January 2006 Ulster BOCES Garners Three Awards for Excellence in Education
Three Ulster BOCES staff members have garnered Excellence in Education awards from the Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) for their outstanding contributions in administrative, support staff, and pupil personnel services. Recipients of the prestigious award are chosen annually from among nominees submitted by school districts in Ulster, Orange, Northern Westchester/Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Dutchess Counties.
The 2005 award recipients from Ulster BOCES are Dianne Matos Craig, Fereshte Nikfetrat, and Michele Smith. The trio was formally recognized at the MHSSC Awards for Excellence Ceremony and Dinner in October.
Craig, supervisor of the Mid-Hudson Bilingual/English-as-a-Second Language Technical Assistance Center located in New Paltz, was awarded the 2005 MHSSC Award for Excellence in Administration. She has worked at Ulster BOCES for five years. Before that, she was executive director of the YWCA of Ulster County. She is a recipient of numerous awards including the Pride of Ulster County Award for “dedicated service and total commitment to the women of Ulster County” and the United Way of Ulster County Service Award for her “enthusiasm and support to make the community a better place for everyone.” She earned her certificate in advanced study in educational administration and a master’s of science in education, with a focus on English as a second language, both from SUNY New Paltz. She has a bachelor’s degree in education, with a focus on Spanish from Russell Sage University.
Nikfetrat, lead guidance counselor at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center, received the 2005 MHSSC Award for Excellence in Pupil Personnel Services. An Ulster BOCES guidance counselor for 20 years, she is known as a tireless advocate for children, balancing compassion with high expectations for students. Through her direct and caring approach, she has established a positive rapport with students, teachers, and district counselors and administrators that has helped strengthen and increase the career and technical services provided to Ulster County school districts. “Dr. Nikfetrat is highly respected by her colleagues and students alike, and her skills as a counselor are only overshadowed by her kindness as an individual,” says Gary Suraci, principal at Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center.
Smith has served as the administrative assistant to the director of the Career & Technical Center and Adult Services in Port Ewen for more than 20 years. She was recognized by the MHSSC with the organization’s 2005 Award for Excellence in Support Staff Service. Smith entered the workforce after high school and secretarial training. Due to her expansive knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the operation of the program, coupled with her positive personality, she provides leadership to students, teachers, administrators, school district personnel, as well as new and veteran support staff.
“I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Ms. Smith for 18 years and I have always been impressed by her accurate and knowledgeable professionalism, her dependability, and her kindness and consideration toward employees and students alike,” says Kurt H. Lambert, English teacher at the Career & Technical Center. “Working with an individual who truly cares for accuracy and excellence in all she does is a pleasure,” adds Elizabeth Hayter, assistant director for the Ulster Adult Career Education Center. “Michele sets the optimum example for my staff and assists them always with grace and respect. She plays a critical support role in the success of our program.”
Through its collaborative efforts with the School of Education at SUNY New Paltz, the MHSSC strives to enhance the quality of education by serving as a link between the college and school districts in the Mid-Hudson region. Granted an educational charter by the New York State Board of Regents in 1949, the Study Council's unique relationship with the School of Education fosters an important partnership between college research and field experience.
Candidates for the MHSSC awards are evaluated on the basis of support from a variety of sources including school administrators, parents, colleagues, students, and community members. The selection committee looks for individuals who have made a significant impact on students’ lives and learning and/or the school environment. For more information, please contact Susan Doyle, executive director of MHSSC, at 845-257-2820.
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