District News
LMS Custodian Inspires with Veteran Story
Jim Schifla, a custodian at Lancaster Middle School and Vietnam War veteran, went above and beyond for Mrs. Allison Smerka’s students during Veterans Day. Despite rarely discussing his experiences, Jim shared his story and Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, awarded for valorous actions in combat.
Students were engaged as he shared stories, photos, and valuable lessons from his time overseas. His presentation also highlighted the meaning of being a veteran and the sacrifices required to protect our freedoms—ensuring that all students have the opportunity to attend school and receive an education.
This article ran as part of the Lancaster Central School District 2025 Winter Newsletter. View the full newsletter at https://bit.ly/42CThD9
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![Michaela Innus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752604273/lancasterschoolsorg/eo8jgsg6ghtqc4kakrqj/DSC_0729_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752604273/lancasterschoolsorg/eo8jgsg6ghtqc4kakrqj/DSC_0729_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752604273/lancasterschoolsorg/eo8jgsg6ghtqc4kakrqj/DSC_0729_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752604273/lancasterschoolsorg/eo8jgsg6ghtqc4kakrqj/DSC_0729_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752604273/lancasterschoolsorg/eo8jgsg6ghtqc4kakrqj/DSC_0729_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752604273/lancasterschoolsorg/eo8jgsg6ghtqc4kakrqj/DSC_0729_1.jpg","width":2200}])
Starting her work as the first student to ever serve on the Lancaster Central School District Board of Education, Michaela Innus said she looked forward to sharing her pride in Lancaster and bringing a student perspective to the Board’s work.
![Erin Gannon and John Tresmond]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752604960/lancasterschoolsorg/u38fczupd7x7bywuawl8/gannon-tresmondcombo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752604960/lancasterschoolsorg/u38fczupd7x7bywuawl8/gannon-tresmondcombo.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752604960/lancasterschoolsorg/u38fczupd7x7bywuawl8/gannon-tresmondcombo.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752604960/lancasterschoolsorg/u38fczupd7x7bywuawl8/gannon-tresmondcombo.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752604960/lancasterschoolsorg/u38fczupd7x7bywuawl8/gannon-tresmondcombo.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752604960/lancasterschoolsorg/u38fczupd7x7bywuawl8/gannon-tresmondcombo.jpg","width":2200}])
A familiar face will take the lead of the Lancaster Central School District’s Special Education Department following the retirement of the department’s longtime Director.
![The Lancaster High School Class of 2025 turn the tassel on their caps during the graduation ceremony on June 18, 2025, at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750709455/lancasterschoolsorg/iuftceyhoadw70fgz2mt/LHS-Graduation2025-6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750709455/lancasterschoolsorg/iuftceyhoadw70fgz2mt/LHS-Graduation2025-6.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750709455/lancasterschoolsorg/iuftceyhoadw70fgz2mt/LHS-Graduation2025-6.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750709455/lancasterschoolsorg/iuftceyhoadw70fgz2mt/LHS-Graduation2025-6.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750709455/lancasterschoolsorg/iuftceyhoadw70fgz2mt/LHS-Graduation2025-6.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750709455/lancasterschoolsorg/iuftceyhoadw70fgz2mt/LHS-Graduation2025-6.jpg","width":2200}])
As students from Lancaster High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation, they were encouraged to embrace challenges and lead with kindness.
![Lancaster High School senior Anja Schiavone high fives students from Court Street Elementary School during the annual Grad Walk]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750255173/lancasterschoolsorg/ipcy7lbkdmrb4z3iyqgo/LHS-GradWalk2025-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750255173/lancasterschoolsorg/ipcy7lbkdmrb4z3iyqgo/LHS-GradWalk2025-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750255173/lancasterschoolsorg/ipcy7lbkdmrb4z3iyqgo/LHS-GradWalk2025-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750255173/lancasterschoolsorg/ipcy7lbkdmrb4z3iyqgo/LHS-GradWalk2025-3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750255173/lancasterschoolsorg/ipcy7lbkdmrb4z3iyqgo/LHS-GradWalk2025-3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750255173/lancasterschoolsorg/ipcy7lbkdmrb4z3iyqgo/LHS-GradWalk2025-3.jpg","width":2200}])
Seniors from Lancaster High School took a trip down memory lane as they visited their former teachers and classrooms during the 2025 Grad Walk.