Elwood BOE Honors Master Teacher, Winter Athletes

ELWOOD, NY — A new Master Teacher and winter student-athletes from Elwood-John H. Glenn High School were recognized by the Elwood School District Board of Education at its March meeting, according to a news release. Superintendent Kenneth Bossert led the meeting.

Elizabeth Held, a third-grade teacher at James H. Boyd Intermediate School, was recognized
for being named a New York State Master Teacher by the governor’s office, recognizing her
exemplary work in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math education.

"Mrs. Held has earned this designation through outstanding classroom instruction, a career
of creating engaging ways for students to learn and contribute to the school, and through wonderful district initiatives,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Maureen Hull. "The Elwood School District is so proud of Mrs. Held’s accomplishments and we are excited at the prospect of the benefits to our students and our staff through the world-class professional development she will now be a part of."

Athletic Director David Shanahan then introduced the students from the high school who were
honored for their achievements in the winter sports season.

"What a tremendous winter sports season our athletic department has had,” Shanahan
said. “All of our winter teams are New York State Scholar-Athlete teams, which is a tremendous
honor. Many of our teams went deep into the playoffs and did well in league play. What our
student-athletes have accomplished this past winter is exceptional, and is the highest honor New
York State bestows on student-athletes. These young ladies and gentlemen will cherish the
memories they have created for themselves, their families and the Elwood community.
Congratulations to each one of them.”

The wrestling Knights were first to the podium, as county champion wrestlers Thomas Aiello, Melkin Alfaro-Chavez, Joseph LaCorte, Anthony Mirando, Colin Presti, and place-winners
Alon Alkelai, Luc Angus, Michael Sangirardi and Kevin Vides Sorto were recognized.

Next up were winter track stars Sofia Condron, Emily LaMena and James Rourke, who all
successfully competed at the state championships.

Finally, girls soccer team captain Mackenzie Stickelman was recognized.

“Mackenzie is one of the most decorated girls soccer players ever to wear a John H. Glenn
jersey,” Shanahan said. “In both her junior and senior campaigns, she was named League Player of the Year, All-County, Newsday All-County and All-State. Her work ethic and commitment to all of her team sports, music and clubs is extraordinary.”