Penfield Central School District honored Roc Dogs as its 2026 Community Champion for Public Education for their ongoing support of middle and high school students.

The Community Champion Award is given annually by ACT for Education, an initiative by public schools in the Monroe 1 and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES districts, the Rochester City School District, area businesses, and community members.

Dr. Tasha Potter, Superintendent, and Maycanitza Pérez, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, formally honored Roc Dogs founders Paul and Susan Anthony during a celebratory breakfast held on Friday, May 8.

“On behalf of the staff and students at Bay Trail and Penfield High School, we are so appreciative that ROC Dogs volunteers take time out of their day to spread joy throughout our schools,” said Potter.

ROC Dogs connects more than 530 Certified Therapy Dog Teams to 300 different agencies, organizations, and schools across New York. At Bay Trail Middle School and Penfield High School, the initiative provides calm, safe spaces for students to interact with both the dogs and their owners.

When ROC Dogs are on campus, students enjoy a quick break, big smiles, and an opportunity to share their own experiences with pets. Even the quietest students often have something to share or ask about the dogs.

Sara Markovitz, who helps coordinate Roc Dogs visits at Bay Trail, said that meeting the dogs also helps students to focus on respectful, kind interactions with animals and humans, and builds empathy.

“It can remind students that while many people love dogs, not all have had positive experiences with them in the past and may be scared,” she explained. “The conversations and discussions around pets and dogs can underscore the importance of respecting other people's feelings and experiences and gives students the choice to interact (or not) with the animals.”

Additionally, Markovitz said the visits have provided a leadership opportunity for students involved in Caring Community Ambassadors, who help escort the dogs and their owners around the building.

“This has been such a positive experience for the kids, giving them an added responsibility of showing volunteers around their school, talking with the owners, and representing Bay Trail in a positive manner,” she said.