Warwick Valley employees honored by Mid-Hudson School Study Council

Congratulations to the three outstanding Warwick Valley School District employees who were recognized by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) for their exceptional contributions to education during its recent Excellence in Education Awards ceremony.

This year's recipients are Mary Fox (Warwick Valley High School's Director of Guidance), Nancy Scheinert (an instructional aide at Sanfordville Elementary School), and Mark Thompson (head custodian at Warwick Valley Middle School).

Mary Fox received the Excellence in Administration Award. She has proudly served the district for nearly 30 years, leading a comprehensive program that supports both students and the high school's team of counselors, shapes career and guidance curricula, and ensures every student graduates ready for college, work, or service. Ms. Fox has helped shape the culture of the high school into one that values connection, compassion, and excellence and her legacy is evident in the thousands of students she has guided, the programs she has established, and the community she continues to uplift.

“Mary's commitment to student success is unmatched,” said WVHS Principal Georgianna Diopoulos. “Her work goes far beyond the daily responsibilities of a counselor. She is deeply invested in helping students achieve their goals and approach life beyond high school with confidence and purpose.”

“Every school has a faculty member or two who, without fanfare, sets the tone. At Warwick Valley High School, that's Mary Fox,” sai. “She's been the steady guide for students and for more than a few new administrators, helping them navigate high school and imagine what comes next, all while keeping our best traditions alive.”

Nancy Scheinert received the Excellence in Pupil Personnel Award. She has been a helping hand and steady presence within the district for the past 18 years, beginning her career here as a substitute teacher and aide in 2005, later serving as a monitor at Park Avenue Elementary, then as an instructional aide at both the middle and high school levels. Since 2015, she has been an invaluable member of the Sanfordville Elementary School community, where she works as an instructional aide in a special education classroom. In each of her district positions, one of her greatest strengths is her ability to build meaningful connections with those around her.

Ms. Scheinert provides individualized attention to every student she assists, whether she’s clarifying material, reteaching a concept or offering encouragement when it’s needed. Her reliability, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit make her a cornerstone of the Sanfordville team. Beyond her instructional role, she is deeply involved in both school and community life, helping to organize events through the Sanfordville Sunshine Club, coordinating food and clothing drives for local families, and supporting holiday meal collections for those in need.

“It doesn't matter if you are a substitute teacher, custodian, fellow aide, teacher, or administrator; Nancy treats everyone with the same respect,” said Sanfordville Principal Johnna Maraia. “Her kindness, patience, and nurturing spirit make her a trusted friend and advocate for students and colleagues alike. I can confidently say that Nancy's dedication enriches our school, our district and our entire community in countless ways,” said Principal Maraia. “We are truly fortunate to have her as a part of our team and it’s a genuine privilege to recommend her for this well-deserved recognition.”

Mark Thompson received the Excellence in Support Staff Award. For 37 years, Mr. Thompson has been a constant source of reliability and positivity for those around him. As head custodian at Warwick Valley Middle School, he takes great pride in ensuring that the building is safe, clean, and welcoming for every student, staff member, and visitor who walks through its doors. 

In his role, Mr. Thompson oversees the school’s custodial team, manages maintenance and supplies, and coordinates closely with administration to keep operations running smoothly. It’s his attitude, as much as his skill and dedication, that make him truly indispensable. Teachers and staff know they can always count on Mark, whether it’s a last minute request, an urgent facilities issue, or a special setup for an event.

“Without question, Mark is one of the kindest, most dedicated, and hardest-working individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” said Ms. Diopoulos, who worked with Mr. Thompson at WVMS from 2018 to 2023. “His work ethic is second to none. There is no task that is too small or too great, and he carries all of them out with professionalism and pride. Perhaps most inspiring is his unwavering dedication. Regardless of weather conditions -- including heavy snowstorms -- Mark travels a great distance to make sure the building was prepared and safe for students and staff to enter. His commitment to the well-being of our school community is exceptional and deeply appreciated by all who work with him.”

Please join us in congratulating these dedicated members of the Warwick Valley school community on this well-deserved recognition!