Clarence Students, Staff Presented Red Devil Recognitions

A group of four students and staff members from the Clarence Central School District were presented Red Devil Recognitions, which celebrates individuals that make a positive impact on the school community.

The group, recognized during the April 21, 2026 Board of Education meeting, included Nabil Safwan, George Brown, Kylie Zsebehazy and Robert McKeehan. 

Nabil, a seventh grader at Clarence Middle School, was nominated by substitute teacher Sultana Yesmin for being a dedicated student and demonstrating values like hard work, kindness, and compassion in his first year in the District.

“Nabil consistently shows respect toward teachers, staff, and classmates. He listens attentively in class, follows school rules, and demonstrates maturity and self-discipline,” Yesmin said. “His respectful behavior contributes to a positive and productive learning atmosphere.”

Bus Driver George Brown was nominated by Ledgeview Elementary School teacher Margaret Bellomo following a friendly wager with a student on his bus. Brown, known to his students as “Mr. Mohawk,” promised the student and her Clarence Soccer Club teammates popsicles if the team won both its games in a weekend, a promise he fulfilled with a visit to a practice for the team.

“It was the kindest, sweetest gesture and such a testament to the fact that we are one community,” Bellomo said. “I believe bus drivers are such an impactful part of a student’s day either starting it or ending it and truly Mr. Mohawk went above and beyond for a student.”

Transportation Director Linda Forster said Brown treats the students on his bus like his own children, and even makes ornaments for children on his bus. 

Kylie Zsebehazy, a long-term substitute teacher at Sheridan Hill Elementary School, was nominated by fellow substitute teacher and District parent Emily Schmand for creating an environment that made students, including her daughter, feel welcome. 

“She is poised, she is confident, and my daughter has grown a lot over the past couple of months,” Schmand said. “(I am) super thankful that my daughter had the opportunity to learn from someone so special- she truly is the definition of a Clarence Red Devil!”

Robert McKeehan, a teacher at Clarence Middle School, was nominated by fellow teacher Kelly Turpin for his work with her son, who she said has had his best year academically, socially and emotionally.

“Several factors have contributed to his success, but the most significant has been the dedication of Mr. McKeehan,” Turpin said. “Mr. McKeehan exemplifies hard work by doing whatever it takes to meet his students' needs.”

To learn more about the award and to submit nominations, visit https://www.clarenceschools.org/district-info/red-devil-recognitions.