On Nov. 18, the Brockport Board of Education presented John L. Izzo II with the 5th annual James C. Fallon Distinguished Service Award. John was nominated by two of his former athletes, Stella Riley and Riley Carletta, and was unanimously selected by the Board for this honor.

The James C. Fallon Distinguished Service Award was established in honor of former Superintendent Fallon for his many years of faithful service to our District. Brockport’s BOE presents this award annually to a District student, employee or community member who demonstrates the following characteristics: confident, expert-level knowledge in a given field; wisdom, leading to effective judgement based in transparency and empathy; a commitment to the principles of servant leadership and individual empowerment; rigorous accountability to themselves and to the community, and humbleness.

John has made a lasting impact on the Brockport Central School District community through decades of service as a teacher, coach, club advisor, radio station manager and mentor. Hired by BCSD in 1967, he spent more than 30 years in the District before retiring in 1998 but his influence has continued long past his official tenure.

That impact was highlighted through video messages shared during the presentation. Stella reflected on how John’s guidance extended beyond the sport. “He has so much experience, and he always gives the best advice. It doesn’t even have to be track advice,” she said.

Riley added how central John has been to the program’s culture. “Anyone who has been a part of Brockport’s track team knows that Coach Izzo isn’t just a coach but a staple of our program,” she said. “We wouldn’t be the athletes or people we are today without him.”

The Board agreed that Izzo exemplifies the award’s five core traits: confident expertise, wise judgment, servant leadership, rigorous accountability, and humility. As a teacher, he created interactive, imaginative, and inclusive classrooms and made history come alive through immersive experiences that sparked curiosity and inspired a love of history. As a coach, his technical knowledge of biomechanics and race strategy was unmatched, but his true gift was tailoring plans to elevate each athlete’s potential.

Board Member Jeffrey Harradine captured Izzo’s impact, saying, “John, you are not just a successful teacher or a brilliant coach. You are a cornerstone of Brockport — a mentor, a guide, and a force for good. Your legacy is written in the lives of those you’ve lifted, and tonight, we honor that legacy.”

James C. Fallon echoed this sentiment in a heartfelt and powerful tribute, sharing how John’s influence extended well beyond the classroom and athletics. He spoke movingly of the compassion and support John offered him and his family during one of their most difficult chapters, a testament to John’s profound impact on the entire community.

Known for his humility and servant leadership, John continues to serve the Brockport community today as the men’s cross country coach at SUNY Brockport, where he remains a steady, encouraging presence for new generations of athletes.

John L. Izzo II’s name has been added to the James C. Fallon Distinguished Service Award plaque displayed in Brockport’s Board of Education Room in the District Office.