Three Jamestown Public Schools District staff members were recently honored at the Western New York Educational Service Council’s (WNYESC) 11th annual Awards Banquet on April 27.

Jessie Joy, Jamestown Public Schools director of curriculum, instruction and assessment; Marci Centi, Ring Elementary School instructional coach; and LeighAnn Bellitto, Jamestown High School secretary, were honored.

Joy received the Award of Excellence for Administration, Centi was honored with the Award of Excellence for Teaching and Bellitto received the Award for Excellence for Support Staff Services. The awards were given out at the Awards for Excellence program, honoring teachers, support staff, administrators and board of education members. Nominations highlight how the nominee demonstrated dedication and exemplary service to the district and the regional educational community, how the individual demonstrated leadership, how they make a difference in the district, and why he or she is an outstanding member of the district.

Joy has worked for Jamestown Public Schools for 23 years. She began as a math teacher at Jamestown High School. She was promoted to district Math Department chairperson in 2004 and curriculum coordinator for math in 2006. In 2008, Joy was named to her current position as director of curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Centi began with JPS 11 years ago and was a second-grade teacher at Ring Elementary School for most of those years. Last year, she accepted a position as Ring Elementary School’s building instructional coach.

Bellitto started at JPS 20 years ago as a paraprofessional. She was promoted to the health and attendance clerk at Persell Middle School and became the Jamestown High School secretary in 2010.

“Jamestown Public Schools is very proud of Ms. Joy, Mrs. Centi and Mrs. Bellitto,” said Tim Mains, superintendent. “We know that our staff is extraordinary, but it is gratifying when an outside organization, such as WNYESC, recognizes the excellence of our employees. Ms. Joy, Mrs. Centi and Mrs. Bellitto exemplify the high-quality work of our administration, teachers and support services that all JPS employees strive to achieve. Congratulations to all three on a well-deserved honor.”

WNYESC is a nonprofit educational organization affiliated with SUNY at Buffalo representing 70 school districts in an eight-county region. For the 10th consecutive year, it has sponsored an excellence recognition program for support staff, teachers, administrators, superintendents and board of education members. Those honored for this recognition have all had a very positive impact on their schools and school districts and the students they serve.