Williamsville PTA honors three for service

The Williamsville Parent Teacher Association Council has selected three recipients of the American Service to Youth Award, who will be honored at a dinner on Tuesday, May 8.

They are: Catherine Sutherland, professional recipient, and Lynne Fiddler, support staff recipient, both from Transit Middle School, and Kathy Zigrossi, volunteer recipient from North High School.

Sutherland has been a vocal music teacher at Transit Middle for the past 14 years, and this year marks her 25th year as a music teacher in the Williamsville District.

"She is the consummate professional, a true role model, and a master teacher. She arrives at school at the crack of dawn and remains way into the evening hours to plan motivating lessons for her students. Her classroom initiatives are purposely designed to promote musical development and impact the 'whole child,'" the PTA said.

She is a member of the Character Development Committee and volunteers her time to many professional organizations in the field of music education.

Fiddler, a teacher's aide with the special education department at Transit Middle since 1993, is being recognized for her patience, understanding and dedication to children with special needs.

"Lynne gives her all to help children and goes above and beyond the call of duty. She has a terrific way of fostering learning while building self-esteem. The children look to her for support because they know she will be there for them," the PTA Council said.

She has volunteered at Forest and Ledgeview Elementary schools, Clarence Middle and High schools. Fiddler is also involved at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Williamsville and coordinates winter holiday presents for all the children at School 35 in Buffalo, where not one child comes from a family that is above the poverty level. Each child receives at least one clothing item, a toy and a book.

Zigrossi has been an active PTA/PTSA member for more than 20 years at Dodge, Casey, and Williamsville North.

"Quietly, with little fanfare, she will do whatever is asked of her. If she sees a need it is taken care of. Kathy, with thoughtful determination, has recruited others in support of programs. She encourages other parents to help better the experiences of the students," the PTA said.. "Her motto is always 'I would never ask someone to do something that I wouldn't do myself.'"

She has worked on the Wellness Committee, Shared Decision Making Team, and the Parent Speaker Series. Zigrossi has also been an active volunteer in Girl Scouts, American Cancer Society, and American Lung Association.

The awards ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 at East High School, 151 Paradise Road.