Duanesburg teacher and student nominated for award
Congratulations
to High School teacher Kathleen Sprenger and High School Senior Amanda Gemmiti
who were recently honored for being nominated for the "Outstanding Educator and Student of the
Year Award" presented by the Capital District YMCA.
Each year, the Glenville & Schenectady branches of the Capital District YMCA honor a local high school student and a teacher for contributions to their school and the community. Although only one is chosen to receive the Outstanding Student and Outstanding Educator Award, all nominees are recognized for the exceptional contributions they have made and the impact they have had on their peers.
An outstanding student can be a catalyst to his or her community and the YMCA chooses to recognize these types of students as they epitomize the UMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Amanda Gemmitti has been active in volunteering for various community events including, assisting at holidays masses and Fall Harvest Night since the third grade. When she was in the eighth grade, she was the winner of the General Electric "How Can I Make a Difference in My Community" event and used this achievement as a stepping stone to success in her high school aspirations toward community service. In tenth grade, Amanda continued her volunteer efforts at St. Peter's Hospital and used her growing knowledge and commitment in aiding students for an hour each Thursday as a Spanish tutor.
The dedication of an outstanding educator is measured by the effectiveness that person has had on the student body, his or her impact on community development and the willingness to possess the leadership qualities that the YMCA exemplifies.
High School teacher Kathleen Sprenger is the ninth-grade class advisor where she works closely with the students, coordinating fundraising events that will fund many of the class's senior year events. She has volunteered her time in coordinating day-care activities at the Duanesburg Area Community Center. BY working closely with both the DCS High School and DACC,l she had helped build a strong connection between the two buildings and forging a relationship that will prosper in the coming years.
"To be chosen to represent such an amazing faculty was truly an honor.," said Sprenger.