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Wishing Dr. Ricca farewell are Grady students Ja'Leah and
Amirah Carr.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION, COMMUNITY SAY FAREWELL TO DR. RICCA
It was a tearful farewell for sure, but in between it all, there was a lot to celebrate as all three school district principals and others who attended the June 7 Board of Education meeting expressed their thanks to Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca for his four years of service to the district.
Dr. Ricca will assume the position of Superintendent of Schools in the White Plains City School District July 1.
"I just want to thank Dr. Ricca for being a fantastic leader," said Carl L. Dixson Principal Jeffrey Olender.
"Our kids know him," he said. "I mean, they really know him. He has been a presence in our classrooms, and they get very excited when they see him."
Alice E. Grady School Principal Doug Doller said his students will also fondly remember Dr. Ricca, including the many times he got involved in classroom activities.
Alexander Hamilton High School Principal Dr. Marc Baiocco, who will take over as the district's new superintendent, said that Dr. Ricca very quickly became a friend soon after he arrived in Elmsford.
"He truly became a mentor as well," he said. "I look forward to working together with him in the future."
In an emotional address, Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams said he, too, had become a dear friend of the superintendent. He declared the week of June 11 as "Dr. Joseph Ricca Week" and read a special proclamation confirming the honor.
"You have worked diligently to bring change to our district," said Board of Education President Dennis Rambaran. "You have accomplished unprecedented things, and your presence has enriched the lives of our students."
Dr. Ricca received several gifts from students in all three schools, including a framed poster of the handprints of Dixson students, a canvas print of students at Grady, a framed version of the Raider Reporter, the high school newspaper, and a special plaque from the Board of Education, among other special momentos.
In acceptance of the school district's generosity, Dr. Ricca said he would cherish these special gifts.
Referring to Dr. Baiocco's future term as superintendent, he said, "I know that he's going to move this district forward to the next level. As bittersweet as it is, I know that Elmsford is on the move.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION APPOINTS DR. MARC BAIOCCO AS DISTRICT'S NEW SUPERINTENDENT
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| Dr. Marc Baiocco pictured with his family, including his wife, Jen, far right, and daughter Ava. |
At a special Board of Education meeting on June 14, Dr. Marc Baiocco, who has served as principal of the Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School for the last eight years, was appointed Superintendent of Schools.
In a formal announcement made by the Board several weeks prior to the board meeting, Board of Education President Dennis Rambaran said, "We are thrilled to have identified Dr. Baiocco as our next Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Baiocco's eight years of experience in the service of the Elmsford UFSD is a testament to his commitment to our community and our students. We are confident that his energy, vision and dedication will continue to move the district forward with an emphasis on meeting the needs of all of our students."
Prior to joining the Elmsford Schools, Dr. Baiocco served as an assistant principal in the Yonkers Schools. He is a licensed social studies teacher and has over 19 years of experience in the field of education.
He holds a bachelor's degree from Iona College, a master's Degree from Mercy College and an educational doctorate from Concordia University. He also completed advanced training, most recently as a fellow in the educational policy fellowship program through Columbia University Teachers' College. Additionally, Dr. Baiocco serves on the Principal Preparation Project through the New York State Education Department.
Applications were received from over 40 candidates in two states, and after interviews with top candidates, the board identified Dr. Baiocco as the outstanding candidate.
At the end of the formal proceedings, which included his wife, Jen, daughter Ava, and other members of his family, Dr. Baiocco said he was thrilled to see such support from the community.
"I extend a tremendous thank you to the Elmsford Union Free School District and to the Village of Elmsford for the amazing show of support this evening! I am honored and excited to begin!"
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Valedictorian Lara Malaver speaks at the high school graduation ceremony June 21. |
AHHS GRADUATES ASKED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD
The seniors who filled the Elmsford Broadway Theater June 21 for the Alexander Hamilton High School commencement exercises were encouraged to lead and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
That was the message from Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca.
"As you go out into the world, participate," he told them. "Don't forget to lead. Help drive our community in the direction of prosperity and peace. Help to think of new ways to support your neighbors, to care for the needy, to speak for those without a voice. Call out injustice when you see it. Become an activist for a cause."
