About Us
Our Zone is made up of members living and/or working in Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties. We host monthly meetings from September through May and a local conference in the spring. We invite you to join us and become a part of a diverse and robust organization that continually works to enhance our members knowledge and skills, ensuring their students have the highest quality health and physical education programs possible.
If you have questions, we encourage you to review our webpage or reach out to Aimie Sarkodie-Mensah-Best & Monica Wolfe, Central North Zone Co-Presidents.
Zone Leadership
Christina Digristina Mazur
President
Holland Patent CSD
Contact Christina
Aimie Sarkodie-Mensah-Best & Monica Wolfe
Past Presidents
President-elect
2024-2025 Central North Zone Board
Click here to register.
Interested in presenting?
Click here to submit a call for programs application!
Meetings and Minutes
Please join us for the Central North Zone Meetings!
Click here for meeting details.
Conference and Webinars
Central North Zone has held a full day conference for members and non members, for the past several years and plan to continue the same moving forward.
We are working on plans for our next event.
Click here for details!
Awards
Central North Zone recognizes excellence among our dedicated professionals, higher education students and we are looking forward to celebrating our outstanding elementary. middle school and high school students with the Student Leadership Awards.
Click here to learn more.
Mini Grants
Central North Zone offers annual mini grants to our members. Funds are available for current Zone members for the purpose of funding new or existing physical education, health or dance related programs needs within their school districts. Applicants may apply for up to $100 in total or partial funding in grant requests.
Click here for details and an application.
All meetings will be held on Zoom unless otherwise indicated. 7PM start time.
2024-2025 Meetings
September 24, 2024
October 15, 2024 - Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2024 - 8:15 am Destiny USA, Syracuse (Meet in the Food Court)
January 14, 2025
January 29, 2025 – CNZ conference AT VVS
February 4, 2025
March 4, 2025
March 11, 2025 – Professional Awards Ceremony at Vernon Downs
April 8, 2025
May 6, 2025
June 9, 2025 – Student Leadership Awards (details TBD)
June 19, 2025 – Pickleball Breakfast Potluck
August 5, 2025
2023-2024 Meetings
September 26, 2023 - 7:00 pm on Zoom - meeting minutes
October 10, 2023 - 7:00 pm on Zoom ** Note Date/Time change - meeting minutes
December 5, 2023 - 7:00 pm on Zoom
January 16, 2024 - 9:00 am - Holland Patent MS - Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2024 - 7:00 pm on Zoom - Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2024 - 7:00 pm on Zoom - Meeting Minutes
May 17, 2024 - TBD
2022-2023 CNZ Meetings
August 18, 2022 - 12:00 pm at Meier’s Creek Brewery, 720 Van Rensselaer St, Syracuse 13204 - meeting minutes
September 20, 2022 7-9 pm Virtual- Meeting Minutes
October 18, 2022 4-6 pm @ Wegman’s in DeWitt - Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2022 7-9 pm Virtual - Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2023 7-9 pm Virtual
February 15, 2023 4-6 pm @ Wegman’s in DeWitt - Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023 4-6 pm @ Wegman’s in DeWitt
April 18, 2023 7-9 pm Virtual
May 19, 2023 4:30ish-? @ Green Lakes State Park- potluck picnic - Families are invited to attend
2021-2022 CNZ Meetings
August 25, 2021 1 pm - Heritage Hill Brewery
September 21, 2021 6-8 pm - via zoom - Meeting Minutes
October 19, 2021 6-8 pm - via zoom - Meeting Minutes
December 15, 2021 6-8 pm at Syracuse University - a Zoom link will be available for members who cannot make it in person. Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2022 6-8 pm - via zoom - Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2022 6-8 pm - via zoom - Meeting Minutes
March 8, 2022 6-8 pm - via zoom -Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2022 6-8 pm - via zoom - Meeting Minutes
May 24, 2022 4-dark - Pot Luck Picnic at Green Lakes State Park
Central North Zone has held a full day conference for members and non members, for the past several years and plan to continue the same moving forward.
