Contact | Applications | Awards Criteria 
 |  | | New York State Elementary School Principal of the Year (NAESP)
|
|---|
Tony Sinanis, Cantiague Elementary School, Jericho Union Free School District
Sinanis has served in his current position at Cantiague for the past six years, in which time he has been credited for creating an environment of trust, transparency, and exceptional dedication to each and every student. When asked about his philosophy for creating an opportune environment for teaching and learning, Sinanis stated, “I wanted the students to trust that I would advocate for them. I wanted the staff to trust that I would consider their perspectives when making decisions. I wanted the families to know that I would love and take care of their children as if they were my own.” Commented Superintendent of Schools Henry Grishman, “The respect that he has earned district-wide within the area of curriculum and instruction has led to major and profound changes in the areas of literacy instruction and assessment.” He continued, “... the teaching staff and school community absolutely love and admire him.” Under Sinanis' leadership, Cantiague was named a 2012 Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education.
As New York’s Elementary School Principal of the Year, Sinanis will be celebrated as a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals at a recognition program sponsored by NAESP and VALIC this fall in Washington, DC.
|  | | | | New York State Middle School Principal of the Year (NASSP)
|
|---|
Diane Mitchell, Felix V. Festa Middle School, Clarkstown Central School District
Mitchell has been a principal at Felix Festa since 2008. Felix Festa Campus Principal Kevin Horan describes Mitchell as, "one of the brightest, most knowledgeable, and intuitive professionals I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with." Felix Festa was designated as a New York State “Reward School” for 2012-13. Upon reflecting on her work at the middle school, Mitchell is very proud of her initiatives to increase vocabulary and literacy skills across all content areas and among all students, despite their educational, social, emotional, or physical needs. A key component to the success of this and other school initiatives is Mitchell’s focus on providing meaningful professional development to teachers. Said Clarkstown Superintendent Jeffrey Sobel, "As a leader in the area of professional development, Dr. Mitchell works collaboratively with colleagues from her building and central office to maintain a positive environment where staff members willingly engage in opportunities for growth."
As the SAANYS/NASSP Middle School Principal of the Year, Mitchell is now a candidate for the award of NASSP National Middle School Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by NASSP and Virco. A principals institute and awards ceremony sponsored by NASSP and Virco will be held in Washington, DC this fall.
|  | | | | New York State High School Principal of the Year (NASSP)
|
|---|
Annie Metcalf, North Collins Jr.-Sr. High School, North Collins Central School District
Metcalf has been the principal at North Collins Jr.-Sr. High School since 2005. She has been described as a warm, motivational, and transformational leader who has created a revitalized educational environment at North Collins emphasizing collaboration, responsibility, and tolerance and respect for all. She has lead this previous low performing school to becoming a selected Reward School for Educational Excellence by New York State and in 2013 the school was ranked as a Silver Medal school by US News and World Reports. Metcalf is hailed as a leader amongst the entire district and community. She facilitates the district’s Educational Advisory Committee, drawing together all stakeholders – staff, parents, and fellow administrators – to create and measure goals for the enhancement of instruction and student learning. Commented North Collins Elementary Principal John Cataldo, "I have never met another individual more dedicated, more collaborative, or more a model of instructional leadership than Mrs. Annie Metcalf. Every conversation, regardless of the audience, is about children and families and how to best serve them."
As New York’s High School Principal of the Year, Metcalf is now a candidate for the award of National High School Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by NASSP andVirco. A principals institute and awards ceremony sponsored by NASSP and Virco will be held in Washington, DC this fall.
|  | | | | New York State High School Assistant Principal of the Year (NASSP)
|
|---|
Heidi Nyland, Port Jervis High School, Port Jervis City School District
"What sets Heidi apart, and what cannot be learned, but is developed over a career, is her ability to reach the most difficult, indifferent, and combative students, get them to have pride in themselves, and graduate from high school. There is an ever growing list of students who I know would not have graduated from Port Jervis High School if Heidi Nyland wasn’t there for them." stated Thomas Bongiovi, superintendent of Port Jervis School District. Commented Andrew Marotta, principal of Port Jervis High School, "Another wonderful thing Mrs. Nyland does for our students, specifically the girls, is she acts as a role model. She has taken countless girls under her wing to help them and get them through these tough teenage years. She talks to the girls about dress code, dating, and how to speak and act appropriately, all of which have nothing to do with their math scores."
