Guilderland Central School District recognized 15 employees at its annual employee recognition ceremony on Oct. 21, honoring staff from elementary schools through the high school for long service, leadership and contributions to students and colleagues.

Why it matters: The awards acknowledge individual educators and support staff whose work the district said contributes to student success and school culture. Presenters described nominees' roles in mentoring colleagues, developing curriculum, supporting students with special needs and leading building traditions.

Highlighted recipients (as presenters introduced them):

- Beth Ford, school nurse at Farnsworth Middle School; credited with concussion-management protocols, school-physical processes and serving as head nurse.

- Lori McCollum, health teacher (joined in 2005); noted for classroom engagement, wellness initiatives and mentoring colleagues.

- Emily Minot, sixth-grade teacher and Gilderland Teachers Association president with more than 26 years in the district; credited with ELL supports, staff presentations and leadership on contract education sessions.

- Jamie Mullins, teacher at Farnsworth Middle School (joined 2006); recognized for co-teaching, student council advising and building leadership roles.

- Carrie Jones, special-education co-teacher and coach; praised for relationship-building and co-teaching expertise.

- Stacy Kirk, former fifth-grade teacher and current math specialist; credited with curriculum work and math interventions.

- Kathleen Rossi, elementary teacher and character-education leader; noted for building community and staff support.

- Nell (Mrs. Ball), intermediate literacy coach at Linwood; credited with districtwide expansion of literacy coaches since 2012.

- Michelle Jansen, vocal music teacher at Linwood (joined 2005); recognized for concerts, assemblies and carrying building traditions.

- Melissa Howe, English-language teacher at Westmere; cited for leadership with emergent-multilingual learners, parent outreach and summer school leadership.

- Melissa Drysling, high-school student-account clerk; recognized for meticulous financial recordkeeping and assistance across buildings.

- Amy Martin, math specialist at Altima Elementary; noted for instruction, teacher training and community leadership.

- Colleen Petroff, chemistry teacher and mentor at the high school; honored for teaching and school leadership roles.

- Maureen (Moe) Vassick, long-time instructional aide/monitor at Farnsworth Middle School; honored for day-to-day care and consistent student support.

- Zaynab (district registrar), recognized for enrollment work, state reporting, customer service and office beautification.

Presenters included Regan Johnson (ceremony lead), Superintendent Dan Mayberry and building principals and administrators who introduced winners and gave short remarks.

Selection and criteria: The district said nominees are chosen by colleagues and a recognition committee; criteria include years of service, leadership beyond assignment, innovation, acts above normal expectations and measurable impact on students or staff. The district said the award has recognized more than 500 employees since the 1970s.

No formal board action was required for the ceremony.