Two Ravena Coeymans Selkirk educators and one high school senior were recently recognized among educators and students for exceptional leadership and volunteerism within our community by the Capital District YMCA.
RCS educators Jessica Doerr and Gloria Foley, and high school senior Maximillian May, were honored in a celebratory breakfast held at The Appel Inn in Altamont on Tuesday, April 25. Honorees were chosen to be the “best of the best”, demonstrating leadership and dedication in service to their schools, communities, and the YMCA.
Doerr and Foley were named among eight educators whose characters embodied YMCA’s values for caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Doerr was described as having strong beliefs in equality, honesty, and respect for others. In addition to her work as a social worker, she is an active member of the Trauma Response Team, the Crisis Response Team, the district’s PBIS Chair, Restorative Justice Trainer and Leader, Building Leadership Team, and the district’s School Safety Team.
“Jess’ role in our school is extraordinary,” said RCS District Superintendent Dr. Brian Bailey. “She works tirelessly with students on trauma, depression, anxiety, and various forms of abuse. She cares for all students and supports them to advocate for themselves.”
Foley, an English teacher at RCS, holds the distinction of having run NHS as its advisor for many years, leading meetings and holding events for the community. The program requires more than 30 volunteer hours for each of the district’s 50 students.
“She also runs a club, Natural Helpers, that provides opportunities for students to volunteer, as she spends her own time right beside them,” Bailey said. “Every year, through Natural Helpers, RCS gives back to our greater community by raising money for the Make-A-Wish foundation as well as other local and regional causes.”
May was named among 20 area students. The RCS senior is an active member of the local community, involving himself with several groups including Best Buddies, Tri-M Music Honor Society, NHS, Natural Helpers, and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
“Through my involvement, I have learned important life skills like taking initiative, perseverance, and standing up for what is right,” May said. “My work with Best Buddies has been particularly impactful, and l've fought tirelessly against the isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in my region.”
May also lists tutoring and working with the area food bank as more examples of his volunteer work locally, but his altruism extends beyond his home town. His endeavors take him to the outdoors, where he’s done work improving the environment.
“I'm dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of other communities and have taken on the responsibility of caring for a trail and lean-to in the Adirondack region,” he said. “I believe that my actions have positively impacted the lives of many individuals and the community as a whole.”
The event was attended by several community leaders, including Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy and State Assemblyman Scott Bendett.
Each honoree was awarded a number of citations from our governmental representative, a certificate, and a one-year membership to the Capital District YMCA.
The Capital District YMCA supports, engages, and strengthens the Capital Region community through programs and partnerships focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Capital District YMCA welcomes all people, enhances lives through personal growth opportunities and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in all it does for youth, adults, families, and the community.