There are so many people that work hard in the Galway School District every day. Each year, Galway’s PTSA takes the time to honor those people who help make this district great. Mary Brisson, Nadine DesPres, Mary Goldstein and Mr. Swain were recognized at the Founders Day Dessert Social Tuesday night for their tremendous work and effort that enriches the lives and education of Galway students. The four deserving recipients were presented with an Honorary Life Membership Award at the event hosted by Lynn Fredericks and Laura Sakala.

Mary Brisson was not able to attend the event, but Laura Sakala proudly shared all Mrs. Brisson’s accomplishments. Mrs. Brisson has been involved with the PTSA for many years, since moving to Galway years ago with her husband and four children. She has volunteered at almost every PTSA event, coordinated the DARE graduation for many years, acted as the Campbell’s Labels for Education coordinator, earning our school new equipment and other useful items, she is a faithful volunteer for the book fairs and always seems to lend a hand to anyone who may need help. Mrs. Brisson is also an outstanding substitute teacher for Galway children. Mrs. Brisson volunteers at the Galway Public Library, and works to promote reading and literacy in the community. Mrs. Brisson is someone who is always there and ready to lend a hand, and was a perfect choice for the PTSA honor.

Nadine DesPres was credited for having boundless energy and a positive attitude. She is supportive of all functions that deal with the Galway community. Mrs. DesPres is actively involved in PTSA events such as Pizza with Santa, Science Saturday, the dance recital, book fairs and the Spring Stroll. She enjoys helping out with classroom activities, such as Junior Achievement. Mrs. DesPres is active in Girl Scouting, and is now a leader of a second year Brownie troop. Her organizational skills really come in handy as she is the cookie manager for the Galway/Ballston Spa area.Mrs. DesPres also finds time to work with the Galway Players Theatre Group. The Galway Public Library and her church also benefit from her generosity and effort. Mrs. DesPres is an inspiration to the Galway community, and was an obvious choice for this award.

Mary Goldstein is another person the PTSA can always count on. Mrs. Goldstein always volunteers for PTSA events such as Pizza with Santa or the holiday gift shop. She enjoys volunteering in the school as a homeroom mother, and as a Junior Achievement classroom presenter for over 12 years. She volunteers at her church whenever they need help. Mrs. Goldstein also devotes her time to Girl Scouts. She leads her scout troops with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Mrs. Goldstein and a colleague, Dawn Allan, recently accepted the demanding role of Service Unit Manager for the Galway/Ballston Spa area, an area that is made up of 40 troops. As Galway Membership Coordinator for the last four years, it is Mrs. Goldstein’s goal to keep Girl Scouting alive in the Galway community. Mrs. Goldstein is a caring person who has worked as a registered nurse for over 25 years. The Galway community is very lucky to have such a kind and generous person working with our children.

And finally, the Eagles Media Center’s Mr. Swain, was nominated for the honor by high school principal Mr. Bednarek. The following passage is an excerpt of the speech that recognized Mr. Swain and all his accomplishments in the district…

“Mr. Mark Swain is an outstanding teacher of students and dynamic leader among faculty and staff at Galway High School.  It is no exaggeration to say that Mr. Swain has revolutionized the way my entire faculty approaches their curriculum by his own consistent efforts to advance the business and marketing programs at Galway High School.   He wholeheartedly commits himself to projects that will enhance teacher growth and student learning.  He has taken a very active role in planning staff development days (supported activity through technical assistance and curriculum design by example) and offering workshops for his colleagues on different kinds of hardware and software.  His primary focus is always student-centered and he makes many sacrifices to improve the experience of our students.  His teaching style is progressive and he works to make his classroom a fun, but challenging environment for his students.  Mr. Swain is not limited by the concepts of ‘we’ve never done that before’ or ‘we couldn’t do that with high school students.’

“Mr. Swain has developed a curriculum that develops students’ business and marketing skills from basic accounting to starting/managing student-run businesses that have, in turn, spawned new business enterprises.  Students in our business/marketing program have the opportunity to earn as many as 13 college credits through local institutions.  Mr. Swain is an instructor at a number of area community colleges in the evening which fosters a strong secondary/post-secondary connection for our students’ learning and often affords him the chance to make important contacts for new field trips, internships, and events that enhance our program here in Galway.

“Mr. Swain’s work with his e-Commerce classes (specifically ScoresUp, their student-run web business) has been regularly recognized by the Genium Group Inc. as preeminent among other participating schools.  Mr. Swain’s students/classes have garnered numerous awards and reached many significant milestones.  This class has provided a “launch pad” for many of the unique business/marketing initiatives Mr. Swain has led in our high school.

“This year the Eagles Media Center (EMC3) hosted an in-house media conference day (run by students and for students) with the assistance of GTV advisor, Damian Ubriaco and Footprint advisor, Kristin Ostrander.  The group has created a dynamic website that will ultimately surpass the capabilities and potential of the ScoresUp site…

“In addition to his exceptional work in the field of business/marketing education, Mr. Swain has been a class advisor, soccer coach, webmaster, and DECA advisor.  He is a family man who protects his personal time while balancing total commitment to his profession.  His contributions to our faculty are immeasurable and I can think of no greater example of an educator whose contributions and achievements have advanced Business and Marketing Education and our approach to high school here in Galway.”

The audience was treated to outstanding entertainment, in addition to the awards presentation. The Teen Lyrical Dance class directed by Lisa Hunter performed to the song “Homeless.”  The group is comprised of Autumn Antos, Emily Bailey, Caroline Conti, Shelby Cull, Sarah Czyzewski, Amber Decker, Sarah DelVecchio, Jessica Freebern, Maria Giroux, Haley Grogan, Carley Gutto, Marissa Hanna, Kristen Houghton, Kara Huszar, Karen Jackson, Nicole Marchese, Cheyenne McElhiney, Rachel Mueller, Nicole O’Brien, Allison Pokrzywka, Jennifer Pokrzywka, Amber Schwab, Felicia Snyder, and Angelina Valente.

The Galway High School Drama Club directed by Anne Valente, and musical director Mr. Funigiello, performed two songs from their upcoming musical “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” The ensemble sang the play’s title song, and then Cody Alvord (Schroeder) and Angelina Valente (Lucy), performed the song “Schroeder.” Cameron Smith (Charlie Brown), Brady Smith (Linus) and John Turner (Snoopy) also performed a song together, a nice surprise for the audience. The group’s performance really got everyone excited to see the play in April.

Two other tap dance routines, directed by Lisa Hunter,  rounded out the evening. The first group, Advanced Competition Tap performed “Transylvania Mania.”  The dancers were Kayla Aschmutat, Hannah Bramer, Erica Culbert, Madison Kieft, Logan Mello, Amber Schwab, Maya Vanderhorst, and Leah Vanderhorst. The second group the Teen Competition Tap group performed “Whole Lotta Shaking Going On.” This group included Autumn Antos, Shelby Cull, Sarah Czyzewski, Sarah DelVecchio, Alaina Foust, Tyler Goergen, Marissa Hanna, Kristen Houghton, Karen Jackson, Paige Lisicki, Layla Petruzzelli, Felicia Snyder, Courtney Sowle, Angelina Valente, and Kelsi Weeden.

The dessert social and evening of entertainment were a fitting tribute for the four PTSA honorees.