Dr. Ricca said the opportunities to lead are limitless for the graduates, if they are willing to do so with goodness and wisdom.
"I know that each of you has the capacity to harness this power and use it to change our world for the better," he said.
"Accept my challenge, please, accept my challenge as you make your next move," he added.
"I am extremely proud of all of you," he said. "You were the incoming freshman class when I started in Elmsford. I have enjoyed greatly watching you learn, grow and reach for your dreams and aspirations."
The 90-minute ceremony included a performance of the national anthem by Haleigh Brown, Ellen Satin and Jennifer Vargas, as well as a musical interlude by Sarah Abdelaziz, Haleigh Brown, Gage Cuccia, Madison Hood, Victoria Mingo, Bryant Rock, Craig Rowe, Ashley Ruiz, Ellen Satin, Jaren Scott, Jennifer Vargas and Sneha Varghese.
Valedictorian Lara Malaver and Salutatorian Ryan Alicea thanked their fellow graduates for their friendship over the four years of high school, and AHHS Principal Dr. Marc Baiocco and Board of Education President Dennis Rambaran also wished the graduating class much success.
"This is the final night," said Lara, who will attend the United States Naval Academy in the fall. "Take a deep breath with me and remember this moment as it is, right now, because life will never be the same again."
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SALUTING OUR TOP AHHS GRADS
In her valedictory speech June 21, graduating senior Lara Malaver urged her fellow graduates to keep graduation and all its exciting moments in their collective memories.
Along with salutatorian Ryan Alicea, Lara was thankful to have spent the last five years in the small, welcoming community that makes up Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School.
Throughout her high school career, she has been involved in three different sports, including soccer, softball and off-season track. Ryan, too, has been equally athletic, representing Hamilton as a year-round cross country runner.
Both students were members of the National Honor Society and both graduated with an Advanced Honors Regents Diploma.
Lara said her initial dream was to become a lawyer and to enter an Ivy League school in advance of that, but a six-day Summer Seminar program that she took last year at the United States Naval Academy changed her mind.
"It was a big eye-opener for me," said Lara, who will attend the school later this summer. "That's when I got to finishing my application for the academy."
The program is designed to expose incoming seniors to all facets of life as a midshipman and to learn more about the competitive school.
Lara's dream of becoming a lawyer may still materialize. She intends to major in political science at the academy and at some point, to study law.
Ryan, on the other hand, is more inclined toward computer science. As a child, he often "dabbled in computers" and was attracted to the Rochester Institute of Technology early in the college application process.
Ryan said he is excited to enter the school in the fall. One thing he knows will benefit him is the college's co-op program, which attracts more than 1,900 employers from across the world each year.
"That is probably what sold it for me over the other schools I looked at," he said.
Whatever these stellar Hamilton graduates do in the future, we wish them and the Class of 2017 the best of luck and much success.
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Lots of smiles from a group of Dixson first-graders at the school's Moving Up ceremony. |
PARENTS, STUDENTS CELEBRATE MOVING UP AT DIXSON
Parents of Dixson's first-graders gathered in the gym and on the front lawn of the school as the children were formally recognized as Dixson graduates at its Moving Up Ceremony June 21.
As is tradition each year and to comfortably accommodate family members, each class took its turn participating in various activities.
In one area outside, children sat at tables with their parents helping them decorate special graduation hats and creating imprints of their hands on Dixson banners that were later on display for everyone to admire.
Meanwhile, other children posed for pictures with their teachers, aides, family and friends while yet another group assembled in the school gym for the more formal graduation ceremony and to receive their individual certificates.
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| Making memories at Dixson. |
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"We try to do everything we can to reflect our children's experience at Dixson in this moving up ceremony," said Principal Jeffrey Olender, who welcomed the students and their parents into the beautifully decorated gym.
We wish all of them luck as they enter Grady in September!
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GRADUATING SIXTH-GRADERS TOLD TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS
Moving up to Alexander Hamilton Jr/Sr. High School is a rite of passion for sixth-graders each year at the Alice E. Grady School, and this year was no exception.
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The graduating sixth grade class.
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In a ceremony to mark their "Moving Up" to the high school, Principal Doug Doller praised the graduates for their academic achievements and for simply being great kids.
