Local Rotary Clubs Honor Seven ‘Outstanding Educators’

UTICA – The Rotary Clubs of Utica, New Hartford, North Utica-Whitestown and Sauquoit
gathered at Five Points Public House/Irish Cultural Center on June 6 to honor seven
‘Outstanding Educators’ at an awards luncheon.

The following educators were honored by the local Rotary clubs and their students at the event:

● Peter Anderson, Social Studies Teacher, New Hartford.
● Audrey Foote, Science Teacher, New York Mills.
● Christine Golden, Social Studies Teacher, Utica CSD.
● Jeffrey Kuhn, High School Principal, Whitesboro.
● Trisha Moore, Math Teacher, Sauquoit Valley.
● Sharece Toner, Math Teacher, Notre Dame.
● Michael Zogby, History Teacher, Clinton.

The Outstanding Educators Committee works with future leaders of our community and honors those who help mold them. Two students from each of the seven area high schools were recently given an opportunity to introduce themselves to the Rotary members, and to learn about Rotary’s community, regional and international services, which are the fulfillment of the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

The committee then organizes the end-of-the-school-year luncheon to honor outstanding
educators nominated by those students. The students were asked to select teachers who they believe exemplify the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, and the values of Rotary as expressed in its Four Way Test (Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?)

Outstanding Educators Chairman Bart Gorman explained that the Rotary Club of Utica’s
tradition of having high school students attend meetings dates back to the mid-1940s.

He added that the current ‘Outstanding Educators’ effort is “a direct evolution of Rotary’s
decades of commitment to the welfare of children and the enrichment of educational
opportunities for all.”

“As Rotarians we are grateful for you,” said Gorman, “the Outstanding Educator professionals who truly do put service above self in the nurturing and development of young minds and bodies stretching to fulfill their desires for a positive, productive, rewarding and satisfying place in the future.”