, and contribute.

Check out the list below for the full rundown of awards and honors.

A photo gallery from the event can be found by clicking here!
 

2025 Staff Member of the Year 

Primary School: Evann Clark (Facilities)

Evann has quickly become a valued member of the Pal-Mac school community, bringing positive energy, enthusiasm, and genuine care to every interaction. His ability to connect with both students and staff makes him a trusted and uplifting presence in the school.

Known for his kindness and school spirit, Evann greets everyone with a smile and a big high-five, always ready to help and go above and beyond. His dedication and joyful attitude contribute greatly to the school environment, making him an indispensable part of the Pal-Mac community.

Intermediate School: Joann Harwood (Food Services)

Joann has dedicated nearly 19 years to serving in the intermediate school kitchen, where her kindness, teamwork, and cheerful spirit have touched both students and colleagues. 

Always ready to work with a smile, she goes above and beyond to support others and bring joy to those around her. With her caring nature, helpful attitude, and unwavering positivity. Joann truly embodies the spirit of dedication and friendship, making her a beloved and invaluable part of the PMI community.

Middle School: Nicole Suwyn (Facilities) 

Nicole is a hard-working and dedicated member of our team who approaches every task with enthusiasm and a readiness to learn new things. Her positive attitude and willingness to take on challenges make her a reliable and valued contributor in any situation.

Always available to support others, Nikki brings a smile to every interaction and embodies the spirit of a true team player. Her combination of dedication, adaptability, and cheerfulness creates a welcoming and productive environment for everyone around them.

High School: Mackenzie Affronti (Instructional Technology)

Mackenzie has quickly become an invaluable part of the Instructional Technology Department, bringing energy, dedication, and a genuine spirit of support. With her background as a building secretary, she understands the needs of staff and uses that insight to make a real difference.

From leading the transition to a cloud-based fax system to managing software orders and supporting key applications like ParentSquare, SchoolTool, and Google tools, Mackenzie's impact has been immediate and wide-reaching. Her positivity, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond shine through in everything she does, making her a true asset to our schools and community.

Transportation Department: Julie Merrick

Julie is truly an incredible force in our Transportation Department. Day in and day out, she tackles the many challenges that arise, always managing them with remarkable grace and genuine kindness. Her calm demeanor and problem-solving skills ensure that everyone has the information they need for safe and smooth bus runs.

Her commitment and dedication helps to ensure that our District's Transportation Department operates seamlessly, contributing directly to the positive experience of every student.

We are deeply grateful for her unwavering support and everything she does!

Robert G. Boehmler Community Partners for Education Award

Presented to Director of School Safety John Colella

The Boehmler Community Partners for Education Award is given to people or organizations who have worked in partnership with the school district on one or more projects over a period of time to assist the school district in furthering the education of its students.

John Colella has been an invaluable partner to Pal-Mac, consistently demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety and the well-being of our students. His proactive approach and tireless efforts have been instrumental in fostering a secure learning environment across all our schools.

John has worked hand-in-hand with the District on numerous projects, always going above and beyond to ensure our safety protocols are not just compliant, but exemplary. His dedication and understanding of our needs have made him an indispensable part of our team, ensuring our students can learn and grow in the safest environment possible.

 

Special Recognition Award

Presented to Carol Shufelt and District Clerk Amber Jenkins 

The Board of Education has presented the Special Recognition Awards to individuals who have given outstanding service to the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District.

Carol Shufelt

Carol is more than just a tutor; she is a dedicated mentor who has shown an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students. Her patience, kindness, and deep passion for education has made a difference in helping students overcome challenges and gain confidence in their abilities.

Carol has worked tirelessly with our students, providing the support they need to continue to learn and grow. 

Her ability to connect with each student and her dedication to their individual needs make her an essential partner.

 

Amber Jenkins

As Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Amber is the organizational backbone of our District Office and one of the most dedicated and indispensable members of the Pal-Mac community. She not only manages the Superintendent's schedule and coordinates District-wide events but also provides steady, thoughtful support to the Board of Education. Her ability to balance these responsibilities with grace, precision, and a solutions-focused mindset is truly remarkable.