"There is a true sense of community in this group," he told the audience of joyful parents and other family members. "And," he added, "you're a competitive bunch, too."
"Stay competitive and as you move ahead, become your own greatest competitors."
He also told them to be reflective and to remember all they had learned in their years at Grady.
Board of Education President Dennis Rambaran offered similar advice.
"You have another opportunity to make new friends, to meet new teachers and to get used to a new schedule, and most importantly, to begin a new chapter in your life," he said.
As he did at the high school graduation June 21, Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca told the graduates to stand up and speak up for what they believe in.
"Being a leader doesn't mean you have to be a CEO," he said. Leadership can be seen in small ways such as treating others nicely and doing kind deeds for others.
The ceremony included the distribution of diplomas as well the presentation of several awards, including the Office of the Attorney General Triple "C" Award, the New York State Comptroller Achievement Award, the American Citizenship Awards, the Perfect Attendance Award and the High Honors Three Times Award.
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SIXTH GRADE DINNER, FUN FOR ALL!
As is customary every year, the sixth-grade graduating class at the Alice E. Grady School is treated to a special dinner in the school gym. It's usually a chance for the students to dress up and have some fun. Here are a few shots from the evening, which included a buffet dinner and dancing.
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| Recipients of Rotary Club of Elmsford scholarships pictured at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown, along with AHHS Principal Marc Baiocco, second from right, and Rotary President Syed Alirahi, third from left, among others. |
AHHS STUDENTS THE RECIPIENTS OF ROTARY SCHOLARSHIPS
On June 15, the Rotary Club of Elmsford handed out $1,000 scholarships each to six graduating seniors from Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School for service to their school and community.
The students who received the awards, which took place at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown, included: Madelyne Diaz, who will attend Pace University in the fall; Madison Hood, who has been accepted to the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts; Vivica Haughton, who will be entering Mercy College; Maria Molina, an incoming Westchester Community College freshman; Dana Ramirez, who has been accepted to the College of Mount Saint Vincent and Jennifer Vargas, who will attend the University of Connecticut.
"The Elmsford Rotary scholarship luncheon is a highlight of the year for me," said high school librarian Lisa Watson, who acts as liaison between the school and the Rotary Club.
"Alexander Hamilton High School is filled with special individuals who live the Rotary model, "Service Above Self," she added. "Thank you to the Rotary for their generosity and reminding our students that the things they do every day for others really makes a difference."
The Rotary also handed out scholarships to other area high school students and to several deserving individuals from the local community.
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Madison Hood, second from left, pictured with AHHS Athletic Director Rob Pollok, her sister Maia and members of the Bass family. |
MADISON HOOD WINNER OF KEVIN BASS SCHOLARSHIP AT AHHS ATHLETIC AWARDS
Following in her older sister Maia's footsteps, graduating senior Madison Hood was announced the 2017 winner of the Kevin Bass Student/Athlete Scholarship at the Alexander Hamilton High School Athletic Awards June 5,
which is distributed on behalf of the Kevin Lee Bass Student/Athlete Scholarship Fund and set up by the family of Mr. Bass after his death in 2008.
Like her sister, Madison demonstrated a strong commitment to academics, athletics and community involvement, which made her an ideal candidate for the $2,000 monetary award, said Director of Athletics Rob Pollok.
Madison, who played basketball and volleyball for the high school, will attend the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, Conn.
Before handing out the award, Mr. Bass's sister, Leslie, described her late sibling as not just a brother, but also a "best friend."
Mr. Bass, a 1973 graduate of AHHS, played varsity basketball and cross country track for the school. He also attended Iona College.
Mr. Pollok recognized Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca's dedicated service to the district and announced a special award for him.
"Once a Red Raider, always a Red Raider," said Mr. Pollok. "We will miss him and all he has done for us."
The event also included guest speaker Roy Richards, a 2014 collegiate athlete and AHHS alum, who spoke to the students about his struggles as a high school athlete and how he found success.
"My family was my motivation to run faster and to do the best that I could do," he told them.
Awards were handed out to scholar athletes from all grades at the school, and each coach made individual presentations to students on their teams.
