For the past eight years, the Ulster County School Boards Association (UCSBA) has recognized community members with the Distinguished Friend of Education Award. “This annual award honors individuals who lead with compassion and contribute to a positive future for students throughout Ulster County,” said Ulster BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Jonah Schenker. 

This year’s champions of education include educators, volunteers, advocates, and community members. They were recognized during the UCSBA’s annual dinner, which was held on November 21 at the Venue at the Best Western in Kingston. 

“These individuals willingly take the time to foster trusting relationships within our local schools,” said Dr. Schenker. “They understand that their commitment to students not only supports families and communities, but also contributes to a stronger, more connected world.”

Following is a list of this year's honorees: 

• Maude Bruce was nominated by the Ellenville Central School District for being a devoted community member who has fought tirelessly on behalf of Ellenville’s students, never hesitating to speak up on their behalf in a continual quest for justice and equity. 
• County Legislator Gina Hansut was selected for working tirelessly on behalf of the Highland Central School District over the past several years, using her platform as a voice for schools and the students of Ulster County. 
• Kingston City School District staff member Stacie Kremper was honored for her devotion for more than a decade to the Kingston High School Music and Drama programs. She is a constant presence for Kingston students, and her tireless dedication keeps the Music students on track and in tune. 
• Marlboro Central School District community member Junell Buzzurro was nominated for her dedication and involvement in Marlboro schools through her leadership roles in PTAs over the last 13 years. She also tirelessly volunteers in the community and has a contagious spirit and enthusiasm for helping. 
• The New Paltz Middle School PTA was selected by the New Paltz Central School District for their positive impact on the school community. In supporting the District’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the PTA provided a wealth of opportunities for students that without its leadership’s dedication and talent simply would not exist. The recognition was accepted by co-presidents Janine Manley and Jessica Herron. 
• The Onteora Central School District honored Christina Payette Signore for being a collaborative and inspirational PTA president for the former Phoenicia Elementary School. She helped ensure that the events and experiences supported by the school’s PTA were fun, engaging, student-centered, and community-spirited. 
• Retired teacher James Sullivan was selected by the Rondout Valley Central School District for not only being an exceptional Spanish teacher, but also for his passion for the community that went far beyond the classroom, including his support for enriching programs such as the Model Organization of American States Club and the Rondout/Algete Exchange (a student exchange program involving Rondout Valley High School students as well as students from Algete, Spain).  
• The Saugerties Central School District honored Dan Whalen, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Ulster County, for his deep commitment to the community and, more importantly, to the students. Students affectionately talk about Whalen and the impact the Club has had on their lives.  
• Vincent Petroccelli was selected by the Wallkill Central School District for his 40 years of service to the District, first as a Special Education teacher and then, after his retirement, as a Board of Education member. His involvement on the Board resulted in many positive outcomes such as 1:1 digital devices for all students and additional programmatic and extracurricular opportunities for students. 
• Community member Claudia Small, the grandmother of a student at Ulster BOCES, was selected by the agency for being an incredible advocate and participant in her grandson’s educational journey. Her commitment extends beyond just her grandson, as she became a valued member of the BOCES-wide team and volunteers her time as a parent voice, helping to shape and strengthen the school community. 

UCSBA President Marie Anderson shares the importance of recognizing and celebrating the individuals across Ulster County who make a difference in our schools and communities. “I think of the quote ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ when I think of this dinner,” she said. “The education of our children is improved when schools work collaboratively with community partners and individuals who are willing to help.” 

According to Anderson, the UCSBA provides connections for school board members and superintendents to collaborate on, discuss, and navigate current issues and trends that school districts may face at any given time.