Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES was well represented at the 18th annual Celebration of Education presented by the Genesis Group and First Source Federal Credit Union.
One of the Outstanding Educator awards went to Herkimer BOCES speech language pathologist Erin Reed, and one of the Outstanding Program awards went to the Herkimer BOCES Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp. Herkimer BOCES employees who coordinate the camp are Ruth Leavitt, MaryBeth Napolitano, Kelly Cave, Robin Polkosnik, Sarah Crowe and Kelly Mills.
The Celebration of Education took place on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro to honor educators and programs from across the Mohawk Valley.
Reed said it felt good to be recognized for the work she does as a speech language pathologist.
“I was honored to receive the award and receive acknowledgement for my hard work and commitment to my students at Herkimer BOCES,” Reed said. “I appreciate the support I have received from BOCES and continuing education opportunities to learn how to improve my students’ access to technology to help them communicate.”
The Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp is for local female students ages 14-17 and gives them the opportunity to learn about potential careers as first responders. The program aims to expose female students to careers and volunteer work in first responder roles such as police, fire, ambulance, 911 dispatch and more. The program includes training in first aid and self-defense, career-focused speakers, trips to local police, fire and emergency dispatch agencies and more.
Napolitano, who is the Herkimer BOCES School to Careers liaison, work-based learning coordinator, Mentor Program coordinator and Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp coordinator, said she was happy to see recognition for the camp – and everything the camp represents.
“It is an honor to coordinate this awesome program, which aims to bring the truest sense of awareness and exploration to the many facets of the first responder careers; moreover, witnessing firsthand the dedication, teamwork and rewarding nature of the work these professionals accomplish on a daily basis,” Napolitano said. “A program such as this inspires young women to follow their dreams by connecting them with mentors who can offer them a vision of their future, where they can serve their communities with pride and enjoy an ever-evolving career that speaks to their passion and fills their hearts.”
View WKTV coverage of the Celebration of Education here.
Read Daily Sentinel coverage of the event here.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES employees who coordinate the Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp pose together at the 18th annual Celebration of Education presented by the Genesis Group and First Source Federal Credit Union on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro. The camp won an Outstanding Program award. From left: Kelly Mills, Robin Polkosnik, Sarah Crowe, MaryBeth Napolitano and Kelly Cave.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES speech language pathologist Erin Reed poses with her Outstanding Educator award at the 18th annual Celebration of Education presented by the Genesis Group and First Source Federal Credit Union on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp participants and coordinators pose together during the camp. The Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp received an Outstanding Program award during the 18th annual Celebration of Education presented by the Genesis Group and First Source Federal Credit Union on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro.
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