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MORGAN STANLEY VOLUNTEERS BRIGHTEN UP GRADY'S OUTDOOR SPACE
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The Morgan Stanley Foundation volunteers, along with Grady Principal Doug Doller and others, stand in front of the beautifully painted map of the U.S.A. on the Grady basketball court. |
On a sun-drenched Friday morning, June 2, several volunteers from the Morgan Stanley Foundation assembled on the grounds of the Alice E. Grady School basketball court and proceeded to outline a map of the U.S.A.
Others nearby were busy painting the lines on the court, while a third group was intent on creating a mural on the grounds of the courtyard below.
The work was part of a partnership with Volunteer New York!, a non-profit organization that partners with groups like the Morgan Stanley Foundation that are interested in donating their time to a worthy cause, explained Elizabeth Parra, a Volunteer New York! representative.
Jeff McMillan, a chief analytics officer at Morgan Stanley who was helping others paint lines around the court, said it was the group's first time volunteering in the Elmsford Schools.
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The newly painted courtyard.
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"We have over 50,000 employees and everyone is encouraged to participate in the foundation," he said.
"As a team, we don't get to interact like this very often," said Mr. McMillan, "so everybody wins."
The volunteers who were working on the daylong project are based in different Morgan Stanley offices across the tristate area, he said.
Kate Willever, who works in the Morgan Stanley office in Purchase, said she was delighted to spend the day painting.
"It's nice to be able to get out, be with your team and give back," she said.
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DADS GET TREATS AND A GIFT FOR FATHER'S DAY
Dixson dads were treated to donuts and other sweet treats at the school June 16 in honor of Father's Day. In addition, their children presented them with paper ties that they made and decorated especially for the event.
Principal Jeffrey Olender thanked the dads for coming and for supporting their children's education. Here are a few photos from the breakfast.
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GRADY SCHOOL RAISES OVER $2,000 FOR LOCAL CHARITY
In July, incoming fourth-grader Sophia Napoli will celebrate her fifth year free of brain cancer. To celebrate her remission, the Grady School pulled out all the stops May 26 to honor Sophia and to raise money for brain cancer research through the school's monthly Fitness Friday initiative.
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| Sophia Napoli and the highest fundraiser Daniel Singh. |
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"We would like the entire Elmsford community to be united in supporting our "Baskets for Brain Tumors" event," said Grady gym teacher Drew Watson, referring to the fun event, which included basketball drills between several competing teams made up of Grady staff.
Sophia's family, including her parents, sister and aunt, were at the event, with both parents participating in the fundraising activities, which raised more than $2,000 for Friends of Karen, a local charity that supports critically ill children and their families.
At age 3½, Sophia was diagnosed with a malignant tumor the size of a grapefruit. She subsequently endured three surgeries, five cycles of chemotherapy and one dose of chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant, which required her to be in isolation for 34 days, explained Theresa Napoli, Sophia's mother. She also suffered numerous spinal taps and MRIs, she said.
"No child should have to suffer the way our little girl did, and no parents should have to watch their child fight for his or her life."
"I'm just blown away by the amount of spirit you all have and how much you did to make this event possible," said Mrs. Napoli, who thanked all involved in the fundraiser as well as the Friends of Karen.
The non-profit's Family Support Program offers families emotional support, financial assistance and practical guidance as they learn to cope with such crises.
Every student who participated in the fundraiser received a Super Sophia t-shirt. Third-grader Daniel Singh raised close to $300 and was recognized at the event.
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Zoe pictured with Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca. |
DIXSON FIRST-GRADER "SUPERINTENDENT FOR A DAY"
Sitting at the superintendent's desk, greeting students and staff in the district's three schools and choosing the last school day's lunch menu for students at the Carl L. Dixson Primary School were just some of the duties that 7-year-old Zoe Foster embraced as the district's "Superintendent for a Day" on June 7.
The smartly dressed first-grader happily spent the morning with Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, learning about the role of a school district superintendent.
Zoe's name was chosen from among several students at Dixson who entered their names in a raffle.
She was also honored at the district's board meeting later that evening, taking a seat beside Dr. Ricca and members of the Board of Education.
After receiving a special ID, a nameplate and a certificate to mark the special occasion, Zoe's first stop was at Principal Marc Baiocco's office, where she met his secretary, RoseMarie Giordano, and Assistant High School Principal Dr. Andrea Hamilton.
