B-P celebrates staff excellence, service milestones, and retirements at annual recognition program

The Broadalbin-Perth Central School District honored employees from across the district during its annual staff recognition program on Wednesday, June 25, celebrating outstanding contributions, career milestones, and retirements.

During the event, Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson recognized staff members who achieved 20, 25, and 30 years of service, those who received tenure, and three individuals who were named Outstanding Patriots of the Year for their extraordinary impact on the school community.

In a message inspired by the Scorpions song “Wind of Change,” Tomlinson chronicled the evolution and growth that happened at Broadalbin-Perth over the past school year, and previewed more changes to come. He also praised the district’s faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, and urged them to rest and recharge over the summer break.

“Our educators are raising the bar – for themselves and for each other,” Tomlinson said. “This summer, I hope you sleep in. I hope you rest. I hope you take the long way to the lake with some Journey or Bon Jovi playing in the background. Because we’ll be back before we know it, and the winds of change will pick up again. But when they do, we’ll be ready. Because we don’t just ride the wind; we chart the course.”

Outstanding Patriot Awards

This year’s Outstanding Patriot of the Year awards were presented to English as a New Language teacher Courtney Buchanan, bus driver and trap shooting coach Frank Spooner, and Just Run volunteer coach Ed Bown.

Buchanan, who works with ENL students across all grade levels and serves as the district’s 504 coordinator, was praised by colleagues, students, and parents alike for her deep commitment to student advocacy and success. She recently stepped away from a highly decorated coaching career with B-P’s cheerleading program, where she led teams to multiple sectional titles and state-level achievements. In their nominations, current and former student-athletes and parents described her as a life-changing mentor, tireless leader, and the heart of the cheer program. “She has left a lasting impression in their lives,” one parent wrote. “She is an asset to Broadalbin-Perth.”

Spooner, a longtime bus driver, is known throughout the district for his boundless energy, humble leadership, and positive impact on students. In addition to his work in the transportation department, Spooner helped launch the B-P trap shooting team this year. Nominators said he uses every interaction — whether on a bus or at the range — to teach students accountability, respect, and self-confidence. “If you hop on ‘the Frank bus,’” one person wrote, “you’ll be in for an incredible ride with a very special man who can’t wait to celebrate success with these kids.”

Bown was recognized for his more than 15 years of volunteer service with the district’s Just Run Club. What began as a way to support his granddaughter grew into a deep and lasting commitment to students throughout the B-P Elementary School community. A lifelong runner and multiple-time marathoner, Bown has helped measure tracks, coach reluctant runners, and mentor hundreds of children with quiet encouragement and steadfast support. One nominator wrote, “His impact is felt not only in the miles run, but in the confidence, joy, and resilience he helps cultivate in every student he supports.”

Tenure Recipients

Four educators were granted tenure:

• Jenna Orapello, secondary math/computer science teacher
• Carrie Arcuri, elementary teacher
• Sierra Folts, elementary teacher
• Madeline Older, secondary English Language Arts teacher

Service Milestone Awards

Staff were also recognized for reaching major service milestones:

20 Years of Service

• Therese Buyce, payroll clerk
• Kristin Forest, elementary science teacher
• Robert Klug, secondary PE teacher
• Michael Nacheman, elementary science teacher
• Tammy Staie, elementary library and PLTW teacher
• Beverly Williams, bus driver

25 Years of Service

• Lynn Bond, business teacher and district data coordinator
• Shawn Cotter, secondary PE teacher
• Kelly Dietz, secondary science teacher
• Brian Henry, secondary science teacher
• Michele Nasner, secondary PE teacher
• Jennie Rogers, elementary teacher
• Lori Sanders, special education teacher
• Kristie Schwartz, elementary teacher

30 Years of Service

• Susan Arehart, elementary teacher
• Suzanne Petoff, custodial worker

Retirees

The district also bid farewell to nine retirees, who together have contributed more than 185 years of combined service to Broadalbin-Perth students:

• Cindy Chace, 35 years – teaching assistant
• Suzanne Edwards, 24 years – custodial worker
• Kim Boswell, 24 years – administrative assistant
• Teresa Sobkowicz, 21 years – teaching assistant
• Hope DeZolt, 20 years – pre-K teacher
• Marco Zumbolo, 18 years – assistant superintendent for business and operations
• Michael Carney, 14 years – director of operations and safety
• Phillip Peugh, 9 years – bus driver
• Raymond Yorks, 8 years – bus mechanic

“We’ll miss you more than you know,” Tomlinson told the retiring staff members. “You’ve given decades of wisdom, love, and leadership to this district, and your legacy is written in every student you’ve helped shape.”

The annual staff recognition program serves as a capstone to the school year, celebrating the dedication, service, and excellence that define the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District.

This article was created with some help from AI, but edited, reviewed and fact-checked by a real person.