AMHERST — Recipients of the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching awards, the Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award and the Robert Frost Teaching Chairs were honored at the 2026 Convocation that kicked off the school year for Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools staff.
Gathered at the auditiorum at the Amherst Regional High School Aug. 25, the event also honored milestone anniversaries for staff members and had a theme of “The Power of One,” with a keynote presentation by Sarah Fefer, a University of Massachusetts psychology professor.
Jennifer Chylack, Krista Larsen and Gerardo Zelaya earned Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards, recognizing educators across the region who make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.
Miguelina Hernandez, a fourth-grade teacher, is the recipient of the Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award, which celebrates excellence in teaching at the elementary level and is named in honor of Wallace, a longtime Amherst educator. Those chosen demonstrate instructional excellence, student-centered values and a commitment to inclusive education.
At the secondary level, Geoff Friedman and Kristen Ripley were celebrated as the 2026 Robert Frost Teaching Chair Award recipients. Friedman has taught mathematics at the high school for 28 years, teaching courses ranging from pre-algebra through calculus. Ripley has worked with the schools since 2017 and at the high school since 2021, where she teaches drawing, watercolor and fiber arts.
Fefer’s keynote was titled, “Who Are We Missing? Elevate Family-School Connections Without Doing More,” and challenged staff to reconsider what meaningful family engagement can look like, saying, “the goal is not more communication. It is more useful connection for each family.”
Her presentation explored how trust can improve outcomes for students, help families experience schools as supportive places, and give educators relationships they can draw upon when challenges arise.
“The power of one begins with recognizing that every person in our district has the ability to make a difference,” Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman said in a statement. “One interaction, one encouraging word, one moment of patience, or one decision to reach out can change how a student, family, or colleague experiences their entire day. When hundreds of us make those choices together, the power of one becomes the power of an entire community.”
The convocation was planned by central office staff, including Labor Relations Specialist Meghan Dushko.
Spring Street paving
A short section of Spring Street, in front of the 26 Spring Street mixed-use building, was closed for paving in late August, coinciding with freshmen move-in day at Amherst College.
Taylor Davis Co. Paving & Site Work got the work done in one day, starting with the milling before putting down the asphalt.
“A good day’s work and a great finished product,” the company wrote in a Facebook post.
The resurfacing was a condition set for the development of the project, across from the Inn on Boltwood, when approved several years ago.
UMass community relations
Jon Scully, who brings experience in community development, fundraising, organizational leadership and partnership development, is the new director of community relations at UMass.
Scully will lead initiatives that strengthen connections between UMass and surrounding neighborhoods, civic organizations, municipal leaders and businesses, serving as the primary liaison to residents and local leaders, helping to address issues affecting the quality of life in communities surrounding campus.
“UMass Amherst is an incredible institution and an important part of the fabric of this community,” Scully said in a statement. “I’m excited to build on the university’s strong relationships throughout Amherst, Hadley and the surrounding region. I look forward to listening to our neighbors, understanding their priorities and working together to make a positive impact.”
In his new role, Scully also will represent the university at town meetings and community forums and oversee outreach and engagement initiatives. He will provide leadership for the UMass Amherst Community Campaign and UMass Downtown.
Scully joins UMass Amherst from Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, where, since 2022, he managed the Grateful Patient Program.
Scully succeeds Tony Maroulis, who is now executive director for economic development.
School employee departs
A 12-year employee of the Amherst Regional School District is the new principal at a school in Cheshire.
Dwayne Chamble, most recently the school support and engagement liaison in Amherst, was recently named principal at Hoosac Valley Middle School, where students from Cheshire and Adams are educated.
“I am honored to join the Hoosac Valley community and look forward to serving our students, families and community partners as we begin the 2026–2027 school year,” Chamble wrote in a message to families.
Song & Story Swap performance
Folksinger and storyteller Mike Agranoff will perform at First Church, 165 Main St., Saturday at 7 p.m.
Agranoff’s main instrument is fingerstyle guitar and he also plays English concertina, piano, banjo or sings a cappella.
The monthly Song & Story Swap is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society of Western Massachusetts.
