Mission Possible Award

2024-25

Joanna Butterfield

Joanna has contributed a great deal to the Shenendehowa community. She is a dedicated teacher who has excelled in the classroom. Further, she has committed to serving our students in many other settings outside her typical roles as an Art teacher. Joanna has led the Shenendehowa Dance Team, which entails an enormous commitment of time and energy. She also works hard to link her students and classes to the greater community offering them real-life experiences and fostering valuable connections to the local leaders and businesses. Her work has positively impacted many, both inside and outside our high school

Andrea Gallo

Andrea has been a vital contributor to the greater Shenendehowa community in many ways. She has actively served on several building and district committees including her valuable contributions to the High School Partnership Team. She has also contributed countless hours and served as President of the Shenendehowa Football Booster Club, working to provide the best possible support to a program that touches so many. Her time, efforts, ideas, and commitment to excellence have been a benefit to a continually growing number of Shenendehowa students and staff

2023-24

Matthew Jason

Mr. Jason is being recognized for going above and beyond to be involved with the greater school community, and to support endeavors that improve the student experience. Assisting with an Elevating Student Voices project through Cap Region BOCES, leading Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, actively participating in our IST Committee to advocate for students, and attending voluntary PD to improve his own skill sets are just a few of the ways that he has quickly become a valued member of the high school faculty and a student favorite. We thank him for his dedication, time, and talents 

Anthony Kaloudis, Courtney Miller, Natasha Larramendy, and Sophia Eckardt 

The High School Partnership Team, the Shenendehowa High School Administrative Team, and the Shenendehowa Athletics Department recognize (name) for outstanding citizenship, empathy, and caring assistance for a community member in need. While others may have failed to intervene, the unsolicited response and quick actions demonstrated by (name) may very well have saved the life of a gentleman in medical distress. The bravery and commitment to helping others without being asked are wonderful examples of the values and principles that our district strives to instill in the students we serve. We extend a heartfelt thank you, both on behalf of the district, and the gentlemen who personally asked us to express his sincere gratitude.  

Casey Caradori 

Casey has taken on teaching both ENL and Aspire English classes in the 9th grade.  She has spearheaded the planning of a year long SEL focused set of activities to build the skills and confidence of the students in our Aspire program.  That structure has allowed us to be consistent and unified in our approach to building a class community.  Casey is also always looking for new ways to infuse creativity and increased engagement into her lessons.  She redesigned an entire unit about research skills to a cross-curricular unit combining research and civic participation skills.  She is patient and kind with the students, as well as professional and positive with her peers.  She truly brightens the building here at West and has had an incredibly positive impact on her students.

Andrea Zahnleuter 

Mrs. Zahnleuter has an incredible drive to assist all the students she works with. She frequently goes above and beyond the expectations of her role, and offers her own time and efforts to help students in need and support them in non-traditional ways. She builds relationships with the students and family she serves, and has made notable efforts to offer unique incentives and create joy for learners at Shenendehowa. Her compassion, generosity, and caring approach does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do 

Robin McKenna 

Robin goes out of her way to assist students in any way she can. She is incredibly generous with her time and energy, and works regularly to assist both her students and others with advice, support, a listening ear, food, or anything else they might be in need of. She has built wonderful relationships with many students, especially those who face many challenges. These students often turn to her, and she gladly assists them both inside and out of the art classroom. She has volunteered to help students in many unique ways including serving as a mentor and helping with projects of the High School Partnership Team. Robin gives 100% of herself here at school to support students. 

2022-23

Steve Davidson

For his continued work to make the HSE library a location that balances student and staff academic needs with the desire for a common inviting space for social interactions between both students and adults. For his outstanding collaboration with other library staff members, and regular and effective communication with administration. Finally, for his assistance with so many school activities outside the library such as yearbook club, classroom technology, and A/V assistance to many in need throughout the building.

Scott Carpenter

Michael Grigas

Eric Muller

The High School Partnership Team recognizes our SRO's for their outstanding work as school resource officers this school year. They have gone above and beyond to foster a focus on safety, create meaningful connections with students, contribute to the school environment, and assist so many stakeholders of the Shenendehowa district. We appreciate their contributions, and steadfast dedication to the students we serve.  

Olivia Brown

The High School Partnership Team recognizes Special Education Teacher Aide Olivia Brown for her outstanding dedication to the students she serves. Olivia works with our FSD program, and like so many of her colleagues in the program, regularly goes above and beyond her typical duties to ensure that the needs of her students are met, and their experience is a positive one on a daily basis. She often thinks outside of the box, and uses creative solutions to problem solve issues that arise, and maintains a positive attitude even during challenging circumstances. We appreciate her dedication to the students we serve. 

