GENEVA – The words “above and beyond” were heard more than once at the Geneva Area City School Board meeting in March.
Those words were often used to describe the Eagle Team Members of the Month, who were presented awards at the meeting.
Austinburg Elementary School first-grade teacher Stephanie McNeil was the first to be honored.
McNeil’s nomination for the award, which was read by district Superintendent Dr. Paul Lombardo, noted that she is a phenomenal teacher and her classroom always feels like a family.
“She works so hard, too, and truly cares about her students,” it reads.
“Thanks again, Stephanie,” Lombardo told her.
In addition to McNeil, the spotlight was also on two other teachers, a housekeeper, a secretary and the director of student services.
For Cork Elementary School, housekeeper Brenda Cork was honored.
Her nomination noted that she always goes above and beyond to help keep the school clean.
She helps the teachers when needed and is always quick to help when the custodian is out and an extra set of hands is needed, the nomination reads.
From GPS Elementary School, Angie Myers, a fifth-grade teacher, was honored.
Her nomination stated that she has gone above and beyond in her dedication to student success by fully embracing the new CKLA curriculum.
“Rather than simply following the manual, she has taken the time to deeply understand the knowledge-building structure of the program to best meet the diverse needs of her students,” it read.
Representing Geneva Middle School, secretary Marie Desmarais was presented the Eagle Team Member of the Month Award.
Lombardo read her nomination, which was from a parent.
The parent noted that Desmarais runs a tight ship, and is “always efficient and kind in getting us in and out of the office.”
“So, congratulations, Marie,” Lombardo told her.
From Geneva High School, science teacher John Barbo was honored.
His nomination read, “John is an outstanding high school science teacher and truly deserves the Eagle Team Member of the Month. He has a genuine love for teaching, which inspires both his students and colleagues to strive for excellence.”
It continued, “His positive attitude is contagious. He is consistently and generally upbeat, creating an encouraging environment for everyone around him. John goes above and beyond by developing new lessons, enhancing hands-on labs, and making learning exciting and meaningful.”
The nomination also noted that outside the classroom, Barbo volunteers his time on committees and is dedicated to improving the school. In addition, he has been instrumental in supporting the athletic director in creating updated, high-quality environments for the athletes, the nomination read.
“He’s dedicated and really deserves Eagle Team Member of the Month,” the nomination stated.
“So, congratulations, nicely done,” Lombardo told him.
From the board office, Dr. Crystal Bryski, Interim Director of Student Services, was the final employee to be honored.
Her nomination noted that she has been a huge asset to the special education department.
It continued, “She’s very knowledgeable. She’s clear and concise in communicating the information that needs to be disseminated. She is compassionate and passionate about our students. And she is really serving them in the best way possible.”
“So thank you to all our staff winners,” Lombardo said.
They were applauded.
Eagle Team Members of the Month March 2026
• Austinburg: Stephanie McNeil, first-grade teacher
• Cork: Brenda Cork, Housekeeper
• GPS: Angie Myers, fifth-grade teacher
• GMS: Marie Desmarais, Secretary
• GHS: John Barbo, Science Teacher
• Transportation/Main/BOE: Dr. Crystal Bryski, Interim Director of Student Services
