January Making a Difference Awards Recipients Honored

The Making a Difference Awards recognize the many examples of individual teachers, aides, drivers, safety, and other District staff that are making a difference in the lives of our children throughout our buildings. On February 1st, 2024, Superintendent Dr. Larry Washington, Board of Education President Sharon Williams, Vice President Robin White, and Trustee Kristie Johnson delivered the Making a Difference Awards to each of the January recipients. 

Maria DeSantola, Monitor at LB
Mrs. DeSantola is a true asset in our school community. Her top priority is ensuring everyone feels welcome and content. Whether it's offering a warm beverage to guests or comforting a distressed child, she's always there, ready to make things better. Her care extends beyond just hospitality—she knows almost every child in the building and offers them support when they're upset. As a team
player, she goes above and beyond for the school and its community.

Jessica Leiva, Monitor at LB
LB -and our district- is a better place with Jessica around because of her eyes and ears, her Spanish language abilities, her professionalism, her task flexibility and completion, and her dynamic personality. Every single day Jess arrives at work joyful and ready to take on whatever is needed of her without complaint, despite daily difficulties she may be facing in her own life. Her joy has
spread throughout Little Britain since the day she set foot in our building, and her resourcefulness remains unmatched.

Donna Lynch, Monitor at Taft
Donna is always super friendly, always has a smile on her face and makes everyone entering feel welcome! She instills a great vibe for all students and visitors who enter the building. First impression is everything and she is great and appreciated for her extra efforts!

Jim Frisbie, Teacher/Coach at WHS
He is a HS teacher, Varsity Head Coach, Swim Club Coach, father, husband as well as taking in the role of “social worker/therapist” for all students and athletes! He ALWAYS has time for his students and athletes. In class, he ensures the students are in the mindset “ready to learn.” On the pool deck, he ensures and encourages his athletes to be the best team member they can be. He is a motivator. When appropriate, he uses humor to help the athletes overcome their mistakes and teaches them that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and change their behavior for the better. He promotes positivity, good sportsmanship and respect for all.

Robyn Luedke, TA at WHS
She is a TA that goes above and beyond to help my visually impaired student in my English Enriched class. She is cooperative to work with in class.The student is able to keep up with the faster pace environment of an Enriched class
because she is guiding him if he needs extra assistance. She offers support on the spot if needs it and is very organized.

Amy McNally, Teacher/Class Advisor at WHS
Although Amy is a phenomenal global history teacher, she has proven to provide the student body with so much more. As advisor to multiple clubs, she ensures that the students are able to create lasting memories with their fellow students and make their time as a wizard something special.

John Kosowicz, TA/Athletic Trainer WHS
We feel that Trainer John needs to be recognized because he is an integral part to every single sport in the Washingtonville community. TJ is definitely an integral part of the Wizard Track & Field because he is one pillar that keeps our team up and running every single day.