2021-22

Celia Dineen

For her continued work supporting our ASPIRE students, especially our seniors. Celia goes above and beyond to assist these students as well as the ASPIRE faculty and staff. She has helped many students and their families plan their work and college futures, and her impact has directly led to many of them leaving the halls of Shenendehowa in a better position for a successful future. 

Sherry Mitola

For going above and beyond to assist several students in unique ways not ordinarily part of her job duties. She has taken the time to personally assist several students with particular needs. These kind acts include, but are not limited to, tutoring one student to acquire new skills, and connecting another student with memories and contacts related to his late father. Her kindness and the relationships she fostered have helped brighten the lives of many students. 

Robert "Bob" Keyser

For his work and dedication with all his students, especially in the Aspire program. Bob puts in extraordinary effort to make sure that his students develop a strong foundation with a good work ethic and mindset of self confidence. He goes above and beyond to ensure that his students each have a feasible option to pursue after graduation. His work has touched the life of many students this and every year. 

Bradley Gregg

For his work and dedication to the music program and all of his students. Mr. Gregg has worked tirelessly to ensure that all of his students had a chance to continue their passions even during the pandemic with his work on virtual concerts, and a drive in musical. His leadership this year led to a fabulous return to in person performances with a spectacular production of Mama Mia. He has been a tremendous addition to our music department and has become a mentor to many students. 

2020-21

High School East Monitors

The High School East  monitor staff has done a tremendous job helping students and staff navigate the new realities of teaching and learning during the current COVID 19 pandemic. From assisting with events both at school and remotely during the closure period in the Spring of 2020, to completely reinventing their job duties during the current hybrid teaching model, they have been an example of dedication and persistence. Monitors have worked to learn new skills and technology, have taken on new challenging tasks, have shown constant compassion and caring for struggling students, and have continually adapted to constantly changing assignments and varying student needs. This has all resulted in a greater personal connection with students and a pride in professionalism that is a benefit to the building as a whole.   

High School West Monitors and Class Assistant Principal's secretary Sharon Lewis

The High School West monitor staff has done a tremendous job helping students and staff navigate the new realities of teaching and learning during the current COVID 19 pandemic. From assisting with events both at school and remotely during the closure period in the Spring of 2020, to completely reinventing their job duties during the current hybrid teaching model, they have been an example of dedication and persistence. Monitors have worked to learn new skills and technology, have taken on new challenging tasks, have shown constant compassion and caring for struggling students, and have continually adapted to constantly changing assignments and varying student needs. Mrs. Lewis has likewise been instrumental in assisting administration and monitors with scheduling, organization, communication, and coverage assistance throughout the school year. This has all resulted in a greater personal connection with students and a pride in professionalism that is a benefit to the building as a whole. 

Ron Agostinoni

Principal Agostinoni has done a tremendous job of leading the High School community through the current COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership, communication, and dedication have been a benefit to the faculty, staff, parents, and most importantly the students of Shenendehowa High School. He has remained committed to excellence while facilitating the flexibility and adaptations needed to lead during such a trying time in education. 

Robert Cloutier

(Coach) Rob Cloutier continually goes beyond his job description, providing a multitude of services to help students in the ASPIRE program achieve success. Students look to him for educational, career, and life guidance, and as a caring adult they can count on for help when they are in need. Rob is an excellent student advocate, helping students access food, clothing, and mental health services. He is also an invaluable resource for teachers, defusing stressful or tense situations with humor or serving as an intermediary by informing teachers when a student is having a bad day or needs an extra push. The success of the ASPIRE program is due in large part to the efforts of Coach Rob.  

Eileen Tompkins

Eileen Tompkins (Mrs. T) continually goes beyond her job description, providing a multitude of services to help students in the ASPIRE program achieve success. Students look to her for educational, career, and life guidance, and as a caring adult they can count on for help when they are in need. Eileen is an excellent student advocate, helping students access food, clothing, and mental health services. She is also an invaluable resource for teachers, defusing stressful or tense situations with humor or serving as an intermediary by informing teachers when a student is having a bad day or needs an extra push. The success of the ASPIRE program is due in large part to the efforts of Eileen.  

