![Graphic for December 2025 Making a Difference Awards.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764598534/wsk12nyus/jsta802xdyraj3hwilgj/wvillemakingadifference1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764598534/wsk12nyus/jsta802xdyraj3hwilgj/wvillemakingadifference1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764598534/wsk12nyus/jsta802xdyraj3hwilgj/wvillemakingadifference1.png","width":800}])
The Making a Difference Award recognizes the many examples of individual teachers, aides, drivers, safety, and other District staff who are making a difference in the lives of our children throughout our buildings. On Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. Larry Washington and members of the Washingtonville Board of Education delivered the Making a Difference Award to each December recipient.
Paige Yezarski, Little Britain
I would like to nominate Ms. Yezarski second grade teacher for her dedication, patience, and inspiring teaching. She has made a positive impact on my child's learning and growth, and we are truly grateful for her support.
Kayla Gonzalez, Little Britain
First of all, Kayla is brand spanking new to LB and it feels like she's been here for 10 years. She acclimated so well into our family. I see her building relationships with the kids here, whether or not she actually counsels them. Kayla is always smiling. But mostly, and the reason for the nomination, is that Kayla consistently and constantly goes out of her way to make things easier for everyone around here, staff and students alike. Just recently, she was heading up a community project that in the past required commitment and effort from the entire front office. Today, she informed us that she took care of the project completely by herself and just took a load of time constraints off of all of us.
She has contributed to LB's environment creating a friendly, supportive atmosphere. She has already impacted the community outreach with various projects. Projects that might have been assignments before her, but have turned into blessings because of her.
Erin Milteer, Round Hill
Erin Milteer, Round Hill’s School Social Worker, makes a difference every single day at Round Hill!
Mrs. Milteer makes a difference counseling our students. She helps students in crisis whenever necessary. Erin also liaises with County agencies as needed.
Erin Milteer is Round Hill’s liaison for Food For Kids, which provides a bag of food for kids to bring home from school for the weekend or school breaks. At Round Hill, over 100 students participate! Over the years, countless parents and students have shared how the program provides a source of relief and eases stress levels at home- every little bit counts! Erin picks up the food bags weekly and has a small network of volunteers to distribute them to the students’ classrooms.
Erin quietly helps every student, every family and every staff member all year. But this time of year, she really kicks it up a notch! Erin organizes Thanksgiving Baskets and Gift Drives during the holidays. This is a huge undertaking and Erin compiles wish lists and invites staff members to help with purchasing gifts. Erin will even deliver food baskets and gifts to students’ homes when it turns out parents can’t make it to the school.
Round Hill is blessed to have Erin Milteer making a difference at our school!
Jerilyn Allen, Washingtonville Middle School
Jerilyn is more than a teaching assistant in our middle school, she is an invaluable team player. In her years working at WMS, she has taught across grade levels and in various settings as a teaching assistant, and is frequently called to substitute. Because of her work all over the building she has formed connections with countless students. She is knowledgeable about content and classroom routines, and she ensures learning continues smoothly even on days when routines are disrupted. She is a steady force here at WMS.
Jerilyn's impact is felt within the positive relationships with students and teachers across grade levels and settings. Whether she is supporting teachers, leading a small group, working 1:1 with a student, or stepping in to cover a class, she does it all with grace, patience, and care. She finds ways to connect the students to their learning in a variety of ways. For example, each September she brings in her collection of 9/11 newspapers and magazines to share with our class and has volunteered her time after school to help clubs with cooking activities. Her motherly approach helps students feel safe, supported, and understood. Students respond to her positivity and motivation, helping them stay engaged and focused.
Nina Giordani, Washingtonville High School
She has given people greater opportunities, both the students and staff alike. Has helped in the wizards for breast cancer club and has worked at Washingtonville for a while now and been well involved within the community.
She has pushed students to reach greater goals, she has brought greater awareness on breast cancer and has raised tons of money upon this awareness.
She has been out there for the Washingtonville community, being in from what I have heard multiple clubs and Teaching the students the necessities of having an proper mindset to understanding Finance. Plus a greater understanding of law if people want to go to the law sector. I believe she should be recognized for all of her achievements for the Washingtonville community before she goes, and I, on a personal note, believe she should get an award for everything she has done.
Rich Lepere, Washingtonville High School
Mr. Lepere stands out as a teacher who consistently goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and uplifting environment for both students and staff. Every day, his classroom is filled with music, setting a positive and energetic tone from 7am until the end of the day. This simple act of playing music not only brightens the mood but also creates a space where students and colleagues feel comfortable and motivated.
Mr. Lepere’s genuine care for his students is reflects on the type of person he is. It’s common to see students and staff walk past his door with smiles on their faces. He takes the time to get to know each student, making them feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through a friendly greeting, a listening ear, or words of encouragement, Mr. Lepere ensures everyone who enters his classroom feels supported or if you see him walking by in the halls.
Beyond his classroom, Mr. Lepere’s influence is felt throughout the building. He participates in school events, supports his colleagues, and is always willing to lend a hand or a kind word. His dedication to building relationships and fostering a sense of community has made a meaningful and lasting impact on WHS. Through his actions, Mr. Lepere has created an environment where positivity, respect, and connection thrive, making a real difference in the lives of everyone in the building.
