Student and educator recognized at YMCA awards breakfast

Ms. Sherry Burgoon and Miss Taryn Smith were recognized at the Tenth Annual "Student and Educator Awards Breakfast" sponsored by the Capital District YMCA.

The Capital District YMCA recognizes high school educators and students who unselfishly give of their time and talent to community service projects and who serve as positive role models in school and community settings.

Ms. Burgoon, a Voorheesville Middle School English teacher and Key Club Advisor, and Miss Smith, a junior class officer and a member of the Key Club Executive Committee, were recognized by both the Town of New Scotland and the YMCA for their outstanding community service in organizing the "Relay for Life" events at Voorheesville.

Relay For Life is a joint venture between the American Cancer Society and the faculty, staff, students and community of the Voorheesville Central School District. Fundraising activities are held for the purpose of collecting funds for cancer research and to help provide services for those affected by the disease. It is also an event that celebrates cancer survivors and brings people together to focus their energies toward the elimination of cancer.

Ms. Burgoon has chaired our Relay For Life event for the past two years and has made this event one of the most successful in the area. Miss Smith is our Student Chair and has been and continues to be chief organizer for the event.

In attendance at the breakfast were Mr. Ed Clark, Supervisor of the Town of New Scotland; and, representing the school district, Mr. Mark Diefendorf, Principal of the Clayton A. Bouton High School and the Voorheesville Middle School, and Mr. Tim Kelley, high school Guidance Counselor.