March 2025 Making a Difference Award recipients honored

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. This week, Superintendent Dr. Larry Washington, along with Board of Education President Sharon Williams and Vice President Robin White, delivered the Making a Difference Award to each March recipient. 

Lauren Michaels, Washingtonville Middle School 

Lauren has made a tremendous impact in the building through her dedication, kindness, and unwavering support for both students and colleagues. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued, taking the time to provide individualized attention and encouragement to help them succeed. Her positive energy is contagious, she greets everyone with a warm smile and makes an effort to check in on both students and staff, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. Not only does Lauren take the time to assist students academically, but she also supports their emotional well being, always making sure they feel heard and cared for. Her colleagues deeply appreciate her willingness to lend a hand, whether it's sharing resources, stepping in to help with a difficult task, or simply offering words of encouragement. Her bubbly personality and genuine concern for others create a sense of community within the building, making it a better place for everyone. Lauren's dedication and kindness truly set her apart, making a lasting difference in the lives of those around her. 

Patricia Howard, Washingtonville Middle School

Mrs. Howard serves us lunch every day with a smile on her face and she’s always happy. She spreads joy to the students. She should be recognized because she’s always positive and nice to us when we come to her lunch line.  She’s always in a great mood and has a smile on her face.  

Laura Giorgio, Washingtonville Middle School

She makes the band room in the middle school a fun and exciting place. Everyone loves her. The community enjoys the performances she conducts for the concert band and the wind ensemble. Many of her kids have continued to perform at the high school and even throughout college because of her. She also broke a record last year for having the most kids from a single school in jr. OCMEA.

Kim Martorano, Little Britain Elementary

Throughout her 21-year career, Mrs. Martorano has consistently put the people around her before herself. She has volunteered to cover for her colleagues and goes above and beyond for her students. She has spent her own money to provide snacks for children, given her time outside of working hours to prepare learning materials for her students, and takes a genuine interest in helping her coworkers in their personal lives. Throughout our building, everyone knows that Mrs. Martorano is a person you can turn to when life knocks you down. She is invested in the lives of all of us at Little Britain, big and small. 

Julie Boylan, Little Britain Elementary

Ms. Boylan has worked very hard this year with her Odyssey of the Mind team. She put in very long hours leading up to the competition. The students' performance was amazing, in no doubt due to her hard efforts in coaching. Ms. Boylan deserves to be recognized because not many people understand how much hard work goes into coaching an Odyssey of the Mind team.  Months of planning, organizing the kids, scouting different locations for props and asking for donations add to countless hours spent in the name of Odyssey of the Mind.