Broadalbin-Perth Central School District recently honored its dedicated employees during the annual staff recognition program, a celebration highlighting the commitment, service, and impact of faculty and staff across the district.

The event brought together employees to recognize Outstanding Patriots, tenure recipients, retirees, and employees marking significant service milestones ranging from five to 30 years. The celebration reflected the district’s deep appreciation for the individuals whose daily work supports students and strengthens the school community.

Among those honored were recipients of Outstanding Patriot Awards, recognizing employees who exemplify excellence, leadership, and dedication in their roles. These individuals were celebrated for going above and beyond in support of students, colleagues, and the district’s mission.

This year’s Outstanding Patriot Community Member Award was presented to Roxanne “Roxy” Aery, a retired Broadalbin-Perth teacher whose nearly decade-long volunteer commitment to the elementary drama program has left a lasting impact on students. Through countless hours spent designing, sewing, and organizing costumes, Aery has helped bring student productions to life while fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork. According to her nomination, her dedication, kindness, and commitment to students have made her a beloved mentor and role model throughout the school community.

The Outstanding Patriot Teacher Award was presented to Tammy Staie, the PK-2 media center and Project Lead the Way teacher at Broadalbin-Perth Elementary School. Staie was recognized for creating an engaging learning environment that inspires literacy, creativity, and curiosity among students. Beyond the classroom, she serves as a leader and mentor while supporting numerous school initiatives, including literacy programs, author visits, student clubs, drama productions, and PTO events. Her nomination highlighted her commitment to students and colleagues, saying that it exemplifies the very best of Broadalbin-Perth.

Heather Zugzda received the Outstanding Patriot Instructional Support Award for her exceptional service as a kindergarten instructional support professional at Broadalbin-Perth Elementary School. Known for her positivity, compassion, and dedication, Zugzda consistently goes above and beyond to support students, staff, and school activities. Her nominators wrote that her ability to build meaningful relationships and ensure every child feels welcomed, valued, and supported has made a lasting difference within the school community.

The Outstanding Patriot Non-Instructional Staff Award was presented to Shelby Edwards, lead custodian at the Broadalbin campus. Edwards was recognized for her professionalism, reliability, and unwavering commitment to supporting students and staff. Whether assisting with daily operations, school events, or unexpected needs, she is known for her flexibility, teamwork, and positive attitude. Her nomination said that her willingness to lend a hand wherever needed has made her an invaluable member of the Broadalbin-Perth team.

The program also recognized staff members achieving tenure, marking an important professional milestone that reflects sustained commitment and excellence in education.

In addition, Broadalbin-Perth honored employees reaching milestone years of service, including five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years with the district. Each milestone represents years of dedication, growth, and lasting contributions to the school community.

The celebration also included recognition of retirees, honoring their years of service and the lasting impact they leave behind on students, colleagues, and the district as a whole.

Board of Education Awards

20 Years of Service

• Adam Barnhart
• Robert Boswell
• Vincent Calderone
• Valerie Esler-Hamel
• Julee Hart
• Anthony Mucilli
• Jennifer Platt

25 Years of Service

• Kerri Barker
• Carolyn Galati
• Thaddeus Izzo
• Deangela Kwiatkowski
• Daniel Simonds

30 Years of Service

• Christopher Goldy
• Jeffrey Jennings
• Toni Scott

Retirees

• Linda Biggers — 11 years
• Terry Buyce — 21 years
• Penny Dumphier — 35 years
• Melanie Hampton — 34 years
• Debra Korona — 33 years
• Dianne Magliocca — 19 years
• Pamala Passino — 22 years
• Ginger Smith — 23 years
• Michelle Young-Hutchinson — 5 years

Tenure Awards

• Corbin Burroughs
• Jennifer Castello
• Shelby Daino
• J. Anthony DiMezza
• Erin Drobnack
• Sarah Gabriel
• Morgan Kelly
• Jessica Mitchell
• Emily Orminski
• Kimberly Pace
• Shawna Pavlovsky
• Melissa Perry
• Melissa Roser
• Chelsea Ruzycky
• Hannah Spraker
• Stephen Spraker
• Wendy Stokna
• Julia Sweeney
• Molly White
• Michelle Young-Hutchinson
• Alianna Zevola

Service Milestones

15 Years of Service

• April Holland
• Jennifer Szumowski

10 Years of Service

• Lyndsie Adams
• Kameryn Curtis
• Gail DeCicco
• Kelly Hackert
• Lori Nellis
• Heather Smith
• Jolene Thompson
• Richard Wallace

5 Years of Service

• Nicole Battisti
• Shelby Daino
• Janel Dievendorf
• Kevin Dominique
• Sierra Folts
• Emily Marotta
• Lawrence Muskatt
• Madeline Older
• Shawna Pavlovsky
• Charles Rauch
• Misti Russell
• Ann Simeone
• Rachel Simkins
• Ryan Sinness
• Amy Spooner
• Stephen Spraker