John Wilcox Award

Congratulations to Mrs. Karen Brown! 

At Commencement, Superintendent of Schools Jamie Farr proudly presented the prestigious John Wilcox Award to Mrs. Karen Brown, Reading Teacher at Canandaigua Academy. Mrs. Brown was surprised today with the award.

Mrs. Brown has been a dedicated educator at Canandaigua Academy since September 2004. In her role, she works closely with students to help them become stronger, more confident readers, while also serving as a valuable resource for fellow teachers by sharing effective instructional strategies.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Brown is the devoted advisor of the Key Club, sponsored by the Canandaigua Kiwanis Club. Under her guidance, the club leads a variety of community service initiatives, including Toys for Tots and volunteering at the Granger Homestead. She also generously gives her time as a chaperone on the annual Senior Trip each November.

Mrs. Brown is known throughout the school community as a tireless advocate for students. Colleagues and students alike describe her as “patient,” “the kindest person I know,” “beyond helpful,” “compassionate,” and “someone who truly got to know me.” One noted, “She has a contagious smile that lights up every room she enters.”

As part of the award presentation at Commencement, Mrs. Brown received a beautiful piece of artwork depicting the iconic Canandaigua Lake boat houses, created by Taylor Pennise, a member of the Class of 2025 who has worked closely with Mrs. Brown through Key Club.

Named in honor of longtime Canandaigua Academy principal John Wilcox, the John Wilcox Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a staff member in the Canandaigua City School District.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Karen Brown on this well-deserved and outstanding recognition!

 

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 of the John Wilcox Award are: Rick Gollaher, Brian Dermody, Arlene DeVinney, Deborah Wilbur, John Michalko, Trish Kelley, John LaFave, Annette Annesi, Greg Kane, Amy Principato, Brian Amesbury, Mandy Dedrick-Gerstner, Josh Mull, Mary Ann Pavone, and Kelly Smith.

Written nominations are welcome from any member of the Canandaigua community. Your nomination should highlight the reason the staff member you are nominating exemplifies the characteristics described above. Your nomination letter can be sent to Matt Schrage by Friday, May 23, 2025 at the following address:

Matt Schrage, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Canandaigua City School District
143 North Pearl Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424

or you may nominate via e-mail to Mr. Schrage at schragem@canandaiguaschools.org

Thank you.