Four members of the Highland Central School District community are being honored by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) for possessing the qualities and skills necessary for making a difference in students’ lives.
Food Service Director Maria McCarthy, Highland Middle School (HMS) Nurse Heidi Schlipmann, Board of Education Vice President Thomas Miller, and School Bus Dispatcher Linda Calvo will each be awarded a 2020 Award for Excellence during the MHSSC’s annual program this fall. The virtual event will recognize outstanding abilities in administration, community service, pupil personnel services, school board service, and support staff services.
McCarthy has served as the District’s Food Service Director for the past 12 years. She is caring, knowledgeable, and has shown tremendous dedication to improving the breakfast and lunch programs for the students of Highland. When the school shutdown happened last spring, McCarthy was faced with the herculean task of feeding students at home.
“Mrs. McCarthy organized her staff, and while most people were working from the safety of their homes, she and her staff were in the building several days a week preparing, organizing, and delivering food to students and families in need,” said Highland Superintendent Thomas Bongiovi. “Her dedication to helping others is truly awe-inspiring.”
As the school nurse at HMS for the past two years, Schlipmann is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all Middle School students. She is known for her professionalism, leadership, and organization, and has built strong relationships with the students in her care, as well as their families. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Schlipmann immediately began taking control of the situation.

“When schools closed, she became our go-to staff member advising us on all relevant information and procedures, as well as equipment that would be needed to keep our students safe,” said retired HMS Principal Daniel Wetzel. “I cannot think of a more deserving individual for this award than Mrs. Schlipmann.”
Miller has been a Board of Education member for the past 10 years. He also serves on the District’s Support Services Committee, Negotiations Committee, and Audit Committee. His knowledge of schools, expertise in construction, and commitment to improvement has made him an invaluable school board member.
“In a time when we are all very concerned about what the future will bring, Mr. Miller has always been the voice of reason, always working to unite our school board and our District,” Bongiovi said.
As Highland’s school bus dispatcher for the past 14 years, Calvo works with the company Transfinder to develop and optimize transportation logistics, including routing, scheduling, and fleet maintenance. She also organizes staff and substitute staff, and facilitates communication between bus drivers and monitors.
Bongiovi said the District is fortunate to have Calvo in charge of its bus runs. “Her knowledge of transportation and the layout of the town, as well as her background with the families and their specific needs, has proven invaluable,” he said. “She is such an incredible resource, and her love of students is evident every day.”