Save the Date for the 2025 CNZ Conference
January 29, 2025 - Vernon Verona Sherrill CSD
Click here to submit a Call for Programs.
Conference History
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- 3/14/24 - Vernon Verona Sherril CSD
- 3/17/23 - Vernon Verona Sherril CSD
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- 3/15/2019 - Rome City Schools
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- 10/5/2018 - JL BOCES, Watertown
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- 3/17/2017 North Syracuse Junior High School
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- 3/4/2016 Onondaga Community College
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- 3/5/2015 Onondaga Community College
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- 3/28/2014 Mohawk Valley Community College
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- 1/25/2013 SUNY Cortland
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- 3/2/2012 Herkimer County Community College
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- 3/19/2010 VVS High School
Webinar History
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- 5/26/22 - Title: Yoga in the Classroom
- 3/30/22 - Title: Creating a Social and Emotional Toolbox for Health Educators!
- 2/15/22 - Title: A Sneak Peek at the NYS AHPERD Curriculum and Assessment Guidance Document: Second Edition (CAGD2)
- 4/21/21 - Title: CNZ Care to Share: Activities and Discussions from the NYS AHPERD March Virtual Conference
- 2/24/21 - Title: 7 Habits of Supremely Happy People, presented by: Yvonne Conte
- 1/12/21 - Title: Teambuilding Through a Pandemic, presented by: Mark Friedrich
Central North Zone holds an annual Award Dinner where talented, dedicated professionals in our local area are recognized.
Awards include the Central North Zone Teacher of the Year, Director of Distinction, Cheri Stevens Service Award, Bernard E. Hughes Award, Bob Brown Award, Helen's Heart Award, and the Professional of the Year Award recognition.
We appreciate your help in letting us know of a deserving colleague, administrator/coordinator and /or organization that is worthy of recognition.
Student Leadership Awards
The Central North Zone Student Leadership Award Committee is excited to announce that we will be hosting an in-person Student Leadership Award program again this year to recognize deserving students within our zone.
The 2025 Student Leadership Award program will be held in June of 2025. Stay tuned for more details.
C. Brian Oaks Future Professionals Honorarium
This award is presented to two Central North Zone students entering the college for Physical Education and/or Health Education.
2024
Angelena Walker, 2023 Sauquoit Valley CSD Graduate attending SUNY Cortland for Physical Education
Richard Fleischmann, 2023 Central Square CSD Graduate attending SUNY Brockport for Physical Education
2023
Brock Hunter, 2023 Alexandria CSD Graduate - Attending SUNY Jefferson for Physical Education
Parker Kristoff, 2022 South Lewis CSD Graduate - Attending SUNY Cortland for Physical Education
2022
Parker Kristoff, 2022 South Lewis CSD graduate attending SUNY Cortland for Physical Education
Brock Hunter, 2022 Alexandria CSD graduate attending Jefferson Community College for Physical Education.
2020
Nicholas Dec, 2019 Auburn Enlarged City SD Graduate Attending SUNY Cortland for Physical Education
Bailey Zicari, 2019 Lowville Academy Graduate Attending Jefferson Community College for Physical Education
Kayla Usborne, 2019 Madison Central School Graduate Attending SUNY Brockport for Physical Education
2019
Brittney Kuhn, 2018 Sauquoit Valley CSD Graduate
Physical Education Major at The College at Brockport
Central North Zone Award Recipients
Central North Zone strives to recognize the talented, dedicated professionals in our local area.
An email will be sent to all CNZ members when nominations are being accepted.
