DCIU Celebrates Employees at Annual Recognition Dinner

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) proudly hosted its annual Employee Recognition Dinner on May 28 at Springfield Country Club, honoring the dedication, passion, and commitment of employees who make a difference in the lives of students, families, schools, and communities throughout Delaware County.

The annual event brought together DCIU leadership, Board members, and staff to celebrate exceptional achievements, recognize milestone years of service, honor special award recipients, and acknowledge retirees whose careers have left a lasting impact on education.

"The success of the DCIU is built upon the extraordinary dedication of our employees," said Dr. Maria Edelberg, Executive Director of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. "This evening is an opportunity to celebrate the individuals who go above and beyond each day in service to students, families, and school communities. I extend my sincere gratitude and congratulations to each of our honorees. Your commitment, compassion, and professionalism have strengthened our organization and enriched the lives of countless learners across Delaware County."

STARS Award Recipients

The DCIU's STARS program—Sharing Talent and Recognizing Service—recognizes employees whose dedication, creativity, and positive spirit help the DCIU community thrive. This year's recipients were:

• Edwin Agbemehia
• Lisa Almonrode
• Sean Brawley
• Laura Caramanico
• Nicholl Fenton
• Lisa Halladay
• Kelsey Hart
• Alexis Lubar
• Joanne Mallon
• Laura O'Brien
• Mihaela Prejban

Years of Service Recognition

The evening also celebrated employees reaching significant career milestones, recognizing their years of dedication and service to the DCIU and the students and families it serves.

45 Years of Service

• David Bramble

35 Years of Service

• Dr. Maria Edelberg
• Patricia Lauria

30 Years of Service

• Cathleen Hart
• Angela Jones-Eddins
• Kevin Melough

25 Years of Service

• Lynne Baer
• Mariann Blackburn
• Barbara Boylan
• Lisa Edleman
• Christina Fox
• Carol Grzybacz
• Alison Hefferan
• Jane Johnson
• Cynthia Napp
• Barbara Schartner
• Amy Toogood

20 Years of Service

• Christine Adamo-Newell
• Rosemary Barakat
• Ronald Contrady
• Karen Clemens
• Suzanne Mallaghan-Rasco
• Monica Rivero
• Michael Schartner
• Kathleen Thompson

2026 Special Award Recipients

Each year, DCIU employees nominate colleagues for special recognition in categories celebrating excellence, teamwork, leadership, and service.

This year's recipients included:

Commitment to Excellence on the Job

• Dr. Alexis Lubar, School Psychologist for the Hearing Program

Commitment to Education

• Marlo Frisco, Multiple Disabilities Teacher at the Marple Education Center

Team Player Award

• Rebecca Smith, Coordinator of Innovation, Partnerships, and Special Projects, Department of Marketing and Communications

Promoting a Positive Image of DCIU

• Sydney Tassone, Professional Development Specialist

Service to the Community

• Natalie Ely, Nonpublic Remedial Reading Teacher

Honoring Retirees

The DCIU also recognized employees retiring this year for their years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to education. Their contributions have left a lasting legacy across DCIU programs, schools, and communities.

The DCIU extends its heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to the following retirees:

• Lynne Baer
• Barbara Boylan
• David Bramble
• Dr. Stephen Butz
• Michael Casar
• Judy Culbertson
• Dr. Maria Edelberg
• Christine Fallon
• Kathleen Fleming
• Eileen Harkin
• Patricia Lauria
• John Maier
• Suzanne Mallaghan-Rasco
• Cynthia Napp
• Joann Poole
• Sharon Sladek
• Margaret Stairiker

As the evening concluded, attendees reflected on the collective impact of DCIU employees and celebrated the dedication, innovation, and service that continue to strengthen educational opportunities throughout Delaware County.