Making a Difference Award recipients honored for November 2025

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 Monday, Superintendent Dr. Larry Washington and members of the Washingtonville Board of Education delivered the Making a Difference Award to each November recipient. 

Kelly Boylan, Washingtonville Middle School

Mrs. Boylan’s tenure at WMS perfectly coincides with the exponential growth and diversification of our ENL student population. Ten years ago, the scope of her role was significantly different from the comprehensive challenge she embraces today. We now serve students representing ten different languages—including Greek, Spanish, Arabic, Georgian, Chinese, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese—many of whom arrive in our district with zero prior formal English instruction. For these families, Washingtonville is their first exposure to the language and culture of American schooling.

For her decade of steadfast commitment, her unwavering advocacy for students arriving from all corners of the world, and her extraordinary ability to manage and succeed in a rapidly evolving, high-needs program, Mrs. Kelly Boylan is profoundly deserving of this distinction.

Stephanie Varricchio, Washingtonville High School 

She always comes to school with a very bright smile and approach. She is very kind and sympathetic to us as art/clay students. She has made clay a very fun and safe environment.

Sophia Zupancic, Washingtonville High School

Sophia has become the heart of our varsity lacrosse program and a quiet leader within our school community. She leads by example every single day — showing up early, staying late, and giving her best effort not only for herself, but for everyone around her. She encourages younger players, celebrates her teammates’ successes, and never hesitates to lift someone up when they’re struggling. Sophia models respect, humility, and teamwork, both on and off the field. In the hallways, she’s the same person she is on the turf — kind, grounded, and inclusive to everyone she encounters.

Sophia deserves to be recognized because she embodies the very spirit of what “making a difference” means. She doesn’t seek attention or praise — she simply leads with love, integrity, and dedication. She has made our building a more connected, compassionate, and motivated place.