As the SAANYS/NASSP High School Assistant Principal of the Year, Nyland is now a candidate for the award of National High School Assistant Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Virco. A principals institute and awards ceremony sponsored by NASSP and Virco will be held in Washington, DC this fall.
|  | | | | New York State Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year (NAESP)
|
|---|
Jennifer Check, Victor Primary School, Victor Central School District
Check is known as a compassionate leader within her school community. Danielle Dehm, principal of Victor Primary School, commented that “it is her love for children and the learning process that motivates her to do the right thing at all times.” Check has worked diligently to streamline processes and build on the foundation of collaborative culture and learning that Victor Primary School embraces. Over the past year, she established a framework to support the professional learning communities at the school. Teachers are now on multi-level teams of varying members in order to better support individual student needs. Colleague Consultation Teams have also been created to identify interventions for struggling students. These teams have increased the level of collaboration within the school and have built a culture that is always thinking of supporting student growth and development. Additionally, Check has been instrumental in developing the Me and My Mentor program, a program that creates adult connections for children struggling with social and emotional development.
As New York’s Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, Check will be celebrated as a National Distinguished Assistant Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals at a recognition program sponsored by NAESP and VALIC this fall in Washington, DC.
|  | | | | New York State Middle School Principal of the Year (NAESP)
|
|---|
Richard Wiesenthal, New Paltz Middle School, New Paltz Central School District
Wiesenthal has been an administrator at New Paltz Middle School for the past 26 years, 24 as principal, in which time he has been credited for creating an environment emphasizing collaboration, communication, cooperation, and mutual respect. Said one parent, "I tell Rich that he will never know all the good that he has done, 26 years creates a lot of ripples in the pond. Together, we recognize him for who he is: vital, needed, and at the top of his profession." Superintendent of Schools Maria Rice notes Wiesenthal’s exceptional strength as an instructional leader as well. "Despite the past few years filled with federal and state mandates and requirements, that in many schools have practically crippled administrators and staff with anxiety and stress, Dr. Wiesenthal has been instrumental in keeping these frustrations at bay. With his leadership, the staff was able to incorporate the mandates and move forward with innovative educational practices that focused on high academic and social learning."
As the SAANYS and NAESP Middle School Principal of the Year, Wiesenthal will be celebrated as a National Distinguished Principal by NAESP at a recognition program sponsored by NAESP and VALIC this fall in Washington, DC.
|  | | | | New York State Outstanding Educator
|
|---|
Margaret Marenghi, New Hyde Park Road Elementary School, New Hyde Park – Garden City Park Union Free School District
The principal of this culturally diverse elementary school for the past eight years, Marenghi has strived to provide a welcoming environment based on respect and acceptance among the parents, staff, students, and community at New Hyde Park Road Elementary School, a significant percentage of which are english language learners. Colleagues note that her “dedication, persistence, and commitment to educating the whole child are truly remarkable and serve as a testament to her career.” Not only is this “life-long learner” a leader within her school, but she is also a dedicated leader within the greater community. Marenghi has led efforts to help communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy as well as communities still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, organizing a local effort to help rebuild a school in Louisiana. Directly following the destruction from Hurricane Katrina in 2006, Marenghi traveled to the area as a representative of the American Red Cross and was in charge of the operation of a large shelter serving hundreds of displaced families. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Hurricane Hero Award in 2006.
|  | | | | T. Walsh McQuillan Award
|
|---|
Denise Rainey, Frank Fowler Dow School #52, Rochester City School District
Rainey is known for her creative out-of-the box style, bringing unique and innovative programs to her school community. In particular, she worked with local organizations to establish a summer reading program for School 52 in which more than 100 students have the opportunity to work one on one with community volunteers to increase their reading skills. It was the first program of its kind within the City of Rochester. Another very successful and innovative program implemented by Rainey is her "Students of Opportunity" initiative. This program takes students who are just at or close to the New York State threshold for meeting academic standards and pairs them with a volunteer to work with them to reach set goals for improvement. As noted by Bolgen Vargas, RCSD superintendent of schools, "As an educator, she has the utmost understanding that it is the school’s ultimate responsibility to educate the children, but that she cannot do it alone. It is this conviction that has led her to establish one of the most vibrant school communities in our district, with the support of volunteers, parents, and the business community."
|  | | | | James E. Allen Award
|
|---|
Renee Rudd, Central Valley Academy, Central Valley Central School District
Although Rudd has been in her current position for ten years, this is her first year leading the new Central Valley Academy that developed out of the merger of two school districts. Rudd’s outstanding leadership led to the successful transition to the new combined school. She held a kickoff celebration entitled "A New Beginning" on the first day of school that set the tone for the school year, complete with a ribbon cutting and introductions of new staff. "Through her efforts, both faculty and students at CVA have come together as a model for the combination of two high schools.” Additionally, Rudd is well known for her dedication and commitment to excellence – working to increase educational opportunities at all levels. Stated Ilion Police Captain Laurie Ann DeVaul, “As a parent of a student attending CVA, I also have witnessed the exemplary contributions Principal Rudd has made towards ensuring that each student receives the best possible chance of realizing success. Principal Rudd has created a comfortable open-door atmosphere that enables both students and parents alike, the opportunity to meet with her to discuss their educational concerns."
