Below were the remarks delivered by Mexico Board of Education President James Emery as he honored Mrs. Sarah Herrington as the district’s Proud to be MACS honoree for May 2026 at the June Board of Education Workshop meeting.

We all have a little voice within us that often helps us to make some important decisions. This was the case for tonight’s Proud to be MACS recipient Sarah Herrington, Teaching Assistant at Palermo Elementary School. You see, several years ago Sarah was asked by Palermo Principal Peggy Scorzelli to be a long term substitute for a special student. At first, Sarah declined the offer, but, after listening to that voice inside her, accepted the position. She ended up enjoying a very rewarding experience with this student. This experience propelled Sarah to attain her Teaching Assistant Certification, thereby challenging herself to pursue further educational opportunities.

Sarah grew up in Palermo with brother Kyle and is the daughter of Mike and retired Palermo staff member Debbie Reuter. Debbie, by the way, passionately served our MACS District for some 25 years.  

While at MACS, Sarah attended CiTi BOCES for Education. An interesting fact is that Sarah won an award at the state competition for lesson planning at the elementary level. So the “educational seed” was planted within Sarah at an early age.

Following graduation from MACS in 2001, Sarah attended Cayuga Community College and SUNY at Oswego.

Sarah moved to North Carolina to raise her family, daughter Emmalee and son Hunter, but returned to Central New York in 2006 as they missed home.

To work around raising a family, Sarah began her career by becoming a full-time substitute. She did mention to me that she enjoyed a great relationship with then District Substitute Coordinator Mike Wilson. Mike would always try to honor her requests and work with her family schedule and Sarah would always try to cover when Mike needed her.

Sarah would sub for some six years before becoming a 1:1 aid. She did that for a couple of years before returning to being a full-time substitute. Sarah would eventually take over as Special Education Teaching Assistant, a position formerly held by her mom, Debbie.

It would appear that Sarah picked up where her mom Debbie left off as Director of Pupil Services Jennifer Stanton writes, “Sarah Herrington has been and is a consummate professional. As a teaching assistant, she has gone above and beyond to learn strategies and skills to work with every student that she works with. She is well versed in the use of technology for students with disabilities. Sarah always says “yes” when given a challenge and is willing to do whatever is asked of her. As large as her talent is, her heart is bigger. She loves what she does and is an asset to every student lucky enough to work with her. She is the best!”

As an example of this big heart mentioned above, nominator Danielle Mehlin writes, “She personally took in three children so they wouldn’t be separated in foster care. The woman is selfless and amazing to work with.”

Sarah mentioned those children as part of her favorite memory of working at MACS. She was most grateful for all of the support from the staff that was shown to her during her time with those children. She was also deeply moved and grateful by the tremendous support from the staff shown to her and her family following her son Hunter’s car accident. Sarah mentioned that the support was overwhelming and greatly assisted the family in dealing with this traumatic event.

As for Sarah’s favorite part of the job, she enjoys seeing the social and academic growth in the students. As for her contribution to this social and academic growth, Sarah attempts to find that one bright spot within the student and provide that student with enthusiasm and support that emphasizes that bright spot with the hope of making the student shine.

This effort to make a student shine is illustrated when Sarah related the day she was pumping gas at nearby Red’s. A young adult approached and asked if she was Mrs. Herrington. When she replied yes, he stated, “I really loved you in school and want to thank you for all that you did for me!” Needless to say, hearing this sentiment warmed Sarah’s heart. Such a revelation has to be the greatest reward that an educator can receive even if it does come many years after having a student.

One who appreciates Sarah’s efforts in the here and now is Principal Bob Briggs when he writes, “A child-centered educator is one who prioritizes the interests and needs of children when making decisions. This epitomizes Sarah Herrington and her contribution to Palermo Elementary School.”

Referring to that bright spot that Sarah looks for, Principal Briggs writes, “There are many attributes of Sarah which I admire and respect. She recognizes potential in students and encourages them to give nothing less than their best effort. Her tireless efforts in facilitating our Student Lighthouse Team is a perfect example of this. Through her facilitation, our Student Lighthouse members plan and host our monthly Fantabulous Friday celebrations. In supporting this group of students, Sarah goes above and beyond the hours “on paper” to do so. She spends countless hours, of her own time, supporting this group of students. Our continued success as a Leader in Me Lighthouse school is a direct result of Sarah’s dedication and leadership.”

Retuning to nominator Danielle Mehlin’s nomination, Danielle explains why she thinks Sarah is deserving of being recognized as our Proud to be MACS recipient. Danielle writes, “Sarah is one of the most deserving staff for this award. She is always taking on more assignments. She even volunteered to cover in First Grade while they waited for a new teacher.”

Principal Briggs supports Danielle’s reasoning by writing, “As a colleague, Sarah is dependable to handle any assignment thrown her way. In my brief two plus years working with her, she has supported students in all grade levels and different content areas. She has a deep knowledge of our families and understands the challenges many of our students face everyday.”

At one point during our conversation, Sarah confided to me that her dream was to be an Elementary Art Teacher. Boosted by the confidence gained from attaining her Teaching Assistant Certification, she hopes to eventually complete her degree, and, who knows, maybe one day will achieve her dream.

To conclude, I return to Bob Brigg’s words of support. Bob writes, “It is a pleasure to work alongside a dedicated educator such as Sarah. She makes a principal’s job a lot easier through her dedication to our students and her pride in making Palermo Elementary School a great place for kids. Thank you Sarah on behalf of our Palermo students, families, and staff for your dedication to our school community.”

And so Sarah, for listening to that little voice within you and agreeing to a special assignment, for challenging yourself by pursuing educational opportunities, for being the consummate professional and going above and beyond, for learning new strategies and skills, for having a big heart, for finding a bright spot in each and every one of our students, for your tireless efforts in facilitating the Student Lighthouse Team at Palermo, for being a dependable staff member who continues to take on more and more assignments, but, most importantly, through your dedication to our students and your pride, for making Palermo Elementary School a great place for kids, it is with great appreciation that we, the Board, recognize you as our Proud to be MACS recipient for October 2025.