2010-2011
Board of Education
Award for Accomplishment

Our congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Board of Education Award for Accomplishment and our sincere gratitude for their dedication to our students and schools. The recipients were honored at a special recognition ceremony in the High School Auditorium on May 9, 2011.  Board of Education President Mr. William Santos and Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Roberta L. Greene presented the honorees with a plaque. 

Valerie Davey
Teaching Assistant at Little Britiain Elementary School and Community Volunteer

Michael Mann, Sr.
Custodian at Washingtonville High School

Dawn Salka
Sign Language Club Instructor at Round Hill and Taft Elementary Schools

Since 1982, the Washingtonville Central School District Board of Education has recognized staff members, students, and residents for their contributions to the district through its Award for Accomplishment.  The award is given to those individuals who accept demanding challenges and set new and higher standards of dedication and accomplishment in achieving the school district's mission, goals and objectives.

Please read the nomations submitted for the awardees below.

Davey
Nominator Christine Frisbee and her three daughters, Michaela, Miranda and Samantha, smile with awardee Valerie Davey, right, and Board President William Santos, after the award ceremony on May 9, 2011.  (Photo Howard Spear)

 

Mrs. Valerie Davey

Teaching Assistant and Volunteer, Little Britain Elementary School

Submitted by Christine Frisbee on behalf of the Little Britain PTO Executive Board. 

"When your child enters a school it is natural that the school will be an integral part of your life while you are there. There will be opportunities to volunteer, attend events and participate in the place your child spends most of his day. For most parents the time spent volunteering at school ends when your child starts the next journey in his life. This is not the case for Valerie Davey.

"During the time Mrs. Davey's children were at Little Britain, she was a tireless volunteer. She helped out at many events and was a member of the executive board for two years. Now that Mrs. Davey has taken Little Britain into her heart, there Little Britain remains. Mrs. Davey's children have moved on, but she remains a volunteer for us.

"This year Mrs. Davey returned to Little Britain as a teacher assistant and immediately resumed her connection to the PTO. She continues to assist the PTO with our activities. She assisted at our Welcome Back Carnival, Penny Social, Scholastic Book Fair, and Holiday Gift Fair. She is always there to pinch hit for photo opportunities for our yearbook. Additionally, Valerie has continued to write 'The Little Britain Buzz" for the Orange County Post keeping the community updated on the happenings of Little Britain, Valerie does this all out of love and commitment to Little Britain. Even with a new job, a family, children in other schools and events, the PTO has remained in the forefront of her heart and priorities.

"Most recently Mrs. Davey offered to be Little Britain's representative for the budget committee, giving up even more of her time to help out the PTO. Mrs. Davey's selfless giving of her valuable time and
support has allowed the PTO to move forward and provide the "extras" in our children's education such as the Post news features. She is a prime example that you can take the girl out of the home, but you can't take the home out of the girl. Little Britain will always be home for Mrs. Davey and we are truly grateful for her efforts above and beyond.

"It is because of these reasons, we, The Little Britain PTO Executive Board nominate Mrs. Valerie Davey for the Board of Education Award for Accomplishment. There is no individual more deserving who has shown such care and dedication than Mrs. Davey."

Mr. Mann
Thirty-four year employee Michael Mann, left, poses with his wife Elizabeth and Board President William Santos after the ceremony.  His wife who is also a co-worker, nominated Mr. Mann along with the faculty and staff of the High School.  (Photo Howard Spear)

Mr. Michael Mann

Custodian at Washingtonville High School

Mr. Mann was nominated by Elizabeth Mann and the faculty and staff of the
Washingtonville High School.

"On behalf of Elizabeth Mann and the entire faculty and staff in the Washingtonville High School, we would like to nominate Michael Mann for the Board of Education Award for Accomplishment. Mike has been employed as a custodian in our district for 34 years, exclusively in the High School.


"I cannot tell you how many young people Mike has had an impact upon. He has taught one of the most important lessons there is: How to live a successful life. Mike has done this unknowingly and in the most simplistic way, which is by example. He does not dole out advice or counseling but demonstrates a positive attitude coupled with integrity, honesty and hard work. I believe this is the greatest example anyone can set for a young person.


"So many adults in our community from many walks of life have passed through the halls of this school. Doctors, lawyers, firemen and policemen return to Washingtonville and still refer him as Mr. Mann. It would be nearly impossible to find someone in the school district that Mike has not helped in his own silent, special way. He is always willing to go above the general duties of his job to assist with special events, athletics, kitchen needs, classroom equipment...whatever is needed, any member of staff knows that all they have to do is ask Mike and he will get it done.


"Mike is a great example of how it is not always a man's net worth but his self-worth and willingness to give that makes a difference. That's what makes him a special man and a deserving recipient of the Board of Education Award for Accomplishment."

Salka
Board President William Santos stands with Cary Maurya, left, her two children, son Ashwinkumar and daughter Aryanna, and awardee Dawn Salka.  Mrs. Maurya nominated Mrs. Salka on behalf of the Little Britain PTO Executive Board.  The children attend Mrs. Salka’s Sign Language Club.  (Photo Howard Spear)

 
Mrs. Dawn Salka

Sign Language Club Instructor at Round Hill and Taft Elementary Schools

Mrs. Salka was nominated by Cary Maurya, a parent of two of Mrs. Salka's sign language students.

"As a parent of 2 children that have been in the Sign Language Club at Round Hill Elementary School for many years (my daughter has done it K- 4th and my son has done It Pre K-1st). I feel that Dawn Salka is most deserving of this recognition. Dawn does the sign language club for both Round Hill and Taft on a total volunteer basis.

"Rain, shine, sleet, or snow, she shows up for sign language and very rarely cancels a club meeting. Even when she was in the hospital recently with health Issues, she worked to get parent volunteers to hold the meetings so the club wouldn't get behind. She has taught my children not only another language, but she always ties in current events, history, and cultural celebrations with the signs that they learn. I am in awe to see how focused and driven the children are to learn the many new signs each week.

"The Christmas and Spring concerts are by far the most touching and beautiful show of artistry and communication I have ever seen. There is something about 50 plus small children signing in perfect unison to the song 'Feed the World' that brings goose bumps to my arms and tears to my eyes.

"Dawn has a true gift for making learning this language fun and rewarding and I feel truly blessed that my children are able to be a part of such an amazing program.  The fact that the children choose to come back year after year is a true testament of how deserving she is."