2024 Teachers of the Year
Barrett Hawes, Elementary Physical Education, Mount Markham Central School District
Nikki Lippert-Doss, Middle School Physical Education, Canastota Central School District
Lauren Reynolds, Secondary Physical Education, Hamilton Central School District
John Copp, Adapted Physical Education, Canastota Central School District
Anna Marriott, Health Educator, Phoenix Central School District
Christine Scollay, Aquatics, Syracuse University
2023 Teachers of the Year
Victoria Mazza, Elementary Physical Education - Auburn City School District
Steve Shoults, Middle School Physical Education - West Genesee Central School District
Kathryn Oaks, Secondary Physical Education - Hannibal Central School District
Donna Cappellano, Health Education - Cato-Meridian Central School District
Lori Peters, Aquatics - Watertown Central School District
John Oliver, Recreation/Adventure Education - Auburn City School District/ SUNY Cortland
2022 Teachers of the Year
Karyn Meaney, Elementary Physical Education - Lafayette Schools
Lisa Upson, Middle School Physical Education - Central Valley Schools
Allison Teachout, Secondary Physical Education - Auburn City School District
Casey Langendorfer, Health Education - Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District
Kristi Peterson, Aquatics - Utica City Schools
Reanna Zappavigna, Technology - Rome City Schools
2020 Teachers of the Year
Diane Penella, Elementary Physical Education Rome City School District
Kara Kleiboer, Middle School Physical Education Sackets Harbor Central School District
Diane Weismore, Secondary Physical Education Syracuse City School District
John Oliver, Adapted Physical Education Auburn City School District
Jack Popper, Aquatics Fulton City Schools
Jodi Bard, Health Educator Richfield Springs Central School District
Exercise Science/Sports Medicine Kulaa Bacheyie, Syracuse University
Higher Education Dr. Michael Norris, Syracuse University
2019 Teachers of the Year
Kelsey Maselli, Elementary Physical Education - Fulton City School District
Patrick Bond, Middle School Physical Education - Oswego City School District
Candace Sweeney, Secondary Physical Education - Baldwinsville Central School District
Shelly Connors, Dance - Auburn Enlarged City School District
Ed Curle, Aquatics - Syracuse City Schools
2018 Teachers of the Year
Debbie Lavner, Elementary Physical Education - Oswego City School District
Penny Leonard, Middle School Physical Education - Hannibal Central School District
Chrissy Popper, Secondary Physical Education - Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District
Ashleigh Barnhart-Burto , Health Education - Belleville Henderson Central School District
Jacqueline Graves, Aquatics - Syracuse City Schools
Kelly Schulz, Adapted Physical Education - Oswego BOCES
2017 Teachers of the Year
Kory McMahon, Elementary Physical Education - Fayetteville-Manlius School District
Scott Leonard, Elementary Physical Education - Hannibal Central School District
Alice Benjamin, Elementary Physical Education - Phoenix Central School District
Maureen White, Middle School Physical Education - Cortland Enlarged City School District
Tracey Engle, Secondary Physical Education - Jordan-Elbridge Central School District
Dan Gilmore, Health Education - Fulton City School District
2016 Teachers of the Year
Lynn Halliwell, Elementary Physical Education - Hannibal Central School District
Jane Connors, Secondary Physical Education - Central Valley School District
Daniel Barbaglia, Adapted Physical Education - Jordan-Elbridge Central School District
Daniel Stadtmiller, Health Education - Fulton City School District
Alissa DeBie, Dance - Syracuse City School District
2014 Teachers of the Year
Lyndsay Maloney, Elementary Physical Education - North Syracuse Central School District
Matt Barnello, Middle School Physical Education - Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District
Allison Peelle, Middle School Physical Education - Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District
Ashley Mirabito, Adapted Physical Education - Lyncourt Union Free School District
Karen Anderson, Health Education - Central Valley School District
Eileen Corlett, Dance - Syracuse City School District
2013 Teachers of the Year
Lindsay Kidder, Elementary Physical Education - Sauquoit Valley Central School District
Rebecca Peter, Middle School Physical Education - Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District
Darcey Cross, Secondary Physical Education - Clinton Central School District
Staphanie Moore, Adapted Physical Education - Jefferson Lewis BOCES
Lisa McAllister, Health Education - Port Byron Central School District
2012 Teachers of the Year
Ed Kupiec, Elementary Physical Education - Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District
Amy Coleman, Middle School Physical Education - Mt. Markham Central School District
Melissa O'Rourke Secondary Physical Education - Rome Free Academy
Nancy Garofano, Health Education - Fulton City School District
Lindsay Kidder, Dance - Sauquoit Valey School District
2011 Teachers of the Year
Hal Moore, Elementary Physical Education - Camden Central School District
Steven Gates, Middle School Physical Education - Mt. Markham Central School District
Shelly Connors, Secondary Physical Education - Auburn Enlarged City School District
William Myers, Adapted Physical Education - OCM BOCES
Kelly Schulz, Aquatics - Oswego BOCES
MaryJo Donaldson, Health Education - Oneida Central School District
Danae Bader, Dance - DMB Dance Prod.
