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District honors retiring staff; Carolyn Pinero named Cornwall Educator of the Year
Summary
At its June celebration meeting the Cornwall Central School District honored multiple retiring employees for decades of service — including longtime coaches and custodial staff — and the Cornwall Central Teachers Association named Carolyn Pinero its 2026 Educator of the Year.
The Cornwall Central School District recognized long-serving employees and presented its 2026 Educator of the Year award during its June celebration meeting.
Superintendent Mrs. Arjenio opened the recognitions by thanking staff who organized the slideshow and reception and by framing retirements as a celebration of long service. "The Cornwall Central School District's legacy could not be measured simply in years, but in the thousands of lives that you have uniquely shaped," she said in remarks introducing the honorees.
Speakers highlighted several long careers: Mike Cromer, a district educator for roughly 29 years and former athletic director, was praised for starting the district’s first website and for decades of coaching and event leadership. Coach Dave Foyer was recognized for a 42‑year career (38 years in the district) with 88 Section 9 championships and 26 state championships cited during the presentation and for producing national cross‑country champions. Custodian Fred Cassiano was thanked for about 25 years of service; colleagues noted his steady work through storms, facilities projects and daily school operations. Other retirees recognized included Jen Vanderberg and Donna Zippo for multi‑decade classroom and support roles.
The Cornwall Central Teachers Association presented Carolyn Pinero, a school social worker at Cornwall Hudson Elementary School, as the 2026 Educator of the Year for her school‑level leadership and community service, including organizing annual toy and clothing drives. John Hines introduced the award on behalf of the teachers association and described Pinero as the "emotional heart of the school." Pinero was listed as the first name on a new plaque recognizing the honor.
Board members and administrators expressed gratitude to retirees and noted the continuing work of the district as it moves into summer and next school year activities.
The meeting proceeded after the recognitions to routine business, including tenure and consent agenda votes.
