Geneva City School District kicked off the 2025–26 school year by recognizing 20 standout employees with Panther Awards during its annual Opening Day celebration.
The awards, sponsored by Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, highlight staff who go above and beyond in living out the district’s core values. This year, the district introduced new award categories tied directly to those values, including continuous improvement, equitable access, and purposeful engagement.
“These winners go above and beyond,” said Superintendent Bo Wright. “Our mission to prepare students to live lives of consequence begins with dedicated staff who lead with care, transparency, and excellence.”
Each honoree was nominated by fellow staff members and received a gift card and public recognition at the event.
2025 Panther Award honorees:
Experience First: Beth Dinkel, Daisy Aguilera, Tanya Baker
Continuous Improvement: Jill Combs, Lorraine Knifley
Intentional Wellness: Erica Ebert, Julie Bailey, Stacy DiMartino
Deliberate Kindness: Angela Brown, David Figueroa
Equitable Access: Berlin Gardiner, Jamie Gephart
Unwavering Transparency: Deb Mittiga, Heather Eysaman, Matthew Heath
Genuine Positivity: Betsy Dunham, Sarah Humphrey, Tina Dennis
Purposeful Engagement: Aracelis Ayala, Valarie Coleman
The district thanked Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union for its continued partnership in supporting Geneva’s educators and staff.
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