Over the past several weeks, we invited nominations for our 2025 Person of the Year. Colleagues, supervisors, students, parents, and community members all had the chance to recognize someone who truly makes a difference in our district. Being nominated alone says a great deal about the impact a person has on others. 

This year, we had eight outstanding nominees:

• Joy McDowell- Speech Therapist WPS

• Tricia Tomczyk – 2nd grade teacher WPS

• Katie Mentone- Social Worker WIS

• Libby Kincanon- 6th Grade ELA teacher WMS

• Alicia Blair- 6th grade Science teacher WMS

• Todd Jacobek- WIS Building Foreman

• Jakub Banbor- District Technology Coordinator

• The WPTC Executive Board 

All eight bring so much heart and dedication to our schools and community. The Board had a very tough decision to make.

With that said, I am thrilled to announce that our 2025 Person of the Year is… Alicia Blair from WMS!

Alicia is known for her deep commitment to her students, her positive energy, and her consistent dedication to going above and beyond in the school. Her influence is felt far beyond her own students, and she is truly deserving of this honor.  

Alicia will be recognized at the Westchester Chamber of Commerce dinner later this year. The Board surprised her this morning with flowers at WMS, and we hope you’ll join us in congratulating her.