Pictured: Front row from left: Aracelis Ayala (NSS assistant principal), Betsy Dunham (Head Start teacher), Beth Dinkel (IT customer service representative), Sarah Humphrey (WSS music teacher), Angela Brown (NSS special education teacher), Stacy DiMartino (GMS school psychologist), and Valarie Coleman (NSS teacher). Back row from left: Bob McFadden (President and CEO at Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union), Bo Wright (superintendent), Matt Heath (GHS principal), Heather Eysaman (NSS principal), Erica Ebert (SEL), Jamie Gephart (GHS ENL teacher), Deb Mittiga (WSS special education teacher), Lorraine Knifley (PK director), Daisy Aguilera (GHS RN), Jill Combs (GMS math teacher), Kelly Monson (COO at FLFCU and Geneva CSD BOE President)
Geneva City School District kicked off the 2025–26 school year by celebrating the extraordinary contributions of 20 staff members at its annual Panther Awards, held during Opening Day. The awards, sponsored by the Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, recognize individuals who embody the district’s mission, values, and priorities.
This year, the district introduced new award categories aligned with its core values. Nominations were submitted by staff, highlighting colleagues who go above and beyond in their work.
The 2025 Panther Award honorees are:
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Experience First: Beth Dinkel, Daisy Aguilera, Tanya Baker
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Continuous Improvement: Jill Combs, Lorraine Knifley
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Intentional Wellness: Erica Ebert, Julie Bailey, Stacy DiMartino
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Deliberate Kindness: Angela Brown, David Figueroa
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Equitable Access: Berlin Gardiner, Jamie Gephart
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Unwavering Transparency: Deb Mittiga, Heather Eysaman, Matthew Heath
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Genuine Positivity: Betsy Dunham, Sarah Humphrey, Tina Dennis
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Purposeful Engagement: Aracelis Ayala, Valarie Coleman
Each recipient received a gift card from the Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union and recognition before their colleagues at the district’s Opening Day kickoff.
“The Panther Awards celebrate what makes Geneva so special—our people,” said Superintendent Bo Wright. “These winners go above and beyond, showing daily that our mission to prepare students to live lives of consequence begins with dedicated staff who lead with care, transparency, and excellence.”
The district thanked the Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union for its continued partnership in supporting and recognizing the staff who make a difference every day.
