Proud to be MACS: October 2026
Below were the remarks delivered by Mexico Board of Education President Connie Douglas as the Board of Education honored Mrs. Penny Brizzi-Stark as the district’s Proud to be MACS honoree for October 2026 at the monthly Board of Education Business meeting.
Tonight, we celebrate Palermo kindergarten teacher Penny Brizzi Stark as our October 2026 Proud to Be MACS honoree. Originally called “Who Is MACS,” the program was later renamed “Proud to Be MACS” to publicly recognize people who embody the spirit, leadership, and dedication of our school community.
Penny Brizzi Stark exemplifies these qualities through the care, purpose, and dedication she brings to her students, their families, and the Palermo community. Her path to the classroom reflects the same thoughtful commitment.
Teaching was Mrs. Stark’s second career. She began as a retail manager and trainer, where she discovered how much she loved helping others learn. Wanting to be more available to her family than a career in retail allowed, she first worked to put her family on secure financial footing so she could stay home with her children. When they were older, she returned to college and earned her master’s degree in education.
After graduation, Mrs. Stark completed her student teaching in a first- and second-grade classroom in the Central Square Central School District. She admired the kind, loving, and welcoming environment the classroom teacher created for students—an atmosphere Mrs. Stark now strives to cultivate in her own classroom.
When Mrs. Stark came to Palermo, Karen Allen mentored her generously, offering both time and guidance. Mrs. Allen’s loving and kind classroom atmosphere helped Mrs. Stark feel welcome at Palermo and inspired her to create that same sense of belonging for her own students.
Throughout her time at Palermo, Mrs. Stark has especially valued the support of Traci Stanard, Donna Hermann, and Janna Kresovich.
Mrs. Stark loves sharing her enthusiasm for learning with students and families. Former students often return to tell her what they remember about her classroom, and one family thanked her for the foundation she gave their children. This past spring marked a special milestone: her first Palermo class graduated.
She believes, “If my students leave knowing they are safe and loved, the curriculum falls into place.”
Penny Brizzi-Stark has exceptional dedication to students, families, and colleagues. She has a remarkable ability to build strong, meaningful relationships that foster trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within our school family. Penny’s work is always thoughtful and intentional, reflecting a deep commitment to meeting the needs of every student. She consistently provides unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance, helping students grow both academically and personally. Her passion for teaching,
combined with her commitment to building positive connections, makes a lasting impact on those around her and exemplifies the very best of MACS.
Mrs. Stark’s compassion, commitment, and belief in every child reflect the very best of our school community. Please join us in congratulating Penny Brizzi Stark, our October 2026 Proud to Be MACS honoree.