2010 Teachers of the Year
Jack Silvestri, Elementary Physical Education - Whitesboro Central School District
Duane Weimer, Middle School Physical Education - Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School District
Jason Izzo, Secondary Physical Education - Herkimer Central School District
Matt Dadey, Adapted Physical Education - East Syracuse Minoa Central School District
Mary Beth King, Health Education - Clinton Central School District
Erica Kent, Dance - Morrisville-Eaton Central School District
2009 Teachers of the Year
Monica Wolfe, Elementary Physical Education - Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School District
Janine Corning, Middle School Physical Education - West Genesee Central School District
Chris Villieri, Secondary Physical Education - South Lewis Central School District
Carol Martin, Adapted Physical Education - O-H-M BOCES
Michelle Moore, Aquatics - Rome Free Academy
John Manion, Health Education - Hannibal Central School District
Shelley Mitchell, Dance - Oneida YMCA
Director of the Year for Health & Physical Education
2024 John Jeffries, Phoenix Central School District
2023 Benjamin Steuerwalt, Syracuse City School District
2022 Corey Pike, Owen D. Young Central School District
2020 Matt Murphy, Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District
2019 April Wertheim, Syracuse City School District
2017 Duane Weimer, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District
2016 Scott Sugar, Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District
2014 Chris Ells, Fulton Central School District
2013 C. Brian Oaks, South Lewis Central School District
2012 Stan Congden, Herkimer Central School District
2011 Sandy Williams, Rome Free Academy
2010 Tam Ray, Auburn Enlarged City School District
2009 Tony Pascale, West Genesee Central School District
Cheri Stevens Service Award
2024 Renee Brown, Retired Teacher
2023 Lindsey Kidder, Sauquoit Central School District
2022 Monica Wolfe, Cooperstown Central Schools
2020 Alissa Staub, Syracuse City School District
2019 Amy Coleman, Mt. Markham Central School District
2018 Sandy Williams, Rome City Schools
2017 Shelly Connors, Auburn Enlarged City School District
2016 David Leach, Town of Webb Union Free School District (posthumously)
2014 Ashleigh Barnhart-Burto, Belleville-Henderson Central School District
2013 Monica Tooley, Little Falls Central School District
2012 Janet Getman, Herkimer Central School District
2011 Joanne Thornton, North Syracuse City School District
2010 Jane Connors, Ilion Central School District
2009 Rob Wheelock, Sauquoit Valley Central School District
Bernard E. Hughes Award
2024 Lisa Corbett, NYS AHPERD
2023 Onondaga County Health Dept, Syracuse, NY Adriana Savage, Community Health Counselor
2022 Upstate Aquatics LLC, Marrick McDonald, CEO
2020 Move Along, Inc., Baldwinsville, NY Jeff Wright, Executive Director
2019 AccessCNY - David Selover (Program Coordinator for Project Adapt), Syracuse, NY
2018 YWCA Mohawk Valley, Melissa Loiacano, YWCA Mohawk Valley Community Coordinator
2017 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Wendy Fical
2017 NY National Archery in Schools Program, Melissa Bailey
2016 WKTV "Movin' Mondays" - Jill Reale & Jason Powles
2014 Clinton Arena, Clinton, NY
2013 BRiDGES to Prevent Tobacco
2012 Chobani
2011 John MacDougall, Nice N'Easy
2010 Potato Hill Outdoor Education Ctr
2009 Meg Gibbons, American Heart Association
Bob Brown Award
2024 Jessica Brownsell, Town of Webb Union Free School District
2023 Steve Yarnell, Syracuse University/Retired Teacher
2022 Bruce Risley, Dolgeville Schools
2020 Mike Felice, Liverpool Central SD
2019 Christina Buschmann, Retired Clinton CSD
2018 Renee Brown, Retired
2017 Jodi Bard, Richfield Springs Central School District
2016 Elaine Hage, Retired
2014 Amy Coleman, Mt. Markham Central School District
2013 Tom Winiecki, Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District
2012 Sandy Williams, Rome Free Academy
2011 Bruce Risley, Dolgeville Central School District
2010 Monica Wolfe, Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School District
