The 2026 Henry Scipione Award
Please help us congratulate Caitlin Barnard as the 2026 recipient of the Henry Scipione Award!
Every great teacher has a unique journey, but this year’s honoree took a special path to the York School District. When she made the leap from the corporate world to the classroom, our entire community won. She initially joined the York School District as a substitute teacher, but “substitute” hardly covered the impact she had on the staff and students. From the start, she had the energy, heart, and presence to make an immediate difference. Her talent was so obvious that even when she shifted to a full-time position in another district, the York schools never stopped hoping she’d find her way back to us. When a position opened up, we didn’t hesitate to bring her back home where she belonged—and that was one of the best decisions we have made.
For her, leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about action with a heart. Long before she was ever named an official Team Leader, she was already serving as a natural teacher leader. It seems to be in her blood, as she is someone who constantly advocates for the children. She collaborates beautifully with her peers and continuously pushes for positive changes across her grade level, while also keeping an eye on connections across the whole school and within the district. She raises the bar for all educators and makes people want to be better just by being around her.
Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but as we all know, it certainly has its tough days. What makes today’s honoree so extraordinary is that no matter how challenging things got, she showed up every single day with grace, optimism, and an unmistakable smile. That warmth and steady positivity lights up the hallway at Village Elementary, making the people around her—staff, students, and families—feel safe, valued, and capable of big things.
About the Henry R. Scipione Award
The York Education Foundation established the Henry R. Scipione Award in 2012 to honor Superintendent Dr. Scipione, who was instrumental in establishing YEF in 2004. The York Education Foundation gives this award each year to an educator whose efforts serve to promote and advance excellence in education for students in the York Public Schools. Dr. Scipione continues to be honored each year with the presentation of this award in the amount of $1,500.00.
YEF invites local citizens, school staff, parents, and students to submit nominations for educators in the York School System who have had an especially positive impact on their lives. Participation in nominating a recipient is important, and all statements and stories regarding the educator of their choice will be considered in the selection by the York Education Foundation Board of Directors.
2026-2027 Grant Awards
The York Education Foundation is pleased to announce the award of 6 grants totaling $35,000 for the 2026/27 school year with 1 for VES, 1 for CRES, 1 for YMS, 1 for the YCA, 1 for adult education, and 1 district wide.
Audiobooks for All, Caitlin Bernard, 1st grade teacher, VES: Purchase 48 YOTO audiobook players (4 per classroom) and YOTO cards to increase literacy. Screen/microphone/camera-free, ad-free, tactile, durable devices which will lead to child-led independence, enthusiasm, and exploration.
The Interactive Bridge: Enhancing Engagement for Specialized Learning, Melissa Jean, Special Ed Teacher & Case Manager for the Tide Program, CRES: 75” CTI/Google Enterprise Device (interactive board) to increase student engagement across all academic areas and learning styles.
Math/Science Interactive Board, Matthew Duggan, 6th Grade Math & Science, YMS: 75” SMART Technologies/Google Enterprise Device (interactive board) allowing students to engage with content in dynamic and interactive ways making abstract ideas more accessible.
Add Live Streaming Capabilities to the YCA, Wes Raines, YCA Manager, YCA: Purchase of audio equipment necessary for live-streaming YCA events starting in the new school year.
Creating the Skill Gain Cafe, Lisa Roberston, Director, ADULT ED: Adding to another grant Lisa has obtained to help create an adult focused environment designed to improve collaboration, communication, and real-world readiness.
The Resilience Project: Interrupting Anxiety and School Refusal Pattern, Michael Harris, Principal, DISTRICT WIDE: “Pattern interrupt” initiative to create a permanent shift in York’s education culture featuring nationally recognized psychotherapist Lynn Lyons.
THESE YEF GRANTS TOTALING $35,000 BRING OUR TOTAL HISTORICAL GIFTS TO $353,000!
We’ve updated the Grant History Page with this year’s grants, which can be accessed from the Grants menu.
