CALLICOON - On October 27, the Sullivan County School Boards Association (SCSBA) recognized outstanding educators, outstanding friends to education, and retiring board of education members at their Annual Dinner Meeting held at the Villa Roma. School board members, superintendents, school administrators, teachers, school districts staff, and family members of the honorees attended the meeting.

This was a special night for the SCSBA, as it was the first time since the pandemic that the group was able to bring the recipients from the 2020 and 2021 school years together to hold its prestigious recognition ceremony. The evening started with a reception followed by Tania DeFrank, Executive Director of the SCSBA, welcoming the group, followed by opening remarks from SCSBA President Stacey Sharoff.

Patrick Longo, Member Relations Manager for the New York State School Boards Association, thanked the school board members and educators for their dedication and impact on the youth of Sullivan County. Longo shared what he has seen during the past two years and how each district has experienced change and succeeded in its efforts during these unprecedented times. “I hope you take time to celebrate everything you have accomplished. Your efforts are admirable, and you have modeled true leadership for our students,” said Longo.

For the School Boards Association, the night was about the honorees. Ms. Sharoff paid tribute to the school board members who were leaving their respective boards at the end of June. Their time and years of service have had a positive impact on the school districts of Sullivan County. Joanna Dutcher, Eldred CSD (1 yr of service); Joyce Teed, Liberty CSD (13 yrs); Karen Hook, Liberty CSD (6yrs); Alyce VanEtten, Monticello CSD (27 yrs); Cathleen Doherty (11 yrs); Ed Park, Roscoe CSD (32 yrs); Lucas Arzilli, Sullivan West CSD (9 yrs); Sarah Cooper, Sullivan West CSD (1 yr); Annette Rasmussen, Sullivan West CSD (3 yrs); Trevor Peachey, Sullivan West CSD (6 yrs); Christopher Gozza, Tri-Valley CSD (3 yrs); Kimberly Botsford, Tri-Valley CSD (6yrs); Kathy Poppo, Tri-Valley CSD (4yrs), and Anne Colman, Sullivan BOCES (4 yrs).

The School Boards Association recognized twenty individuals for their defined impact on education in Sullivan County by receiving the prestigious Outstanding Educator Award. Each of their contributions has influenced so many lives over their years of service.

The 2020 recipients for the Outstanding Educator Award are Rebecca Ackerly, a teacher at the Roscoe CSD; Dennis Barnett, career & technical education public safety teacher at Sullivan BOCES; Lynn Colavito, a teacher at the Fallsburg CSD; Amy Favre, an elementary teacher at the Sullivan West CSD; Ann Hazelnis, English teacher at the Monticello CSD; Kim Heinle, an elementary teacher at the Liberty CSD; Cheryl Johnstone, special education elementary teacher at Sullivan BOCES, Bonnie Padua, a physics teacher at the Eldred CSD, Mary Ellen Reynolds, high school teacher at the Livingston Manor, and Brenda Sloan, a foreign language teacher at the Tri-Valley CSD.

The 2021 recipients include Elisa Baum, high school teacher at the Fallsburg CSD; Mary Bayer, an elementary teacher at the Liberty CSD; Tara Berescik, agriculture teacher at the Tri-Valley CSD; Stephanie Cavet, school psychologist at Sullivan BOCES; Tami Coney, physical education teacher at the Monticello CSD; Kathy Garlick, a social worker at Sullivan BOCES; Ann Marie Grzywaczewski, a teacher at the Eldred CSD; Cynthia Hyzer, a Spanish teacher at the Roscoe CSD; Sheri Parucki, school psychologist at the Sullivan West CSD; and Daniel Smith, instrumental music teacher at the Livingston Manor CSD.

The SCSBA also recognizes sixteen Outstanding Friends to Education. This award recognizes people who have contributed to promoting education in Sullivan County.

The 2020 recipients for the Outstanding Friends to Education Award are Alice Edwards, an elementary grandmother at the Liberty CSD; Martin Colavito, a community organizer who helped the Monticello CSD put together their community schools program; Audrey Garro, from the A Single Bite Program, has helped families in the Sullivan West CSD and families across Sullivan County during the pandemic; Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther is an advocate for the schools and children of Sullivan County; Thomas Lavinski, Director of Faculty Support Services at the Roscoe CSD. Manor Link, a youth-driven, community-supported monthly newspaper for the Livingston Manor CSD; Nancy McGraw is a true health and wellness champion for Sullivan County and Tom Mitchell, who started the Tri-Valley Little League Program at the Tri-Valley community.

The 2020 recipients include Patti Casey, school nurse at the Roscoe CSD; Karlton Duck, supervisor for the cleaning staff at the Tri-Valley CSD; Patti Green, a senior typist at the Liberty CSD; Christina Haff, member of Sullivan County Public Health; Gail Lenkiewicz, Livingston Manor CSD; Barbi Neumann-Marty, Sullivan County Boys & Girls Club; Tina Rodriguez, a computer technician at the Eldred CSD; and the SYDA Foundation.

Each of these individuals or organizations are devoted members of their school districts and are always there to help whenever there is a need. Thank you for all you have done.