Penfield School District honors staff with tenure and service awards

The Penfield School District held its 2025 Student Art Showcase and Staff Recognition Ceremony on June 13, 2025, to honor the dedication and achievements of its faculty and staff. The event celebrated individuals earning tenure, reaching significant service milestones, and those retiring from the district.

The ceremony began with acknowledgments from the event organizer, who expressed gratitude to key contributors, including Leanna Watt for the use of the high school auditorium and the human resources team for their extensive planning efforts. The organizer also thanked the Penfield Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Potter for their ongoing support.

The main focus of the evening was the recognition of staff members. Awards were presented for various service milestones, including tenure and years of service. For example, staff members with 15 years of service received a Penfield tote bag, while those with 20 years received a soup mug. Other awards included an umbrella for 25 years, a blanket for 30 years, a travel cooler for 35 years, and a vase for 40 years of service.

The ceremony featured multiple schools, starting with Cobbles Elementary School, where Abigail Wilson and Carrie Flannery were recognized for their tenure. Several staff members were acknowledged for their years of service, including Jackie Kozel for 15 years and Robert Gradle for 25 years. Four retirees from Cobbles Elementary were also honored, including Patty Bassett and Mary Steinbuegler.

Following Cobbles, Harris Hill Elementary School was recognized, with tenure awards presented to Yvonne Graham, Nancy Grossman, and Kim Mendelson. The school also celebrated staff members reaching 20 and 25 years of service, including Molly Fuller and Jennifer Leakey.

The final recognition segment focused on Indian Landing Elementary School, where tenure awards were given to Amber Diaz, Jillian Hack, and several others.

The event concluded with a call for photos to commemorate the achievements of the honored staff members, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the Penfield School District and its students. The ceremony not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also reinforced the district's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in education.