Announcing the 3rd Annual YEF Golf Tournament at York Golf and Tennis
⛳️ Tee Off for a Great Cause! ⛳️
We’re thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual York Education Foundation Golf Tournament happening Thursday, October 8 at the stunning York Golf & Tennis Club..
Last year’s tournament sold out fast, and we expect the same this year, so don’t wait to sign up!
It’s not just a day of golf, but your participation directly supports students, teachers, and creative learning opportunities right here in York. 💙
- 18-hole scramble format
- Carts provided
- Chef-prepared grill lunch included
- Post-tournament reception with a cash bar
- Silent auction with amazing items
- Not a golfer? No problem. Reception-only tickets are available too.
But seriously… spots are limited and last year was a full house. So grab your foursome or your seat at the reception table before they’re gone!
👉 Register, sponsor, or donate now:
Nominations now open for the 2026 Dr. Henry R. Scipione Award
Nominations are now open for the York Education Foundation’s 2026 Henry R. Scipione Award. Each year YEF recognizes an educator or administrator whose efforts serve to promote and advance excellence in education for students in York Public Schools with a monetary award. YEF is excited to announce that this year’s award has increased from $500 to a $1,500 unrestricted cash award!
YEF invites local citizens, school staff, parents, and students to submit nominations for educators in the York School District who have had an especially positive impact on their lives. Participation in nominating a recipient is very important, and all statements and stories regarding the nominees will be considered in the award selection by the York Education Foundation Board of Directors. The nomination window will close on May 31.
Help us recognize and honor the dedicated and inspiring educators who are shaping our community’s future.
Salty’s 5K & 10K Roadraces – May 3
The Salty’s 5K & 10K Double Nubble returns to York Beach on Sunday, May 3 at 9:00 AM, kicking off the local running season.
The York Education Foundation (YEF) is honored to be this year’s beneficiary, with proceeds from the race directly support innovative grants, programs, and enhanced learning opportunities for students and educators across York’s schools.
The course is a single loop for the 5K and double loop for the 10K that follows the shoreline up and around the iconic Nubble Lighthouse. Runners of all ages are welcome to attend and give it their all in York’s first road race of the year!
To find out more information about the event and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/YorkBeach/Saltys5K10
2026-2027 Grant Cycle Update
Applications must be returned before April 17, 2026 for the 2026-2027 new school year. Go to our Grant Information Page for full information, or jump directly to the new application in Google Docs.
2026-2027 Grant Cycle Opens Feb 2!
The new grant cycle starts February 1. Go to our Grant Information Page for full information. Or jump directly to the new application in Google Docs. Applications must be returned before April 17, 2026 for the 2026-2027 new school year.
Jimmy Neel Receives 2025 Dr. Henry R. Scipione Award
Congratulations to Jimi Neel, recipient of the 2025 Henry Scipione Award.
Jimi has been a teacher in our district for 25 years, and in that time his passion for music has never wavered. He began as a chorus teacher in a room under the gym, where he did his best to keep students on beat despite the constant soundtrack of bouncing basketballs and stomping feet overhead. Eventually, he moved into the role we know him best for today — Band Director — where he has guided students from their very first notes of Hot Crossed Buns all the way to honors festivals, collecting awards for both concert and jazz bands along the way.
Jimi connects with students not just through music, but by showing genuine interest in their lives, adding humor to rehearsals, and holding high standards for what he knows they can achieve. He plans every lesson with precision, mapping out each piece into detailed outlines for every section, and can even demonstrate by playing all the instruments himself. Beyond the classroom, Jimi takes that same passion into the community, leading parades, concerts, and events that showcase the incredible talents of his students.
The Dr. Henry R. Scipione Award
The York Education Foundation established the Henry R. Scipione Award in 2012 to honor Superintendent Dr. Scipione, who was instrumental in establishing YEF in 2004. The York Education Foundation gives this award each year to an educator whose efforts serve to promote and advance excellence in education for students in the York Public Schools.
Dr. Scipione continues to be honored each year with the presentation of this award in the amount of $500.00. YEF invites local citizens, school staff, as well as parents and students, to submit nominations for educators in the York School System who have had an especially positive impact on their lives. Participation in nominating a recipient is important, and all statements/stories regarding the educator of their choice will be considered in the selection by the York Education Foundation Board of Directors.
