Core Impact Awards Highlight Pittsfield Educators
The Core Impact Awards lined up for presentation.
The Core Impact Awards were presented by the Mill Town Foundation in partnership with the Pittsfield Public Schools.
Mill Town Foundation program director Andy Wrba opened the ceremony saying how it's personal and means a lot to him as he graduated from Pittsfield Public Schools, his mom taught at Crosby Elementary, and he taught high school for about nine years.
"I know firsthand how much hard work goes into creating a school environment where every student feels valued, challenged and supported. Core Impact Awards were created to spotlight the everyday heroes in our schools, the teachers who go the extra mile, the staff who hold it all together, and the quiet leaders who make a lasting difference," he said.
"Your impact goes beyond the classroom. It shapes our neighborhoods, our future workforce and very spirit of our city. And tonight is about honoring you, your commitment, your creativity and your care, do not go unnoticed."
This initiative recognizes educators for their contributions to student learning, classroom innovation, and community involvement. The Core Impact Awards annually select one full-time teacher or school staff member from each of Pittsfield's 14 schools.
The 2025 Core Impact Awards were given to:
- Allendale – Morgan Zukowski
- Capless – Lindsay Sayers
- Conte – Senta Brodeur
- Crosby – Heather Topolski
- Crosby Academy – Tracy Kelleher
- Eagle Academy – Colleen Oleskiewicz
- Egremont – Gwenneth Featherstone
- Morningside – Olivia Oberle
- Stearns – Brianna Sabato
- Williams – Samantha Farella
- Herberg – Mallory D'Aniello
- Reid – Pam Garwood
- PHS – Ann Marie Mutz
- Taconic – Brittany Gardner
Mayor Peter Marchetti spoke about the awardees and how important the schools are in the city.
"As mayor, I've had the privilege of witnessing many different forms of public service, but none is more foundational, more essential than the work you do to shape the young minds, build confidence and create opportunities for our students to thrive," he said. "You are the steady force guiding our kids through challenges, cheering for their successes and ensuring they know that they are seen, supported and capable."
The awards were presented by interim Deputy Superintendent Matthew Bishop and Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Stokes.
Pam Garwood taught at Reid Middle School and is retiring this year after 42 years of teaching, whe was excited to be recognized and said she enjoyed her work within the school system.
"It feels amazing. I'm retiring, so it's really been a nice recognition that I didn't ever think that I deserved or would get," Garwood said. "I spent my whole career in special ed, so I really really love those kids and I always felt like I was a good role model for them and a coach."
Tracy Kelleher, dean of students at the Crosby Educational Academy received her award from Bishop, who used to be her teacher.
"It feels rewarding. It's nice to be acknowledged in a way and to know that somebody nominated me," Kelleher said in her written statement for the award. "The dedication involved in my role is substantial. We all tirelessly work at teaching students skills that are crucial for their development.
"There are countless moments when the true value of this effort shines through, when a struggling student after immense effort is finally able to grasp and apply a concept we've taught. These aren't always grand, sweeping achievements, but rather small individual accomplishments that mean the world in that moment. They are the tangible proof that our dedication makes a difference."
Lindsay Sayers is a special education teacher at Capeless Elementary School and has been there for about four years.
"I am one of the newer teachers to the district, and just being able to be among all of these students in Pittsfield is just truly amazing," she said. "I enjoy teaching because I get to use creative ways to teach my students, meet them at their level, and then see that growth which is amazing when the child realizes that they can learn, it’s just so exciting to see."
This was the first year of the Core Impact Awards by the Mill Town Foundation and it hopes to keep the tradition going annually.
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