Zoe also got a tour of the cafeteria, met with custodians and said hello to librarian Lisa Watson. She also learned about robots from robotics teacher Hector Hernandez, checked out the Athletic Department's weight room, examined rocks in Rich MacLeish's science classroom, and was enthusiastically greeted by students taking a gym class in the high school gymnasium.
Perhaps most importantly, Zoe had the opportunity to make two big decisions affecting students in her school. She told Dixson Principal Jeffrey Olender that children should have an "out day" for recess later that day and she also chose cheese pizza as the lunch menu for the last day of school, June 20, during a meeting with the superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Gladys Baxter.
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Aanya performing "Madhurastakem." |
GRADY'S GOT LOTS OF TALENT!
In a show that rivaled the best of talent shows in schools across the region, students at the Alice E. Grady School showed that they are talented in lots of ways, from singing, dancing, displaying martial arts moves, rapping, comedy and playing instruments.
Held in the Grady gym June 16, the show got off to a great start with a performance by Chelsea, Kelsi, Anaya and Jenell dancing to Caillou Anthem. Other performers included Gabrielle, who sung "Lift Every Voice;" Tiffany and Hayley, dancing to Whip & Nae Nae; Hazel, singing "Priceless;" Aanya, performing an Indian dance called "Madhurastakam;" Keira and Camillah, singing "Matchmaker" from Fiddler on the Roof and Yurly, who played the saxophone like a pro.
Hosts Christopher Harper and Orlando Kelly did a superb job introducing the acts, while Christian Davis and Orlando acted as stage hands.
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Talent show hosts Christopher Harper, right, and Orlando Kelly.
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Anthony and Joshua perform a comedy routine. |
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| The teachers who received "Teacher of the Year" awards with AHHS Principal Marc Baiocco, Dixson Principal Jeffrey Olender and Grady Principal Doug Doller. |
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INSTRUCTORS HONORED WITH "TEACHER OF THE YEAR" AWARDS
Three teachers from each district school were honored by the Board of Education at its June 7 meeting for dedication to their students and to their craft.
At Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School, Principal Marc Baiocco recognized special education teacher Bill Dwyer.
"His duties and responsibilities go far beyond that of a teacher," said Dr. Baiocco, adding that Mr. Dwyer is always looking to implement new ideas in his classroom.
"He's an innovator and a thinker," added Dr. Baiocco, referring to Mr. Dwyer's role as chairperson of the eighth-grade special education consultant teacher services initiative.
"Bill became the pinnacle of what we wanted in the consultant teacher program," he added. "He made it come alive, and that's truly what we believe embodies the Teacher of the Year award."
At the Grady School, Principal Douglas Doller said the choice was clear when considering this year's nominee, physical education teacher Drew Watson.
As the creator and chief organizer of the Fitness Friday initiative at Grady, Mr. Doller said that Mr. Watson offers a program of "rigorous, engaging fun" for the children.
"You make Grady a better place for students because of the energy that you have created. You truly deserve this honor."
For Dixson Principal Jeffrey Olender, nominating kindergarten teacher Kerry Young was also easy.
"This is somebody who truly works tirelessly for our students and for the school," Mr. Olender said.
He added that Ms. Young makes the school a fun place for students, referring to her leadership on many key school events, such as "Lunch Under the Sun," "Muffins for Moms" and "Donuts for Dads," to name a few, together with her calm and encouraging demeanor in the classroom.
"Kerry's students love learning and are always excited to come to school every day," he said.
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DIXSON DRAMA PERFORMANCE DELIGHTS ALL
Children at the Dixson School delighted all who came to see their spring drama performance May 25. The event, which was coordinated by speech pathologist Lauren Poccia and kindergarten teacher Kerry Young, included two morning performances and one in the evening for families.
The cute costumes were made specially for the children by a dedicated team led by Peggy Watson.
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STUDENTS COMMIT TO SERVICE FOR AHHS LEADERSHIP DAY
Alexander Hamilton High School students devoted much of May 26th to helping the environment and others in a series of community service events spread out across the district and village as part of the school's Leadership Day.
Outside the high school, students cleaned up the front lawn and planted flowers, while others worked on optimizing storage for various pieces of theatrical equipment in the auditorium.
