“It’s not about what subject you teach; it’s about what you do every day to help raise our kids.” That was the message given to the faculty and staff of the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District by Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson during the district’s annual employee recognition program on Thursday, June 23. During the program, the district recognized its retirees, newly tenured faculty, and employees who reached service milestones during the 2015-16 school year.
Tomlinson also announced the winners of the fifth annual Outstanding Patriot Awards. Each year, Broadalbin-Perth recognizes a teacher, instructional staff member (teaching assistant, guidance counselor, psychologist, etc.) and non-instructional staff member (office staff, custodian, food service worker, bus driver, etc.).
Cindy Sengenberger, a middle school science teacher, received the Outstanding Patriot Award – Teacher. Mrs. Sengenberger helped develop the district’s award-winning 8th Grade STEM Program, oversees the middle school’s KidWind competition teams, and advises the Animal Lovers Club. The colleague who nominated her described Mrs. Sengenberger as happy, friendly, helpful, cheerful and energetic, and wrote, “Cindy stays after school for students who need help and lets students come to her room throughout the day, including during her lunch and planning time.”
Intermediate school teaching assistant Jennifer Szumowski received the Outstanding Patriot Award – Instructional Staff. The colleague who nominated her described Mrs. Szumowski as positive, loving, loyal, committed and kind, among other traits. Her nomination form read, in part: “Jen is always willing to go above and beyond for our district. She puts 110% into everything she does. She is a true community servant, and one of our greatest assets.”
Genienne Bakuzonis, who spent time this year working as a substitute teacher and as the intermediate school secretary, received the Outstanding Patriot Award – Non-Instructional Staff. The colleague who nominated her wrote: “Anyone that knows Genienne would say that ‘no’ is never an option when it comes to helping the students at B-P. She is a team player. Her ideas are refreshing and she brings a lot to any group lucky enough to have her.”