Three Minisink Valley staff members have been named recipients of the Mid-Hudson School Study Council’s 2024 Awards for Excellence.
Each year, the Newburgh-based organization honors those in the education field who display excellence in their work. Awards were presented to them and other honorees at an Oct. 17 gathering at The Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown.
Michael Larsen, Middle School Principal
MHSSC Award for Excellence in Administration
“He is known for his great work ethic and being a team player in whatever capacity is needed,” High School Principal Kenneth Hauck wrote in his nomination letter. “His commitment to excellence has been the key to his success as he progressed through the ranks at Minisink. His passion comes from the fact that he truly cares about everyone as invested in their individual success.”
Mr. Hauck noted that Mr. Larsen is responsible for many positive changes within the Middle School, including: being instrumental in developing DASA, Title IX and building expectation presentations; an eight-period schedule to give students more opportunities; a new sixth-grade parent orientation; and much more.
“His commitment to faculty and staff is further demonstrated by his commitment to serving as a mentor to new teachers and his assistant principal and instructing a variety of professional development courses,” Superintendent Brian Monahan wrote in his nomination letter. “Mr. Larsen’s demeanor, grace and comment to student and faculty/staff excellence are examples for others to follow.”
Alison Miller, Middle School Special Education Teacher/Special Education Department Chairperson
MHSSC Award for Excellence in Pupil Personnel Services
“Alison has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially middle school children,” Principal Michael Larsen wrote in his nomination letter. “Her positive attitude is contagious among her students and peers. Alison’s ability to connect with her students inspires them to put their very best efforts into all their assignments. She shows a high regard and level of respect for all and makes those around her better. She’s a talented teacher who has a unique ability to teach basic and advanced topics, sometimes on a moment’s notice. Most important, Alison leads by example.”
Assistant Principal Thomas Rickard echoed those comments in his nomination letter.
“I never hesitate to call on Alison,” he wrote. “She will do anything to help a situation and always has a smile on her face. Time and time again, she has demonstrated her ability to work as a member of the team and contribute to the positive culture at the middle school. She sets standards for her students and gives them the tools to succeed. And, she’s our ‘go to’ person for anything we need related to IEPs and 504 accommodations for students.”
Kevin Murphy, School Security Aide/Intramural Assistant
MHSSC Award of Excellence in Staff Support
“As a retired NYPD officer, Mr. Murphy utilizes his skill set on a daily basis to screen our visitors, secure our buildings and interact with our stakeholders,” Intermediate School Principal Paul Dombal wrote in his nomination letter. “His positive and professional demeanor is reassuring to everyone he interacts with, and his dedication to keeping our students safe is second to none. Mr. Murphy is a consummate professional and man of integrity. He is an exemplary role model, he knows hundreds of students by name, and we are safer because of his presence and dedication to his job.”
In his nomination letter, Superintendent Monahan added: “He’s a presence when students are outdoors for snow tubing, often seen as the guy who pushes everyone downhill. He’s there when students fly kits and plays a huge role in the success of the Intermediate School’s Bicycle Club. Plus, he’s the only one I know who gets baby chicks named after him after the hatch from classroom incubators. But fun aside, he’s also the person who uses his laser focus NYPD experience in everything, and I mean everything he does, such as in the daily check of the grounds of our buildings before students go out for recess. His jovial demeanor and commitment to school security and safety make him an extremely respected person in our district, and for that we are very grateful.”