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.