2009 C. Brian Oaks, South Lewis Central School District
Helen's Heart Award
2024 Isabella Orlando, Fulton City School District
2023 Ben Russo, West Canada Valley CSD
2022 Kristie Morris
2020 Alfonzo Whitehurst, Syracuse City School District
2019 TJ Hoose, Richfield Springs Central School District
2018 Reanna Zappavigna, SUNY Cortland
2017 Payge Lehman, Madison Central School District
2016 Barrett Hawes, Mt. Markham Central School District
2014 Helen Robinson, Utica City School District
Professional of the Year
2024 Courtney Cunningham, Sherburne-Earlville Central School District
2023 Theodore Swavely, Rome Free Academy
2022 Amy Dommer, Herkimer Community College
2020 Dr. Brian Bellair, Whitesboro Central School District
2019 Jonna Costin, Central Valley School District
2018 Michael Norris, Syracuse University
2017 Deborah Spinella, Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES
2016 Tammy Alcott, Waterville Central School District
2013 Colleen Corsi, NYS AHPERD
2012 Cindy Cornish, Central Square School District
2011 Jim Drancszk, Phoenix Central School District
2010 Mark Bader, Baldwinsville Central School District
2009 Jessica Synenki, NYS AHPERD
Joy of Effort Award
2024 Christina Mazur, Holland Patent Central School District
2023 Colleen Corsi, NYS AHPERD Executive Director
2020 Steve Yarnell, Adjunct Instructor at SU & Retired Teacher & Coach
Coach of the Year
2024 Lori Peters, Watertown City School District
2023 Gene Mills, Phoenix CSD
2022 Courtney Roberts, Sauquoit Valley Schools
2020 Jonna Costin, Central Valley Central School District
2019 Cheryl Polinsky, LaFayette Central School District
Exercise Science/Sports Medicine Professional of the Year
Rebecca DeMario, Jordan-Elbridge Central School District
Future Professional of the Year
2024 Carter Galle, SUNY Cortland
2023 Nathaniel DePerno, SUNY Cortland
American Heart Association Award History
Amazing People Award Recipients
Amazing People award recipients are selected by the Zone President with input from the Zone Board. The award is presented at the NYS AHPERD Conference in November.
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- 2024 Christina Mazur
- 2023 Lindsay Kidder
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- 2022 Steve Yarnell
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- 2020 Alissa DeBie
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- 2019 Amy Coleman
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- 2018 Sandy Williams
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- 2017 Tamela Ray
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- 2016 Shelly Connors
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- 2015 Diane Penella
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- 2014 Bruce Risley
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- 2013 Meg Gibbons
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- 2012 Wendi Haynes-Eklund
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- 2011 Darleen Philpotts
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- 2010 Monica Wolfe
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- 2009 Christina Buschmann
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- 2008 John Wells
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- 2006 Tom Winiecki
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- 2005 Maryann Boxberger
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- 2004 Pat Cahill
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- 2002 Nicholas Cestaro
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- 2001 Eric Malmberg
Funds are available through the NYS AHPERD Central North Zone to assist current Central North Zone members in funding new or existing physical education, health or dance related programs needs within their school districts.
Applicants may apply for up to $100 in total or partial funding in grant requests.
Click here for the CNZ Mini Grant Application.
Applications must be typed or printed on the form. Please email or mail the completed application to:
Monica Wolfe
215 Geywits Road
Richfield Springs, NY 13439
MWOLFE@COOPERSTOWNCS.ORG