Barbara Dempsey & David Smith

Distinguished Educators | 2026

Barbara Dempsey: Mrs. Dempsey faithfully taught Spanish at Gowanda Central High School for 40 years dedicating herself to the students and families of district. She was a mentor, advisor and known as a constant encourager to all. In one student’s words: “Mrs. Dempsey had an infectious smile and a bubbly personality that spilled over into her teaching.”

Her influence extended far beyond the classroom. Throughout her career she served as an advisor to various classes and was instrumental in bringing the National Honor Society charter to GCS. She helped students create memories that would last a lifetime. She organized 9 international trips giving students the extraordinary opportunity to experience cultures and broaden their perspectives and see firsthand the world they had studied in the classroom. To support these opportunities for students to travel she planned and coordinated many fund raisers throughout the years including her infamous scrapbooking events.

Early in her career she served as the Junior Class Advisor where she led the change at the 1990 Junior Prom Coronation. After years of only announcing the 8 candidates elected it was altered to announce every student attending, “after all it was everyone’s prom”. This proud tradition remains today 35 years later.

She also co-advised the Senior Class for several years and helped to organize Gowanda’s first ever trip to Walt Disney World.

At the heart of Mrs. Dempsey’s teaching was an unwavering commitment to doing what was best for the students. Whether she was offering extra help, creating new opportunities or initiating change to make sure every student felt included, she always placed their needs first. She received teacher of the month honors and the district Blue & White Award.

Mrs. Dempsey resides in Glenwood, NY with her husband Joe, also a retired Gowanda Central School Teacher and are the proud parents of Jennifer and Erin.

David Smith: Before his career at Gowanda Central School District, Mr. Smith’s journey started at Salamanca Middle School teaching Spanish in 1993. He later became the youngest principal in NYS History in his role as Elementary Principal at Pine Valley at the age of 26. He also served as the Elementary Principal and Director of Special Education at Frewsburg School District. Gowanda Central School District was fortunate to gain Smith in 2003 as the Middle School Principal where, in his words, “he served” from 2003-2016. He later progressed into a district leadership role as Middle School & High School Assistant Principal and as President for the Gowanda Administrators Association from 2016-2026. Throughout his career, Mr. Smith was recognized as a Teacher of Excellence by the NYS Board of Regents (1995) and the NYS Commissioner of Education. He was named the Chautauqua County Administrator of the Year (1999) and most recently was named the SAANYS Administrator of the Year as Assistant Principal Schools Administration Association of NYS (2026).

In addition to his service in education, he also served as Mayor for the Village of Gowanda from 2017-2024, and has also been the longtime President of the Cattaraugus County Health Board. As an active member of Gowanda Free Methodist Church, he was part of initiating a charitable organization known as the Tangible Kingdom School Outreach Program. This program quietly provided hundreds of families in our community with school supplies, shoes, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gifts and even assisted families with paying household utilities.

Beyond all the accolades, Mr. Smith was best known for the relationships he built with students and their families. He had a remarkable ability to connect with younger generations and made each student feel heard, valued, and supported. Every morning you could see him standing at the entrance doors greeting every student by name with a high five or just a friendly “good morning”. His door and his heart were always open and the lasting impact he made on generations at Gowanda Central School District is a true measure of his legacy.

As a result of his exemplary career in education and community service, Mr. Smith was rightfully honored with a proclamation of excellence by NYS Senator George Borrello and as a Community Hero in honor of America’s 250th by Congressman Nick Langworthy in August 2026. The only word better than hero that could describe Mr. Smith would be servant, as he was truly devoted to his students, his community and his Lord.

Mr. Smith and his wife Jill, moved to the Gowanda community in 2015 where they reside with their beloved pets Georgia & the late-Savannah. They are the proud parents of Greg, Kaitlyn, Matt and Meg and two beautiful grandchildren Caden and Corbin.

James Andrew Musacchio, Esq.

Distinguished Alumni | 2026

James Andrew Musacchio is a 1987 graduate of Gowanda Central School where he was a three-sport athlete. He then went on to graduate from Grove City College in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in business. In 1995, he graduated from Western Michigan University Law School and was admitted to the New York State Bar in June 1996. Musacchio joined the family business of Musacchio and Pyle which was started by his grandfather, Andrew James Musacchio, Esq. in 1934. Musacchio continued the family tradition of practicing law following his father, Bruce W. Musacchio and his aunt Jean Musacchio Pyle.

Musacchio has represented many people over the years in a variety of matters including many children as Law Guardian for Cattaraugus County Family Court and Peacemakers’ Court for the Seneca Nation of Indians. Musacchio is a municipal attorney and prosecutor for the Town of Collins, Persia and Village of Cattaraugus. Following in his father’s footsteps by serving the Town of Collins as municipal attorney. Additionally, Musacchio serves as prosecutor for the Towns of Dayton, East Otto, Leon, Mansfield, Otto, New Albion and Perrysburg.

Previously, Musacchio volunteered for the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce, Cattaraugus County Bar Association, and the Attorney Grievance Panel. He is a member of Gowanda Phoenix Lodge No. 262, F. & A.M., Gowanda Moose, Collins Conservation Club, and Gowanda Rifle Club.

Musacchio has been married for 30 years to his wife Brenda Musacchio, who has worked alongside him for the family law firm. Together they are the proud parents of their son Andrew.

Aaron Kroll

Sports Legend | 2026

Aaron Kroll was the only wrestler to date to claim a Section VI NYS Championship title at Gowanda Central School District. He finished his senior season with an impressive 40-6 record and was coached by Mark Leous and Ray Logan. What makes Kroll’s title especially memorable is he finished 3rd in the Section VI state qualifier so he advanced to Albany as a wild card not as the section champion. On February 27, 2010, Kroll the No. 6 seed worked his way through the division bracket and defeated top seed, Kacee Sauer of Holly, NY (285 lb).

Upon returning from Albany, Kroll was welcomed by then known Gowanda “Sports” Boosters Club and many Panther fans to celebrate his title. Kroll was honored by the Boosters with a NYS Championship ring. He was later honored by Cattaraugus County Legislature in March of 2010.

In addition to wrestling, Kroll was a talented varsity football player and won multiple section titles as a thrower for track. He went to the state qualifiers for two years for discus and shotput. A 2010 Section VI State Qualifier, he had a throw of 133 feet and 7 inches, where he placed 5th. He was the team MVP for Field and wrestling as well as being nominated captains for all three sports at GCS.

Kroll went on to serve in the US Army just one week after graduation. He served 6 years as a medic and was deployed to Afghanistan 2012-2013. He completed his service as an E-4.

He resides in Forestville, NY with his wife, Chelsea and their son Isaac.

2004 Varsity Wrestling

Team of Distinction | 2026

The 2004 Gowanda Varsity Wrestling Team represented determination, discipline, and pride that has long defined Panther wrestling. Led by captains Marc Capitano and Brian Blasdell, these athletes distinguished themselves through their work ethic, toughness, and commitment to one another. In the 2003-2004 season they captured the team championship at the Depew Wildcat Invitational where Blasdell was named Outstanding Wrestler. Blasdell also won the Section VI Class AA championship and advanced to the NYS Wrestling Championships.

The 2004 team is remembered as lighting a fire and their future accomplishments far extended just this one season. The foundation helped build and produce two Sectional Champions: Brian Blasdell-2004, Jake Davis-2005 and finished 5th in States. John Maybee-2006 also attended States. David Richter went to States two years and his senior year finished in 3rd (2009). The entire 2004 Panther team helped strengthen Gowanda’s proud wrestling tradition and left a lasting mark for generations to follow.

Go-Go-Go Gowanda!