It was a meaningful but bittersweet commendation ceremony at the Elwood School District’s June 12 Board of Education meeting, recognizing students, staff, administrators and Board members for their accomplishments and saying goodbye to longtime fixtures in the district’s schools.
First to be honored was senior Caroline Weiss, the outgoing student liaison to the Board, who gave her final report to the community.
“Caroline has dedicated her time at John Glenn to meaningful service, representing her peers on the student council; participating in athletics, music and various clubs; and devoting countless hours to organizing school events and advocating for student-led initiatives,” Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Principal Corey McNamara said. “She has been an invaluable member of our Shared Decision Making Committee and has served with poise as the student liaison this past year. She truly embodies the values we hold dear at John Glenn High School. She is kindhearted, noble, inclusive, genuine, hardworking, trustworthy, supportive and a role model for her fellow Knights. She consistently demonstrates maturity, foresight and a level of character well beyond her years. Caroline, I will always remember your efforts and advocacy for for your peers. On behalf of the John Glenn faculty, staff, students and the entire Elwood community, I thank you for your time, dedication and service annd wish you all the best in the future.”
“Not only did you represent in high school, you represented every school, and you were able to share all the happenings with us in such an articulate way.” Board of Education President James Tomeo told Weiss. “You really represent the true meaning of what a student liaison is. You fulfilled the role and you did it graciously.”
Board member Dr. Sara Siddiqui was then recognized for earning a Level 3 Board Mastery Award from the New York State School Boards Association’s Board Excellence Recognition Program, which acknowledges school board members who strive to continually expand their governance, knowledge and skills. NYSSBA members receive points ranging from Level 1 to Level 4 for attending trainings, workshops, events and activities as well as taking on specific roles of advocacy.
“Dr. Siddiqui, we appreciate your service as a board member and your dedication to the entire Elwood community,” Superintendent Dr. Gayle Steele said.
At this point, the Board honored newly tenured faculty and staff, retirees and 25-year employees.
Recommended for tenure were Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Principal Corey McNamara (who also announced his departure from the district); Elwood Middle School Assistant Principal Julie Bilello; teachers Lauren Baker, Catherine Carbone, Matthew Carrino, William Cordts, Amanda Culbertson, Meagan Dolan, Loren Levine, Joanna Maricondo, Jesse Marroquin, Domenica Piccoli, Amelia Profaci and Jon Rowland; and teacher assistants Delia Donohue and Susan Triolo.
Retirees honored were Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Sonia Hood; Director of Athletics and Physical Education Dave Shanahan; Harley Avenue Primary School Principal Dr. Denise Toscano; staff members Virginia Rouse, Karen Wenda and Jason Winters, and teachers Nicole Biscari, Solomon Buchman, Christopher Lafferty, John Ledda, Karen Maggio, Lisa Magrino, Denise Michelle Ottley, Linda Scotto, Christina Tellekamp and Beth Theodorellis.
Recognized for 25 years of dedicated service were Joseph Lynch-Loscalzo, Lisa Magrino, Scott Mikelbank, Linda Scotto, Keriann Thomas and Regina White.
“We have some faculty members here that were the epitome of what Elwood stands for,” Tomeo said. “They cultivated the level of excellence that Elwood is known for. They set the bar high. There’s over 500 years of collective service and education that has been brought to our community. So, I thank our retirees for all the years that they have given to the Elwood community. For those who are starting on that journey or continuing their journey, remember that this is a very special place. Once a Knight, always a Knight.”
Date Added: 6/23/2025