The Catherine Hershey National Residential Education Awards* are the only national awards specifically for the residential education field. Established in 2005, the awards honor outstanding staff, student, alumni, and supporters whose tireless dedication and important contributions exemplify the essence of residential education.
The awards, generously sponsored again this year by the Milton Hershey School, are administered by CORE: the Coalition for Residential Education. Judges are supporters, alumni, and youth work professionals who rank all submitted nominations with personal and program information removed.
Congratulations to the 2010 Award Winners!
We look forward to honoring winners at the upcoming 2010 CORE National Conference, hosted by Mooseheart and Glenwood Schools in Illinois.
Student of the Year – Josh Mayers, Glenwood School for Boys and Girls
“In his nine years of work and growth at Glenwood School, Josh has developed into one of the school’s finest students. He has overcome tremendous obstacles to prove himself in the classroom and as a leader in our residential program. Josh has stood out in his willingness to help and support others. His achievements, both academic and athletic, have been an excellent example for others to follow. When he spoke about his Glenwood experience at a Thanksgiving luncheon, his words and sincerity were instrumental in raising over six hundred thousand dollars to support Glenwood’s work. But more importantly, you could see the regard and admiration that younger students had for Josh and how they will be motivated to follow his lead.”
Residential Educators of the Year – Phil and Mae Smith, Houseparents, Methodist Children’s Home
“The Smiths are committed homeparents to eight boys. They keep each boy’s interests, welfare, and individual success at the forefront of their work. Both Phil and Mae use everyday life experiences to teach important skills. They are enthusiastic, upbeat, and never give up on ‘hard to reach’ youth. The pair recognizes that serving others is essential in helping youth heal the pain in their own lives. Phil and his boys contributed over 200 hours of community service work during 2009. Phil and Mae take the boys on organized outings, participate in fall festivals and summer programs at the Boys Ranch, and cheer on the boys during athletic events. They offer other staff members their wisdom from the many years of child care experiences, and have contributed to building a strong program at the Boys Ranch.”
Administrator of the Year – Dr. Phyllis Crain, Executive Director, Crossnore School
“Dr. Crain has developed countless programs and services all focused at improving the quality of children’s lives. Since her beginnings at Crossnore, Dr. Crain has grown the school’s endowment from $1.5 million to $17.4 million. She is an advocate of limitless range and creativity. Where others see brokenness, pain, or devastation, she sees hope, healing, and opportunity. Her work has transformed the school inside and out. Her diligence secured new wording in state law that allows placement of at-risk children in quality programs sooner. Dr. Crain is an effective advocate and role model because she is a studied and practiced listener. She urges the children to speak for themselves, that they have the strongest voice of all.”
Residential Supervisor of the Year – Maura Fitzgerald-West, Director of Training, Glenwood School for Boys and Girls
“Maura is a truly unselfish person who has devoted her life to others. With her superior listening and people skills, she has developed a personal rapport with students and staff alike, providing almost anyone who crosses her path with a sense of purpose and value. She developed the residential program from custodial care to one that prepares children to succeed in every aspect of their lives. She single-handedly created KidShop, a creative woodworking shop, and made the Drumline and Drill team possible. Maura turns the toughest of kids into pleasant, more confident individuals who have better self-esteem than they ever believed was possible. She never looks for credit for anything that she does; the answer is always, ‘It’s for the kids.’ She is the enviable example of what a true leader should be.”
Alumnus of the Year – John Beheler, Principal at Lower Brule Elementary School, St. Joseph’s Indian School
“Having worked for the school in multiple positions and currently as Principal at Lower Brule Elementary School, John has developed important programming that is still in place. He knows the Native traditional ways and works openly with others to share his culture. He has conducted a large number of presentations over the years, designed to give both Native American and non-Indians, both students and staff, a better understanding of Indian culture. He completed a mural that acknowledges all the tribes we serve in South Dakota. His artistic ability is just one of the many ways John acts as a role model for Native American youth who need these positive examples in their lives.”
Alumnus of the Year – Myron McCurdy, Elementary Division Home Life Administrator, Milton Hershey School
“Myron has dedicated his life’s work to the care and nurturing of youth. In his words, ‘It is all about the children.’ He builds relationships and creates a culture of genuine trust. Walking down the hallways with Myron, you will almost always lose him because he has stopped to speak to the students walking by. He consistently reminds our team that we have to show our students love, even in the midst of a behavioral issue. Countless times someone has shared a kind deed that Myron has done for them. He works tirelessly to ensure that the needs of our students are being met. There is not another individual who is more dedicated to our students and our school as Myron McCurdy.”
Trustees of the Year – Chuck and Shirley Rollason, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch
“Since getting involved six years ago, Chuck and Shirley have made it a point to visit all of our campuses, participate in events, and come to graduations, Christmas parties, and open houses. Whenever kids are involved, they want to be there. They take a very personal interest in our young men and women. Each year they give thousands of dollars that have a direct impact on each child. They host outings and send individual gift cards to every child. Chuck believes not in bricks and mortar of buildings, but positive life experiences directly provided to kids as the best way to give of time and resources. Chuck and Shirley are role models for us all in the area of giving unselfishly.”
*CORE thanks the Milton Hershey School for their support of the Catherine Hershey Awards. Catherine Hershey and her husband Milton Hershey founded the Milton Hershey School in 1909. A champion of children and a woman of great inspiration and compassion, CORE is proud to have the awards bear Mrs. Hershey’s name.
