Educator Emeritus Award

HISTORY

This award was first given out in 2004 and since then 33 retired faculty and staff members have received this prestigious award. The Educator Emeritus Award is bestowed upon an educator who is held in the highest regard for his or her contributions to students while in service at Amherst and exemplifies his or her dedication to education within the Amherst Central School System.

Previous Honorees:

2004 Donald Munson

2005 Walter Reitz & Philip Schweikhard

2006 Dr. Peter Demmin

2007 Jack Duffy, Robert Hettler, Elenora Hildebrand, Ruth Westenfelder

2008 Janette Atkinson, Thomas Davis, Whitey Huber, David Ulrich

2011 Joseph Podgorski, Ellwood Friedrich, Gary Runckel, Valerie McGovern

2012 Dr. Beck Brown, Dr. Howard Craig, Gail Eisen, Virginia Federico

2013 Rosemary Dayton, Dr. Bruce Burr, Paul Wietig, Victor Lalli, Mort Klayman

2016 Nancy Riccio, Ken Butka, Fred Machemer, Cleta Schermerhorn

2019 Bradley Tichenor, Lynne Daniels, George Wildridge, Anton Schwarzmueller

2025

EDUCATOR EMERITUS AWARD HONOREES

DR. DALE BOSWORTH – Art teacher at the Amherst Central Middle School. Dr. Bosworth spent most of his 43 years teaching art at the Middle School. During this time, he also designed, constructed and painted scenery for over 30 musicals. In retirement, he’s still involved with creating scenery for both Middle School and High School musicals. He’s been designing jewelry for over 45 years in addition to painting and sculpting.

MRS. JOANNA RANSOM – 3^rd grade teacher at Smallwood Drive Elementary School. Joanna began her teaching career at Harlem Rd. but spent most of her career at Smallwood. She was part of an innovative program where each teacher taught reading and math based on students’ ability and, also a specialty subject, hers being science. In retirement Joanna works with her husband in his rare book business and enjoys gardening at her country home, oil painting and the company of her friends.

MR. STEVEN THOMAS – Music teacher at the Amherst Central High School. After retiring from Amherst, Steve is currently teaching at Alfred University, conducting the orchestra and teaching lessons on all stringed instruments and piano.  He is a founding member, violinist and conductor at the MostArts Festival at Alfred and first violinist of the Oakgrove String Quartet. Steve is also pianist and director for area high school musical productions. A former student who nominated Mr. Thomas, Caryn Domzalski ’01 wrote, “he was down to earth, supportive of students, and an excellent teacher. He was easy to talk to and made orchestra a fun experience.”

[David Maul – Educator Emeritus Awardee (Posthumously)
Pictured: Michelle Maul Webb and Michael Maul – David Maul’s Children]

MR. DAVID MAUL(POSTHUMOUSLY) – Principal of Windermere Drive Elementary School. David grew up in Buffalo, NY and attended State University College at Buffalo to attain his teaching degree. He garnered achievements and recognition through two distinct yet overlapping careers: one in education and the other in the military. After obtaining his master’s degree, he began serving as both teacher and administrator, then rising to become the principal of Eggert Road Elementary School. He then moved to Windermere Elementary School, becoming the senior elementary school principal until his retirement.

[Carolyn Russell – Educator Emeritus Awardee (Posthumously)
Pictured: Rosemary Dayton and Karen Russell accepting the award]

MS. CAROLYN RUSSELL(POSTHUMOUSLY) – Teacher’s Aide & member of the Amherst Central Alumni Chorale. Carolyn assisted with college applications in the guidance office. But she was most remembered for being an accompanist for the Amherst Central Alumni Chorale. A few years ago, alumni Karen D. Tunis-Manny ’74 wrote, “Carolyn Russell was equal parts teacher, mentor and partner. The choir consisted of young and old with varying levels of competence, talent and abilities. Carolyn was the great unifier and her musical ability a gift to those who sang in the choir. We could not have established and sustained the Alumni Chorale without her”.

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It’s our teachers and administrators who positively impact students by fostering confidence, motivating them to achieve their potential, and creating a supportive learning environment.

Award Ceremony Video: