East Syracuse Minoa Central School District

Six Chosen for ESM Wall of Distinction
The East Syracuse Minoa Education Foundation will honor six people as the 2026 inductees to the ESM Wall of Distinction. The induction ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on March 21 at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) in Syracuse, before the Foundation’s annual dinner-dance (information below).

The 2026 honorees are  Colleen Carroll (Class of 1981), Jack Dooling (ESM community member), Gibs & Candy Flock (retired teacher, community member), Matthew Rosenfeld (Class of 1985) and John Vona (Minoa Class of 1948 and former teacher). 

The Wall of Distinction recognizes ESM alumni, staff and community members who have made meaningful contributions to our society, our community or their field of work and serve as role models for today’s students.

The ceremony is free and open to the public. (Full Bios below)

 

Night at the Museum: ESM Education Foundation Dinner Dance March 21
Help honor the Wall of Distinction inductees while supporting ESM students and programs by attending "Night at the Museum” Saturday, March 21 from 7-11 p.m. The ESM Education Foundation will host its annual Dinner Dance for adults 21 and older at the Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) in Syracuse.

The evening will include live music by The Horn Dogs, food from Bull and Bear Roadhouse, adult beverages, raffle prizes and access to museum exhibits. Attire is semi-formal.

Tickets are $100 per person or $900 for a group of 10. Tickets and event details are available online at givebutter.com/esmnightatthemuseum. A name and email address is required for each guest when purchasing group tickets.
Before the Dinner Dance, the Foundation will honor six individuals as the 2026 inductees to the ESM Wall of Distinction during a ceremony at 6 p.m. The gala will begin with hors d’oeuvres and drinks from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by a station-style dinner at 8 p.m.

For more information, contact event chairperson Kelly Dutton. Ticket deadline is March 8.
 

Information on each honoree:

Colleen Carroll
Class of 1981

Colleen Carroll is an educator, literacy specialist and award-winning children’s book author. She currently serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction at The Leffell School in the New York City area.

Colleen began her career as a sixth grade teacher in Los Angeles. She later expanded her work into educational publishing and content development, creating materials for nationally recognized organizations and publishers including USA Today, MTV and Nickelodeon.

In 1996, she launched the critically acclaimed How Artists See series,  which introduces children to art through inquiry and interactive discovery. It has grown to sixteen volumes along with second editions, a board book spinoff and a standards-based curriculum used in classrooms.

Colleen has owned and operated Carroll Education Services since 1992, partnering with major publishing houses to develop educational content for students and teachers. 

Among her proudest accomplishments is co-authoring a dating abuse prevention curriculum co-authored for Jersey Battered Women's Services with her sister, Mary Ann Carroll (ESM Class of 1978). 

Through her work in education and literacy, Colleen continues to make a meaningful impact on students and educators across the country.

John "Jack" Dooling
ESM Community Member

Jack Dooling is recognized for his lifelong dedication to serving the East Syracuse Minoa community. Through decades of volunteer leadership, he has made a lasting impact on local youth programs, athletics and civic organizations.

Jack was a founder, board member and driver for the Community of DeWitt’s Friends in Service Here (codFISH). He volunteered with Vera House, chaired the Police Commission and supported countless community initiatives. 

He coached East Syracuse Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football, served as St. Matthew’s CYO Athletic Director and led the ESM Booster Club. In the 1970s, he founded the East Syracuse Youth Saturday Morning Basketball program, creating opportunities for young athletes to learn and grow.

In the 1990s, Jack became known as the “voice” of Spartans Football and Lacrosse, bringing energy and pride to ESM athletics. He was also instrumental in establishing the Challenger Baseball Diamond at Carrier Park, expanding access to sports for all children.

Jack’s unwavering commitment reflects the very best of community service and Spartan pride.

Gibs Flock
Teacher

Candy Flock
Community Member

Gibs and Candy Flock have been dedicated members of the East Syracuse Minoa community since 1994. Their sons, Geoffrey and Adam, are proud ESM graduates, and their family’s connection to the district spans decades of service and support.

Gibs devoted 30 years to education as a middle and high school band director, leading ESM’s marching ensembles to consistent success at the state and regional levels.
 
Under his leadership, the program earned five State Marching Band Championships, three State Indoor Percussion Championships and five Mid-York Color Guard Circuit Championships, which is a source of pride for the district. He is a member of the New York State Field Band Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting contributions to music education.

Candy played an integral role in developing the visual program during the early years of ESM’s marching band and has remained a steady supporter ever since. 

Both Gibs and Candy are members of the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit Hall of Fame. 
They continue to serve the community through their work with the ESM Sports Boosters and Marching Band Boosters as well as the East Syracuse Recreation Department and The Kara Fund. Together, they reflect a deep and lasting commitment to ESM students and families.

 

Matthew Rosenfeld
Class of 1985

Matthew Rosenfeld has built a distinguished career in broadcast and digital media spanning more than three decades. He began his television career at WSTM in Syracuse and has since grown into a national media leader.

Matthew currently serves as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Nexstar Media Group, one of the nation’s leading diversified media companies. In this role, he oversees the strategy and operations of television and digital platforms across 22 major markets.

Throughout his career, he has led teams focused on innovation, audience growth and strong financial performance while supporting local journalism and community engagement.

Matthew is a recipient of the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award along with numerous other honors recognizing excellence in broadcasting and leadership.

His career reflects a commitment to innovation, service and the power of local media to inform and connect communities.

John Vona
Minoa Class of 1948, Teacher

John Vona is a graduate of Minoa High School, prior to the creation of the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District. He dedicated more than 30 years of service to ESM as a teacher, coach and educational leader.

John taught biology, physical education and driver education while also coaching and supporting student athletes. He later served as principal of ESM High School and concluded his career as Director of Secondary Education.

Throughout his time in the district, he was known for his steady leadership and commitment to student success. He is also a member of the ESM Athletic Hall of Fame.

Among his proudest accomplishments is helping guide the joining of two communities into what is now the ESM Central School District and establishing foundational standards that continue to shape the district today.

His leadership and service helped build the strong tradition of excellence that defines ESM.