High School Cleaners

The High School cleaners have helped ensure the safety of students and staff in the midst of a global pandemic. Throughout the school day they are seen constantly wiping down door handles and other touch points, cleaning desks, and refilling hand sanitizer and wipes, in addition to keeping the school clean and performing their normal duties. They have been extremely responsive to the changing needs of everyone in the building. The entire high school community is in debt to them for working so hard to keep us all safe. It is difficult to imagine the first months of school running as smoothly as it has without their tremendous assistance.  

Yuheng (Austin) Zhang

Austin is a 9th grade Shen student who went above and beyond to help the community during the COVID 19 crisis. Austin took the initiative to research, design, and create face shields using a 3-D printing process. Austin researched and improved prototypes of his shields, purchased materials, employed the assistance of others, and eventually created hundreds of face shields which were donated to local hospitals and the Shen district in need during a time of PPE shortages.

Aryadeepta De (11th), Rupin Raj Kumar Pradeep (12th), Hi Hung Lim (11th), and Jonathan Waters (10th) 

These students volunteered their time and skills to help create and facilitate a Middle School coding club to instruct younger students in these valuable tech skills. In addition, these students assisted new members of the FLL Robotics club as well as the advisors in understanding coding skills, filming, and preparing for competition. Their long term donation of their time contributed to success of the team in competition and tremendous growth in the knowledge and skills of many younger students. 

2019-20

Nicole Mulligan. For her extensive assistance to administration in support of the administration of the PSAT exam annually to over 1300 students at Shen High School.

Patrice Delehanty. For her tremendous dedication to the ENL population at Shen both academically and socially. 

Doreen Bazile, Christopher Douglas, Niki Tebbano, David Hart, Wendy O'Brien, Sarah Maddalena, Suzanne Hasko.  For their support of student's mental health and overall wellness in their work as a team in the HSE and HSW Student Centers. 

2018-19

October 2018 - Mr. Scott Snell recognized for his extended period of work with the Shenendehowa Color Guard.

January 2019 - Alex Smith (student) recognized for his activities in class council, as well as his uniquely energetic school spirit that envelops the community.

January 2019 - Ann Korzun (District Registrar) nominated by Dr. Robinson for her dedication to the Shen community and for going above and beyond to help new and old families alike enter the district and welcoming new students to our district.  

2017-18

May 2018 - Susan Bohling and Idalia Sepulveda for their extra efforts on the PTO.

January 2018 - Sheridan Messier for going above and beyond in her actions for SFA.

2016-17

May 2017 - Donald Flynt for his dedication and commitment as our High School Principal to continue to make Shenendehowa High School a great place to learn and work.

April 2017 - Lisa Kissinger and Rachel Stead for all of their leadership and efforts on the Culturally Competent Training during Superintendent's Conference Day and throughout the year.  

March 2017 - Sarah Halbig for her work with Habitat for Humanity.

March 2017 - Liz Utzig for her work as an English Teacher and in particular her work helping students develop their reading and writing skills.

October 2016 - Laura Huff for her continued efforts with PSTA.

September 2016 - Carley Galarneau and Robert Weeks for their work with the Unified Sports Team.

2015-16

June 2016 - Ms. Hasko for spearheading the Therapy Dog Program.

March 2016 - Kelly DeFeciani the districts Public Information Officer, for ensuring a supreme level of communication at all levels and with all stakeholders. 

December 2015 - Christopher Culnan and Kristi Heffner for their continued support of athletes on the field and in the classroom.

October 2015 - HSW Monitors for exhibiting professionalism when visitors approach the front door of the school.

October 2015 - High School Nurses for always being there to help students no matter how big or small the health concern is.  

2014-15

June 2015 - HSW Library Staff (Teresa Malizia, Christine Foley, Dan McCue, Karen Tremblay, Pat Willis) for their professionalism working with students.

September 2014 - Kathy Kalish for all of her efforts on the HS Partnership Team and PTSA.

2013-14

May 2014 - John Salls

                 Tammy Crump for her contributions to the High School Senate.

                 Julianne Sauer for her efforts as the Senate homeroom advisor for the Freshmen Class.

February 2014 - 

Meghan Mahoney for the incredible amount of time that she puts in at HSW with the Breakfast Club and all of their building wide activities. 

Gretchen Akbay for her above and beyond efforts as a high school guidance counselor.

January 2014 - Sally Vanderzee for her continued support of Shen and the PTSA despite the fact that all of her children have graduated and moved on.

Gretchen Akbay for her incredible efforts in the Math classroom as well as the time she spends during planning periods working with our Life Skills students.

November 2013 - Joan Goebel for her contributions to all in the school including holiday gift baskets, help with financial tragedies, etc.