Posted on Jun 07, 2023
Rotary Clubs honor educators from 7 area high schools.
 
2023 Outstanding Educators
From left: Outstanding Educators Roger Wratten (Clinton), Eileen Roth (New Hartford), Tim Papienuk (New York Mills), Dana Giannandrea (Notre Dame), Natalie Powers (Sauquoit) and Lisa Alexander (Whitesboro). Missing from photo is Ken Szczesniak (Proctor).
 
The Rotary Clubs of Utica, New Hartford, North Utica/Whitestown, and Sauquoit honored seven Utica-area teachers on Thursday, June 1, at their Outstanding Educators Awards Program. The program, presented during a joint luncheon at the Yahnundasis Golf Club in New Hartford, is an annual event of the area Rotary Clubs’ community service committees. 
 
The 2023 recipients of the Outstanding Educators Awards are:
 
  • Clinton Central High School: Roger Wratten, French teacher.
  • New Hartford High School: Eileen Roth, math teacher.
  • New York Mills Junior/Senior High School: Tim Papienuk, English teacher.
  • Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School: Dana Giannandrea, math teacher.
  • T.R. Proctor High School: Ken Szczesniak, acting principal.
  • Sauquoit Valley High School: Natalie Powers, guidance counselor.
  • Whitesboro Central High School: Lisa Alexander, math teacher.
 
The awards luncheon comes at the culmination of a year-long program during which area Rotary clubs hosted two students from each of seven area high schools. At each of two Rotary membership meetings, the students each had an opportunity to introduce themselves to the Rotary members, and to learn about Rotary’s community, regional and international service, which are the fulfillment of the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” 
At the end of the school year, the students from each school are asked to select the teacher whom they believe exemplifies the Rotary motto, and the values of Rotary, as reflected 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?