Rochester Administrator Recipient of Irving Schwartz Distinguished Retiree Award

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Cynthia Lembo

ALBANY, NY (03/18/2025) (readMedia)-- Cynthia Lembo, retired administrator from the Rochester City School District, Fairport Schools, and Monroe One BOCES, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Irving Schwartz Distinguished Retiree Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). Irving Schwartz was a founding member of SAANYS, and this award is given annually to a retired SAANYS member who, in retirement, has made significant contributions to the welfare of the association, education, and the greater community.

Lembo has been an active educator in New York State for more than 44 years, serving as a principal and assistant principal at Monroe One BOCES and as a substitute administrator in the Fairport and Rochester City School Districts following her retirement. A dedicated leader within SAANYS Region 11, she served on the regional board for a decade, including as treasurer and awards chairperson, helping to expand and refine the recognition of outstanding administrators.

Throughout her career and into retirement, Lembo has maintained a steadfast commitment to supporting students, educators, and her community. She has served as a volunteer for numerous organizations, including the Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester Regional Hospice, the Scott Spino Foundation, and the American Red Cross. Notably, she has led "Team Marty" in the Wilmot Warrior Weekend, raising over $50,000 in the past two years alone to support cancer research.

Lembo's dedication has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the many letters of support from colleagues who highlighted her exceptional leadership, service, and ability to bring people together for meaningful causes. One colleague noted, "Cyndi doesn't just lead – she is hands-on in every effort, making sure that everyone involved feels valued and appreciated." Another shared, "She is a light in this world, always focused on lifting others up."

When asked about her ongoing commitment to education and service, Lembo reflected, "As educators, we are in the helping profession. Retirement didn't change that for me – it gave me the opportunity to continue supporting students and my community in new and meaningful ways."

Lembo received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from SUNY Buffalo, her Master of Science in Special Education from Nazareth College, and her Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport.

Lembo and fellow 2025 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration, taking place on May 2 at the Desmond Hotel-Crown Plaza Albany.

SAANYS represents nearly 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retiree leaders. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to its members in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).