John Wilcox Award

Congratulations Mrs. Sabin – 2026 John Wilcox Award Winner
Congratulations to 2nd grade teacher Stacy Sabin on being named the 2026 John Wilcox Award winner. This is the highest honor given by the Canandaigua City School District to a staff member. The award is named in honor of longtime Canandaigua Academy principal Mr. John Wilcox and recognizes an employee who exemplifies the qualities he demonstrated as an educator dedicated to students.

Mrs. Sabin has taught 2nd grade for the past 11 years, and this is her first class to graduate from CA. She stays in touch with her students long after they leave her classroom and is described by many as being the happiest and friendliest person they know. She radiates positivity and works diligently to build strong relationships with the families of her students.

Congratulations, Mrs. Sabin, on this outstanding and well-deserved honor!

The John Wilcox Award

The John Wilcox Award is the Canandaigua City School District’s highest award given to academic and support staff. John Wilcox served as the Canandaigua Academy Principal from 1967-1986. His leadership was exemplified by his high principles and his own personal code of conduct. Mr. Wilcox believed:

• In putting students first, in honoring them for who they are and celebrating their victories.
• To ensure student success, staff and family must show students they care – through love, support and involvement in the student’s life.
• Every student, when given the chance, could be successful.
• All students need and want structure, rules and discipline in their lives.
• In hard work and commitment, doing whatever it took to get the job done and more.
• In the Canandaigua City School District’s Character Education principles in all that he did both professionally and personally.
• In the Canandaigua School System, the community of Canandaigua and all who live and work here.

To honor the memory of Mr. Wilcox, who passed away on December 3, 2008, the Canandaigua City School District established the John Wilcox Award. This award is given at Commencement to a Canandaigua City School District staff member whose professional principles mirror those of John Wilcox.

Previous Winners

• 2010- Rick Gollaher, Bus Driver
• 2011- Brian Dermody, Academy Science Teacher
• 2012- Arlene DeVinney, Academy Administrative Aide
• 2013- Deborah Wilbur, Academy Special Education Teacher
• 2014- John Milchalko, Middle School Enrichment Teacher
• 2015- Trish Kelley, Academy Players' House Manager
• 2016- John LaFave, Director of Student Support Services
• 2017- Annette Annesi, Elementary Teacher
• 2018- Greg Kane, Music Curriculum Area Lead Teacher
• 2019- Amy Principato, School Psychologist
• 2020- Brian Amesbury, Elementary Principal
• 2021- Mandy Dedrick- Gerstner, School Pyschologist
• 2022 - Josh Mull - Art Teacher
• 2023 - Mary Ann Pavone - Kindergarten Teacher
• 2024 - Kelly Smith, Middle School Nurse
• 2025 - Karen Brown, Academy Reading Teacher
• 2026 Stacy Sabin, Primary School Teacher