|  | | | | Irving Schwartz Distinguished Retiree Award
|
|---|
Tom Sands, Watervliet Central School District (retired)
During his tenure as an administrator, Tom Sands was well known for mentoring many colleagues and teaching them everything necessary about the operations as well as the instructional side of leading a school. He has continued his passion for mentoring into his retirement. Well known for his generous nature, fellow administrators know that Sands “is available each weeknight and every weekend to speak to administrators to give them advice and counsel when they need an experienced, kind person to listen to their concerns and to provide some steps for resolution.” Not only has Sands been active in mentoring fellow administrators, he has also been a long-standing and dedicated member of SAANYS, serving the association in various capacities for more than a quarter century, first as a member of its statewide board of directors for many years, and currently as a very active regional representative. Additionally, he was a founding member of the SAANYS Vanguard Magazine Editorial Board, has been instrumental in working to increase scholarship opportunities for students in Region 6, and works passionately each year to organize the Region 6 Awards Ceremony.
|  | | | | Leadership and Support Award
|
|---|
Barbara Martorana, Monroe 2 – Orleans BOCES
Martorana has served in the field of education and social work for more than 25 years. She is known as a caring individual who is a strong advocate for students, parents, and colleagues. In her current position, she provides support to the nine component districts that make up Monroe 2 - Orleans BOCES. Commented colleague Robert O’Brien, "Barb has proven to be a valuable resource to the component districts because of her experience, knowledge, and ability to see possibilities where none seemingly exist.” Among her most recent accomplishments is the launching of a Career Skills Center program that supports students participating in work study programs. Students in the program attend the program prior to placement in the field, the result of which has been a marked increase in successful student outcomes. Joseph Kelly, assistant superintendent for instructional programs at Monroe 2 - Orleans BOCES, commented that Martorana’s “passion for raising expectations for young adults with disabilities and preparing them in collaboration with agency partners for the world of work is simply unparalleled in this community."
|  | | | | K-12 Building Principal of the Year Award
|
|---|
Martha Winsor, Edmeston Central School, Edmeston Central School District
Winsor is known as a compassionate leader and mentor to many within her school community. Commented Eric Windover, K-12 principal of Roxbury Central School, "Over the last six years, Martha has been my colleague and someone I could rely on to help answer many difficult questions as we have moved through the enormous change that is Race to the Top. While others voice frustration, anxiety, and more, Martha is steadfast, moving methodically forward on an even keel." Colleagues emphasize Winsor’s impact on students' leadership skills and community awareness through the service organization she advises: “With her guidance, the students have learned 'Service Above Self.' Her leadership role has helped this youth organization provide services to better our school and community. Mrs. Winsor has been a positive influence on our future leaders of tomorrow." Brian Hunt, superintendent of schools, stated “Martha demonstrates great care and sensitivity to the needs of students and staff. She always knows just what kind words will help a difficult situation. She has been a dedicated and effective principal in Edmeston School District for 14 years."
|  | | | | Friend of Education Award
|
|---|
Renise Holohan, Sergeant, New York State Police Force (retired)
A highly sought after speaker, Sergeant Holohan has presented at countless educational conferences and panel discussions over the course of the past 16 years. She has also been an active member of the Governor’s Task Force on School Safety since 1998. She co-wrote SAVE legislation guidance documents and has authored two school safety DVDs as well as the New York State School Safety Guide. Through her efforts, she obtained several grants for the New York State Police that were responsible for securing the salaries and benefits for 92 school resource officers in schools throughout New York State. She was also asked to serve as a member of the Governor’s New York State School Safety Improvement Team per the Safe Act. In addition to her extensive work, commitment, and dedication to school safety in New York State, Jay Worona, general counsel for the New York State School Boards Association, commented that Holohan “is a marvelous teacher. Whenever she presents to audiences of school board members, administrators, students, or the general public, her underlying message can easily be understood and is always appreciated by those to whom she speaks." Donald Nickson, deputy executive director of SAANYS, stated that “New York State is very fortunate to have such a friend in law enforcement. Sgt. Holohan has made a significant contribution to the mission of education through her work on school safety. We are fortunate that her career path brought this talented officer to us as a resource."
|  |
|
|