Her impact extends far beyond the office, including the organization of homecoming, graduation, and professional learning opportunities. Amber plays a vital role in making these moments both successful and meaningful. These efforts require extraordinary coordination and foresight, qualities she demonstrates effortlessly. Because of her dedication, students, staff, and families alike benefit from experiences that bring the community together in lasting ways.

Amber's passion for Pal-Mac shines through in everything she does. Whether handling logistics. troubleshooting last-minute challenges, or simply offering a warm smile and encouraging word, she consistently puts the District's needs first. Her work ethic, positivity, and professionalism set a high standard and embody the values we strive to model across our schools. 

She is a true pillar of our District, leading with heart and keeping our system running with integrity and purpose.

Teacher of the Year

Award winners were selected from nominations that were received from the award winner's colleagues. These educators are individuals that go above and beyond and have positively impacted the life of a child.

Primary School: Heidi Wheeler

Heidi is a wonderful teacher in the Eagles classroom, known for creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel cared for and excited to learn. She brings learning to life in fun, engaging ways and shows endless compassion for her students.

Always willing to help colleagues and support the care team, Heidi goes above and beyond for both her class and the entire school community.

Her dedication and kindness make her a true gift to students, families, and staff alike.

 

Intermediate School: Samantha Gagliano

Sam Gagliano is an extraordinary teacher whose kindness, compassion, and dedication shine through in everything she does. She truly loves her students as if they were her own and works tirelessly to ensure they feel supported, valued, and successful. With a joyful spirit and a helping hand always ready, Sam creates a classroom environment where learning is engaging, inclusive, and full of care.

Her students thrive because she goes above and beyond to meet their needs, making sure every voice is heard and every child feels a genuine sense of belonging

Beyond her classroom, Sam's influence extends throughout the entire school community. She is a passionate advocate for inclusion and equity, educating both staff and students about the importance of acceptance and understanding. 

Through her leadership, she models empathy, honesty, and inclusive practices that inspire others to grow and embrace differences. Sam's commitment, compassion, and vision truly embody what it means to be an educator, making her a deeply deserving nominee for Teacher of the Year.

Middle School: Rose Zinkowski

Rose is an extraordinary member of the middle school community whose dedication, warmth, and flexibility make her indispensable. This year, she took on the full counseling caseload for the entire middle school for much of the year, seamlessly supporting students, staff, and faculty while maintaining a positive, can-do attitude. 

Her ability to balance a demanding schedule with compassion and professionalism ensures that every student feels seen, heard, and supported

Beyond her counseling responsibilities, Rose contributes to countless activities and steps in wherever needed.

She is the heart of the middle school, going above and beyond every day to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and thriving school environment. Rose's unwavering commitment and extraordinary impact make her more than deserving of this recognition.

High School: Bill Bendschneider

Bill is an exceptional teacher who connects with his students in meaningful and thoughtful ways.

He understands how to communicate with each student, recognizing their emotions and responding with care and empathy. Whether a student is feeling sad, frustrated, or upset, he knows exactly what to say to help them feel supported and understood.

Beyond academics, he fosters a safe and welcoming environment where students feel valued and heard.

His ability to combine guidance with compassion not only strengthens his relationships with students but also helps them navigate challenges with confidence. His warmth, attentiveness, and dedication make him a truly remarkable educator and a trusted presence in the lives of his students.

Years of Service

15 YEARS 

Morgan Hoven

Kris Murphy

Ed O Brien

Darci Perrotta 

Carrie Titlow 

 

20 YEARS

EJ Burse

Brooke Castrechini 

Emily Dolce 

Lisa Frisiras 

Dan Harris

Kim Kather 

Katie Luke

Heather Robbins

Matt Robbins

Jessica Wahl

 

25 YEARS 

Christy Alexander

Linda Bond-Knapp 

Sally Breen

Karen Camp

Beth Carey

Mike Cass

Cherie Dragomani

Margaret Fogarty 

Nancy Kepler

Jerry Scoppa 

Pat Smyth

Stephanie Swanger

 

30 YEARS 

Jen Alessio-Stanton

Kim Johnson

Audrey Loughlin 

Chris Mahnke 

Marcy Tilson

Kristen Wright-Bigler

 

45 YEARS

Tim Pieters