The Make A Difference Award Program recognizes one employee quarterly. Nominations for the award may be submitted by any Geneseo Park District patron. All employees of the Geneseo Park District are eligible for this award.

Download a nomination form or just email Jodie at jolson@geneseoparkdistrict.org (remember to include your name and contact information too!)

We are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2nd Quarter “Make A Difference Award” is Therresa Bowton!

Therressa is the Aquatics Coordinator at the Geneseo Community Center. She was nominated by Bethany & Michael Winkleman and Rachel Lawson. Here is what they had to say . . .

“We have two young children that have taken private swim lessons with Therresa for over two years. Our family and our babysitter would love to nominate her for the Make A Difference Award for the district. She is so wonderful with the kids, caring, attentive, empathetic, passionate, and inclusive. We have seen our kids become more confident in the pool, enjoy their lessons, and enjoy their time with Therresa. She is a model employee and coach to the kids of this town."  Thank you Therresa!

We are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2nd Quarter “Above and Beyond Award” is Maddie Fitzpatrick!

Maddie is a Lifeguard & Swim Instructor at the Geneseo Park District. She was nominated by Nathaniel Hines. Here is what Nathaniel had to say . . .

“I would like to nominate Maddie Fitzpatrick for the Above & Beyond Award. I've gotten to know Maddie the past several years we have worked together teaching swimming lessons. Throughout the past two years during the non summer months we have been assigned to work together during swimming lessons for most of our classes. Maddie is great with the kids. All the kids I have seen always love Maddie, and are always eager to tell her something that happened at school, or show her a new trick they learned, but she is also able to say NO when it is necessary. That is something which is absolutely critical for someone who works with children, and something that not everyone will do. She is always willing to work extra hard to see children succeed, and never gets frustrated when we have a class with a lot of extra "energy". She never loses her cool or gets flustered, and is always willing to work with the kids that might have a harder time focusing. She is also accepting of those assignments that have kids that we know are going to be a handful, and never complains. She just takes it, and makes the best of the situation. Something I have yet to fully do all the time. Maddie is an excellent example of what a Swimming instructor should be, and a great employee in general. She is always willing to listen to myself or my co-workers when we need to talk, and is an overall great co-worker. Her unselfish interest in what is best for other people has ultimately had a huge impact on our swim program as a whole. She is a prime example of what a Park District employee should be, and she is the definition of a good teammate. I feel very fortunate to work with such an amazing employee! I think the Park District is lucky to have her! Thanks for going Above & Beyond everyday Maddie! It's been awesome to work with you!” Thank you Maddie!