May 7, 2026

We are very proud to congratulate several staff members who are recipients of  Mid-Hudson School Study Council Awards!

• Wilson Castro, Principal of Van Wyck JHS, received the Friend of the Council Award, in recognition of his work assisting the Council with the SUNY New Paltz Administrative Cohort Program at Van Wyck.
• Denise Ferrara, third-grade teacher at James S. Evans Elementary school, received the Teaching Excellence Award, which recognizes teachers who have demonstrated excellence in achieving the educational mission of their school and District.
• Kathy Minasi, WCSD bus driver, was honored with the prestigious Golden Apple Award, a tribute to her 50-plus years of service to the District and its mission.

"We are very grateful to the Mid Hudson School Studies Council for recognizing Mrs. Minasi, Mrs. Ferrara, and Mr. Castro for their outstanding service and  dedication  to the Wappingers CSD community and the Mid Hudson Region,” said Dr. Dwight Bonk, Superintendent of Schools. “We are very fortunate to have them serving in their respective roles."