Students Say Thank You: A Week of Heartfelt Shoutouts

Posted On Tuesday May 06, 2025
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Dr. Brenna Towle pictured with Joseph Tetlow.

This week, we’re rolling out the red carpet for the stars of our Erie 1 BOCES schools — our incredible teachers and staff!

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is our favorite time of year to shine a spotlight on the people who make a lasting impact on our students’ lives every single day. From the first warm greeting at the front door to the extra help after class, our educators and support staff go above and beyond to make our schools not just a place of learning, but a place of community, growth, and inspiration.

To celebrate, we asked current and former students to share their heartfelt (and some hilarious!) messages of appreciation. The result? A collection of memories, shoutouts, and thank-yous that highlight just how much our staff means to our students.

Enjoy!

Dan Robinson-  Potter (Criminal Justice)

“Mr. Robinson always made me feel very welcome and was always in a good mood. He always made sure I stayed on track while having fun. He motivated me to go to school.”

-Matthew Barone (2025)

David Grieco – Potter (Building Trades)

"Throughout my two years with Mr. Grieco, I took all of the opportunities that were given to me. I applied them to my life and they helped me get where I am today as a manager for a company that I've been with since the year I graduated. I'll always be more than grateful for everything I was taught by Mr. Grieco and the fantastic 2 years of memories from the classroom and the shop."

- Tyler Kirkwood (2022)

Jane Wright – Kenton (Exercise Science)

"Ms. Wright is an amazing teacher and always going out of her way for her students. Each and everyday she strives to make sure everyone succeeds. You can tell she loves what she does and she wouldn’t trade it for anyone else . Her passion and dedication are just some of the things that make her a wonderful teacher!"

- Zoey Zuckerman (2025)

Jennifer Stein - PTECH

“Mrs. Stein has been a rock in my schooling career. She not only is an amazing English teacher but a role model. She has taught us much more than nouns and vocabulary, she has given us life lessons and given us confidence in our abilities.”

-Skylar Rowell (2025)

Tracie Blackman – Kenton (Cosmetology)

“Mrs. Blackman is a very well-spoken teacher, she has taught us unique techniques throughout our time here at BOCES so far. We all are very grateful to have her as a teacher to help us on our journey to getting our license. Mrs. Blackman always has a funny story to tell us when we get to class. She is very talented at what she does and is a great role model to all of us. We thank Mrs. Blackman for her time and many more months to come. We love you, Mrs. Blackman!”

- Juliana I, Lilah M, Kevin C (2025)

Michelle Montaldi – Potter (Health Careers)

“I went into this program unsure of what I wanted to be. Ms. Montaldi showed us why it is so amazing to work in the healthcare field and inspired me to pursue this career. She encouraged us and believed in us which made a huge difference. When I graduated nursing school, there was no one I was more excited to tell than her. I am currently working in a level 4 NICU in Rochester as a registered nurse, taking care of premature babies up to 22 weeks, this wouldn't have been possible without Ms. Montaldi, her hard work, her teaching efforts, and her dedication to her students.”

- Madison Fiorello ( 2019)

Michael Schermerhorn – Potter (Exercise Science)

“Mr. Schermerhorn is amazing. He includes everyone in activities. He makes sure everyone understands everything. He is very nice. He cares about how well we do in his class. He cares about us.”

- Anna Maki

Tom Wood - Potter (HVAC)

“Mr. Wood continued to show us what it means to be a service technician with his commitment to make us better as students. His patience with teaching and understanding of the HVAC trade shows he is extremely passionate about our industry. His class is the stepping stone to making a very great choice for your financial future.”

- Ryley Woodling (2018)

Richard Kozak – PTECH

“Mr. Kozak is one of my favorite teachers I have ever had, he never fails to have me laughing, and I always am ready to go back. And the aura that he has, the sheer force that comes out of him is enough to destroy a small town, and that's on a day that he isn't feeling well. Chuck Norris himself fears the day Kozak wants to meet with him. Kozak narrates Morgan freeman's life. He is simply better than everyone, he is my favorite, both as a teacher and powerful being.”

-  Leo Hunter

Michael Schermerhorn – Potter (Exercise Science)

“Mr. Schermerhorn puts up with a lot with the class, but still has fun with us. He teaches us with the best of his ability and helps us when we need it too!”

- Stephanie Stankowski

Richard Kozak – PTECH

“Lots of 80s music and a fun classroom environment. Mr. Kozak is able to make Shakespeare fun and has a great classroom environment.”

- Jacob  Habitzruther

Gary Carlson – Kenton (Auto Tech)

“Mr. Carlson truly was a great teacher not only did he teach us auto mechanics but he helped us understand how to do our own taxes and understand rental properties. He went above and beyond teaching us so much and he made school very enjoyable.”

- Jack Cotter (2023)

Frank Rosiek – Kenton (Welding)

“Mr. Rosiek is a super nice guy and always willing to do what it takes to help you as best as he can. I don’t weld for a career but I do work with some of the tools we used in class, if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have been as far ahead compared to others who applied for my position.”

- Steven Riester (2021)

Breanna Towle – Maryvale Academy

“During my journey with E1B I’ve changed a lot as a person and one of the largest inspirations for positive change was Dr. Towle, a teacher whose style of teaching went above and beyond to make learning fun and understandable. I wasn’t a fan of English before her, but after I not only understood it but developed a passion for writing and other language arts.”

- Joseph Tetlow (2022)

Joseph McNamara – Harkness (Cybersecurity and Networking)

“Mr. McNamara was an amazing teacher. He's always more than willing to help with a personal project or assignments. Makes for a fun class because of the freedom he gave I was able to learn so much more then I would have otherwise.”

- Rocco Misuraca (2025)

Margaret Holler – Kenton (Health Careers)

“When I first enrolled to attend BOCES, I was nervous and unsure what I wanted to do with my future.

I completed the program a completely different person than I started as- and I credit a lot of it to Mrs. Holler.

Not only was she able to make the material inspiring and engaging, but because the class size was small, she made sure to establish kind and supportive relationships with all of the students. I found myself excited to go to school, even after all of the changes COVID made. Mrs. Holler was passionate about healthcare and nursing, which was contagious. I found myself falling in love with the profession as I now attend a 4-year program to earn my RN, BSN. She was very thorough and supportive throughout my experience in the class.

Any time you came to class happy, mad, sad, stressed, etc- she noticed and made sure that you were noticed and took the time/efforts needed to make sure you were in the right space to learn and grow.

You hear these stories about teachers changing lives and go your entire high school career wondering if those stories are actually true. It wasn’t until BOCES that I lived my own story of a teacher changing my life. On a personal and educational level she showed unwavering support, compassion, enthusiasm, and kindness.

I would not be where I am today had I not taken the chance and enrolled in the Health Careers program. I am extremely grateful not only for the program itself which allowed me to graduate high school with a NYS medical license, but for the relationships and friendships I made and the eternal passion for nursing that was nurtured and encouraged by Mrs. Holler.”

- Julia Capage ( 2023)

Laura Karlnowski – Harkness (Animal Science)

“Miss K is an amazing teacher, she is incredibly passionate about her field and does so much to ensure her students share her excitement. She makes meaningful connections with students and embraces their personalities to the fullest!"

-Cat Viverito (2023)