10/09 Golf Tournament Results
So much to say, we added a page!
We awarded prizes for Long drive and closest-to-the-pin.
The silent auction featured fifty or so items including local gift cards and crafts, a turkey roaster, golf equipment and outings, a surveying package, and 6 day/5 night stay at the renowned Pinehurst #2 golf club.
Overall, the event raised more than $30,000 for next year’s grants!!
2025-2026 Grant Awards
Adaptive Recorders, Sarajane St. John, Music Teacher, CRES: Purchase 15 NUVO Recorder + recorders for 3rd and 4th grade music students who find traditional recorders inaccessible.
Sewing with 5th Graders, Suzi Young, 5th grade teacher, YMS: Purchase sewing supplies for all 5th grade classes to teach sewing and embroidery as part of the Living History Program.
Conversemos, Sarah Bolaños, World Language Dept. Chair, YHS: 150 subscriptions to Speakable, an on-line language learning platform leveraging AI in student instruction and assessment.
Learning in Motion, Amanda Benoit, School Counselor, VES: Following research which indicates that movement facilitates learning in children, her plan is to provide 2 kid sized stationary bikes to be available for Pre-K to Grade 2.
Collaborative Learning & Social Skills (CLASS), Lynn Sheehan, Executive Secretary, YMS: An effort to provide an environment for developmentally delayed adults to feel a sense of community, foster their independence, and reduce isolation.
Class Economy, Beth Knight, 6th Grade ELA Teacher, YMS: An effort to teach students life skills through a virtual class economy run through a website called Class Bank where students earn and spend digital money.
First Green Program, Linda Nichols, Biology Teacher, YHS: Participation in a hands-on outreach education program through the Golf Course Superintendents Association where students study biology and sustainability.
Advisory Resources for Student Growth, Nancy Lindbom, 7th grade teacher, YMS: This project is focused on developing a full year structured curriculum for the Puma team to promote team building, social-emotional well being and student engagement.
Wicked Good Wildcats Positive Behavior, Kevin Etter, Teacher, YMS: Strengthen this on-going and successful behavior improvement project by reinforcing positive behavior beyond mere recognition.
Adaptive Resources to Improve Classroom Behavior, Kate Cervenka, Ed Tech, CRES: Improve concentration and engagement, and decrease disruptive behavior with adaptive seating allowing teachers to re-direct children that are unable to focus.
Maple Syrup Project, Michael Harris, Principal, CRES: Create a multi-year “Coastal Ridge Maple Sugaring Program” experiential learning opportunity centered around the traditional practice of maple sugaring.
THESE YEF GRANTS TOTALING $21,125 BRING OUR TOTAL HISTORICAL GIFTS TO $318,000… AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED!
Grant History is Now Available Online
We’ve added a set of pages for Grant History, which can be accessed from the Grants menu. Here’s a direct link: Grant History
Thanks for visiting Stage Neck April 3!
We had a good outing at the Stage Neck Inn on April 3. Guests got to meet members of the YEF Board, saw a presentation about our history and mission, and saw a demo of the latest from the Robotics Team. Stage Neck served hors d’oeuvres and cold drinks.
See us @ Stage Neck Inn on April 3!
Join us on Thursday evening, April 3, 2025, at 6:00 at the beautiful Stage Neck Inn to learn a little bit about who we are, what we do and how you can be a part of this great organization! We will be offering cold drinks, wonderful hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar overlooking the mouth of the York River.
How You Can Help
We are currently looking for parents and community members to become involved in several ways: Grant Committee, Fund Raising, and Board Members are needed!
Special Thanks to The Stage Neck Inn for hosting our event!
Here’s a link to the full Meet and Greet flyer
2025-2026 Grant Cycle is Open!
For more information, please go to our Grant Information page. Grant Applications will be accepted until April 18.
Pickleball Fundraiser Update
We had a very successful tournament at Seacoast Pickleball. Look here for more details and pictures!
