Below were the remarks delivered by Mexico Board of Education President James Emery as he honored Mrs. Jennifer Bickford as the district’s Proud to be MACS honoree for February 2026 at the February Board of Education Business meeting.

It seems fitting with the upcoming celebration of St. Valentine’s Day this weekend, a day where the emotion of love is the central theme, that we recognize a staff member who exudes love for her job, for her school, and, most importantly, for her students that she works with. I am referring to Teaching Assistant at Mexico Elementary School, Jennifer Bickford.

Jennifer grew up in the Palermo area and attended Palermo Elementary, Mexico Middle School and Mexico High School graduating in 2002. While at MACS, Jenn stated that she greatly enjoyed the MJROTC program, where she served as an officer on the company staff and was a member of the prestigious drill team.

Following graduation, Jenn attended Onondaga Community College for Early Childhood Development. I asked Jenn what inspired her to follow that path. She replied that she always enjoyed children.  She proceeded to inform me that she has five siblings and some 19 cousins (and that is only part of the family), so she was always surrounded by children.

After OCC, Jenn would put her Early Childhood Development degree to use, not in the classroom, but by being a stay-at-home mom for ten years to her three children - Alexis,19; Gabby,17; and Karson, 15.

When Karson entered school in 2015, Jenn began subbing at Mexico Elementary, which was the school where her children were attending.

Jenn would eventually be hired as a long term substitute in Kristine Gagnon’s 12:1:4 classroom. With the rewarding experience gained in this setting, Jenn knew this was the career she wanted to pursue, so she earned her Teaching Assistant Certification in 2017.

Jenn remained with Kristine for some five years working with several students during that time. Jenn saw first hand the impact a person can make in the life of someone with disabilities.

So how has Jenn fared in her chosen career?

Kristine Gagnon, her long time classroom teacher writes, “While working in the 12:1:4 classroom, Jennifer played a pivotal role in helping students navigate barriers. Her passion and dedication were evident daily and in all her interactions. Jennifer placed emphasis on building relationships and trust, helping to establish a calm and safe classroom environment. The relationships she built with students last long after they left the classroom. Jennifer shows compassion and understanding when helping students through challenging times, approaching every situation with patience and a calm demeanor. From these trusting relationships and feeling of understanding, students are not only able to learn and grow, but to flourish.”

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Jenn followed one student. After three years, Jenn suggested that the student be exposed to new faces believing that such exposure would enhance the growth of the student.

Currently, Jenn is working in Laurel von Holtz’s UPK classroom. Laurel writes, “Jenn and I have known each other for 20ish years. She and her family were our neighbors on Green Road for many years and I grew to know her better when she started working at Mexico Elementary. For years I have watched Jenn’s dedicated work as a 1:1, seeing her care for each student that she worked with. This year I have had the opportunity to have Jenn join me in UPK and I see it firsthand. She has the students’ best interest at heart and treats them as her own. She is firm and loving, and challenges them to work to their potential. Jenn puts her heart into her job and our students are lucky to have her. Jenn is also a building representative with me for MACSFA. She is a great asset for our staff to turn to with questions. Jenn is a perfect choice for Proud to be MACS, as an alum, a parent of MACS students/grads, and a staff member - she cares about the MACS community and works hard to be a contribution to its success.”

Laurel’s sister and fellow Mexico Elementary teacher, Kathy Fischer adds, “Jenn Bickford is dedicated to the things she loves - her family, her dogs, and her career. Her kids and family come first, of course, but a very close second would be the staff and students she works with at school. Jenn immerses herself into the classroom she is working in; going the extra mile to understand and provide what her students need. Whether it’s a learning strategy, a medical need, a friendly face that cares, or an ear to listen, Mrs. Bickford provides it to anyone in need. Her love for her students is fierce, and her instincts for what those around her need to be successful are top notch! She is a true gem, and a blessing to all who are fortunate to know her.”

Nominator Sydney Young echoes Kathy’s remarks as she writes, “Jennifer Bickford is an exceptional educator and colleague who consistently goes above and beyond for students, peers, and families. She is a fierce advocate, always ensuring that every student receives the support and opportunities they deserve. Jen’s generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her make her an irreplaceable part of our school community. No matter how much she juggles in her personal and professional life, she always shows up with dedication and heart. As we often say in our building, “No one is like Jen” - and that’s because she truly is one of a kind.”

Principal Amy Fiedler-Horack adds, “Jennifer is one of my most dedicated teaching assistants at Mexico Elementary. She is always willing to do whatever it takes to ensure student and staff success. She is an active member of our Adult Lighthouse Team and has taken the lead on the Family Engagement Action Team. Jennifer is always looking for ways to contribute positively to our school community. I am thankful Jennifer is a member of our Mexico Elementary team.”

As for her response to my question of what is the favorite part of her job, Jenn stated that she loves coming to school because she sees the impact that she has on a student’s day. In some cases, she believes that she is their safe space.

My other question was what are her favorite memories related to her job. Jenn responded that she always feels great joy when she attends the Special Olympics that are held annually at the Phoenix High School.

Concluding with more words from Sydney’s nomination of why Sydney believes Jenn should be the Proud to be MACS recipient, Sydney writes “Jen Bickford embodies the vision and mission of MACS through her unwavering dedication to students, colleagues, and families. Recently, she played a crucial role in supporting a student facing significant challenges, going above and beyond to ensure they received the resources and encouragement needed to succeed. Whether advocating for students’ needs, mentoring colleagues, or lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed, Jen’s actions consistently inspire excellence and leadership. She is a driving force in creating a supportive and motivating environment that empowers students to become successful, responsible citizens, making a lasting impact on everyone around her. Jen Bickford is the heart of our school community, consistently demonstrating leadership, dedication, and selflessness. She plays an essential role in hosting events like Trunk or Treat for staff families, fostering a strong sense of connection and belonging. As an active member of the union, she tirelessly advocates for her colleagues while also supporting her students and community. No challenge is too big for Jen - she faces everything head-on with determination and grace. Despite any personal challenges, she walks through the doors every day with a smile, putting students first and ensuring they feel supported, valued, and inspired.”

And so Jennifer, for sharing your love of children, for building relationships and trust with your students, for having your students’ best interest at heart and treating them as your own, for your fierce love for your students, for being a true gem and a blessing to all who are fortunate to know you, for being one of a kind, for always being willing to do whatever it takes to ensure student and staff success, for being the driving force in creating a supportive and motivating environment that empowers students to become successful, responsible citizens, for making a lasting impact on everyone around you, but, most importantly, for exuding the emotion of love, so commonly associated with this time of year, for your job, for your school, and for your students, it is with great appreciation that we, the Board, recognize you as our Proud to be MACS recipient for February 2026.