Mid-Hudson School Study Council presents awards

NEW WINDSOR, NY — Teachers, administrators, school support staff and board members from the 66 member school districts of the Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) gathered at Anthony’s Pier 9 for the annual awards to cite excellence in support staff service, teaching, administration and school board service.

While school support staff are not often recognized for their tireless efforts, their role is critical in the day-to-day functioning of the schools. Their jobs require multi-tasking and patience, and they are often called upon to perform a myriad of functions during the course of a day.

MHSSC Executive Director Susan Doyle called up the honorees to cite their achievements.

	TRR photos by Richard A. Ross Rose Ann Knox (Click for larger image)

• Rose Ann Knox is the secretary for the Tri-Valley Intermediate School. According to Intermediate School Principal Robert Carle, “She has established herself as a friendly, helpful caring secretary that performs her duties at the highest possible level.” During the awards presentation, Doyle noted that Knox “dries tears and supplies bandaids,” in addition to all of her other functions. A 20-year employee, Knox is planning to retire at the end of the 2003-04 school year.

	Diane Lee (Click for larger image)

• Diane Lee is the Executive Secretary to Eileen Casey, superintendent of the Monticello School District. During the course of her 46 years of service, Lee has worked with nine superintendents and eight assistant superintendents. According to Casey, “Mrs. Lee is one of the most loyal, efficient, well-organized and self-motivated people I have ever met.” Casey went on to say, “More importantly, she is respected for the kind of person she is: for her integrity, for her loyalty, for her congenial nature, for her dedication to excellence and for her outstanding work ethic.

	Eleanor Rose (Click for larger image)

• Eleanor Rose is “The foundation of the Livingston Manor High School,” according to Superintendent of Schools Debra Lynker. Rose has been the guidance office aide for 34 years. Master schedules, filing of college applications and setting up conferences with students to discuss graduation requirements are just a few of her roles that make her virtually indispensable to the smooth functioning of the high school.

In the face of her numerous duties she never loses her quiet grace. According to Lynker, “No matter how hectic the schedule or what is going on around her, I have never heard her lose her temper, get short or refuse an assignment. She is a consummate professional at all times and a role model for everyone, including me.”

	Barbara Sutton (Click for larger image)

• Barbara Sutton of the Port Jervis School district, “got to break in seven superintendents,” according to Doyle. She was cited for her compassion, patience and trustworthiness to the district. Doyle referred to her as “the heart and soul of Port Jervis.”

• Barbara Semonite, principal of the Emma C. Chase Elementary School of the Monticello School District, received an award for excellence in administration. She was cited for her leadership, style and grace. According to Doyle, “She doesn’t sit atop her school, she’s the one who holds it up.”

	Barbara Semonite (Click for larger image)