They also collected items in the cafeteria for a Midnight Run journey to Manhattan.
Throughout the village, the students were also visible, volunteering at the Elmsford Fire Department, the Elmsford Senior Citizen Center and at Village Hall, in addition to picking up garbage along the South County Trailway.
At the Dixson School, the older students sat with kindergartners and read to them, while at both Grady and Dixson, they got involved in STEM-related projects.
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AHHS Principal Marc Baiocco pictured with students in the Peers as Leaders group. |
DISTRICT INITIATIVES NAMED "PROMISING PRACTICES"
Two student-focused, community-based initiatives that are being implemented in the district were recognized recently as "2017 Promising Practices" by Character.org.
The district's "Scare Away Hunger" campaign and the AHHS "Peers As Leaders" initiative were selected as "high-quality, student-focused and community-oriented programs that are replicable in districts/schools nationally."
Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca said he was delighted upon receiving the news.
"Congratulations to all for your support, ideas and determination to continue to make the Elmsford UFSD a learning community truly dedicated to excellence," he said in a letter to the community.
Character.org is an organization that advocates for integrity, honesty, respect and other core ethical values to be infused into the education system.
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Former New York State First Lady Matilda Raffa Cuomo pictured with students and others, as well as New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. |
NEW YORK'S FORMER FIRST LADY MEETS WITH STUDENTS TO OFFICIALLY RE-LAUNCH MENTORING PROGRAM
Teachers, administrators and others hosted former first lady of New York Matilda Raffa Cuomo during a special half-day event May 12 to mark the re-launching of the New York State Mentoring Program, an initiative she founded in 1982.
Since her son, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, revived it in 2015, it has been growing in schools across the state.
In 2017, the district partnered with the Greenburgh-based William L. Carter Foundation to host its own one-to-one mentoring program, the first of its kind in Westchester County, based on Mrs. Cuomo's initiative.
Students from Alice E. Grady Elementary School and Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School have been benefiting from this unique opportunity, which allows the older students to act as mentors.
Mrs. Cuomo met with 12 AHHS mentors and 13 Grady mentees and shared stories about the program's beginnings, her vision for the newly revived initiative and her own personal accounts of mentoring a student.
The mentors and mentees had a chance to speak with Mrs. Cuomo, ask questions and take pictures. AHHS Principal Dr. Marc Baiocco said, "Mrs. Cuomo's visit was inspirational, and her stories gave the mentors insight into the impact they can have on their mentees' lives."
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FOOD BANK OF WESTCHESTER RECOGNIZES ELMSFORD SCHOOLS AS "HUNGER HEROES"
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Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca pictured with, from left, Grady secretary Lynn Jacoby, Grady Custodian Warren Williams, Grady Principal Doug Doller and in front, District Clerk Diane Caperna, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Gladys Baxter, Director of Special Education & Pupil Personnel Services Jo-Anne Dobbins and Grady Nurse Veronica Lederman.
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The district was among several local organizations to be recognized as "Hunger Heroes" at the Food Bank for Westchester's annual Hunger Hero Awards breakfast on June 1.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Ricca accepted the Service Provider Award for the district's work with the Food Bank for Westchester's Backpack Program at the Alice E. Grady Elementary School and for its work with the Food Bank's mobile food pantry, which is stationed at the Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School once a month, offering free produce and other fresh and nutritious foods to residents in need.
Dr. Ricca said the district is
committed to taking a larger role in the fight against hunger and providing the best possible services to the Elmsford community in a respectful and dignified manner.
"We are proud and grateful for our partnership with the Food Bank for Westchester and we are thankful for all of the support from our community leaders, our school community and our Board of Education," said Dr. Ricca.
"It's because of you that we are able to make a difference for many in need. There is no shame in hunger and as a community, we recognize the importance of supporting each other."
Attending the awards breakfast, which was held at the Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, were: Dr. Ricca, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Gladys Baxter, Director of Special Education & Pupil Personnel Services Jo-Anne Dobbins, Grady Principal Doug Doller, District Clerk Diane Caperna, Grady Secretary Lynn Jacoby, Grady Nurse Veronica Lederman and Grady Custodian Warren Williams.
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