Education Celebration Honors Students, Alumni, Community Partners

On Thursday, April 23, the St. John Fisher University Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education held its annual Education Celebration, recognizing the University’s support for education, educators, and community leadership. Graduating seniors, master’s and doctoral candidates, community partners, and alumni were honored during the event.

The School honored the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) with its Community Partner Award, which recognizes the resources that relationships with schools in the region provide. PLTI plays a vital role in empowering parents to become strong advocates and effective change agents within their children’s schools and communities. Their work strengthens the lifelong health, safety, and learning of children by ensuring families have a powerful voice in shaping educational experiences.

Dr. Allison Rioux, who serves as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Brighton Central School District, was given the Adjunct Teaching Award.

Six awards presented to undergraduate students recognized their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to education.

Marissa Terech received the Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher—Community Service Award, given to a candidate who has demonstrated the use of community service in ways that connect teachers to the communities they serve, impacting and improving learning and growth for all. Terech also received the Marshall Award for Academic Achievement, which recognizes an Honors Scholar who exemplifies outstanding academic excellence at Fisher, has consistently pursued educational opportunities, maintained a superior standard in coursework, demonstrated dedication to community wellbeing, and excelled in independent projects. 

The Outstanding Undergraduate Educator—Leadership Award was given to Nicole LaBatt, who was honored for modeling leadership through campus involvement as president of TESA (Teacher Education Student Association) and by serving as a positive influence to her peers.

Madyson Marsh was honored with The Social Justice Award, which is given by graduating students to a fellow graduating classmate who embodies the philosophy of social justice. She is recognized for her potential to contribute to a more just world in which people treat one another civilly, humanitarianly, and honorably. Marsh is actively involved in service on and off campus through involvement in orientation, the Student Government Association chief of staff, and a volunteer with Camp Good Days and Special Times.

The Faculty Award - Childhood was given to Andrew Michael Beyler, and The Faculty Award - Adolescence was given to Nicholas Augeri and Brooke Westfall. These awards honor graduating candidates who exemplify the professional dispositions of the School of Education, including collaboration, responsiveness to feedback, initiative, respect for diversity and multiple perspectives, and being a responsible colleague.

Seven awards recognized student success at the graduate level. 

Matthew J. Poehlmann received the Excellence in Capstone Research Award for his high-quality literature review and creative and innovative action research projects that will help expand the field of inclusive education.

Recognizing a graduating candidate who exemplifies the professional dispositions of the School
of Education, the Graduate Faculty Award was presented to Makenzie Hufnagle. 

Tamaron McKnight was honored with the Literacy Award, which recognizes a candidate who has demonstrated high academic achievement throughout their graduate program and exemplifies the professional dispositions of the School of Education and a literacy professional. 

Raina Bouphavong was this year’s recipient of the Dr. Ronald Edmonds Award of Excellence for demonstrating passion for raising awareness of and commitment to providing all students with an environment and support needed to be well-educated.

The Distinguished Leadership Award, given this year to Michael A. Moroni, recognizes significant contributions to class discussions and group projects and acknowledges the recipient’s attributes and values of effective leadership.

The Distinguished Library Media Award was given to Cheryl Rizzo and Nikki Rudd for their significant contributions to the school librarian profession and for their qualities needed to excel in the teacher librarian profession. 

During the ceremony, the School also presented the Arthur L. Walton, Jr. Award for Executive Leadership. This award recognizes the achievements of alumni from the Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program who have been successful both personally and professionally. This year’s recipients were Dr. Shirley J.A. Green, commissioner of the Department of Recreation and Human Services for the City of Rochester; Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin, legislator in the Albany County 1st District; and Dr. Liza Ortiz, principal in the South Bronx.