The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Carol Madonia earns Fariel Award
ONEIDA, N.Y. » The Oneida Rotary honored North Broad Street Elementary secretary Carol Madonia with the Bill Fariel Award for Vocational Excellence.
“This award is on behalf of everybody at North Broad Street,” said principal Eric Coriale, who presented the award alongside the rest of his staff at the Kallet Civic Center on Wednesday. “Mrs. Madonia knows howmuch she means to us. North Broad Street Elementary school has been long known as a place of tremendous kindness, compassion and dedication to children. At the center of this remarkable team is Carol Madonia.”
To North Broad Street, Madonia is more than a secretary. Teacher after teacher came up to talk good of her, saying how much she means to the children and how much she does, howshe is the glue that holds them together and the smiles and laughter of the school.
“I’d like to thank all my coworkers, Mr. Coriale, Mr. Simmons for nominating me,” Madonia said. “But most of all, I’d like to thank my mom because I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her. I’m very blessed to work with such a caring and dedicated staff, past and present. We go above and beyond for our children each and every day. They really mean the world to all of us. As a school, we should all be receiving this award.”
The award is given each year
to a community member who exemplifies the ideals Fariel lived by, including quality, friendly and courteous interaction with others, an ability to educate and invigorate others, and show measurable benefits in the workplace and community. Fariel helped found the Oneida Boosters Club, taught first aid for the Red Cross, directed summer programs at Sylvan Beach, was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, served on the Salvation Army board of directors, was involved with Boy Scouts, was a member of the Oneida Lake Association and served on the city’s Civil Service Commission.
“In honor of Bill, we’re here to recognize one of the best,” Hank Leo said. “I know this lady and she’s very, very special and she’s very well deserving of this award.”