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Sixteen local educators are in the running to be named the Haverhill YMCA’s 2024 Educator of the Year Wednesday.
The names of nominees were submitted by their peers based on what makes them “outstanding educators,” how they nurture the potential of every student, what encouragement they provide and their involvement in the community.
In addition, the YMCA’s Commitment to Community Awards will be presented to Dr. John and Debra Maddox for their strong advocacy of grade-level reading and summer learning loss programs and community philanthropy, supporting many nonprofits, including the Haverhill YMCA. The family shared one of the motivations behind their resolve.
“Deb worked as a school nurse in Haverhill for a couple of years. During her time in one of the middle schools, a young student who frequently visited the nurses’ office was always talking about wanting to play on a basketball team. He was a very sweet kid, but for various reasons, he was never able to realize that dream. Recently, his face appeared on the front page of the paper for a violent crime. Around the same time, Tracy (Fuller) approached us about supporting a basketball league at the YMCA for kids who didn’t make the school team. She later sent us a photo of the players, so proud to be posing in their jerseys. We recognized some of John’s patients, but most poignantly, it made us wish that a similar program existed as a different path for Deb’s friend in the nurses’ office.”
Nominees for YMCA’s 2024 Educator of the Year are Joanne Baker and Maureen Simmons, Haverhill High School; Jessica Corkum, Mary Lasonde and Noula Thibault, all of Caleb Dustin Hunking School; Katherine Davis, Brandon Grant and Elingrace McAloon, all of Gateway Academy; Erin Dolan and Chris Gerber, both of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School; Oscar Mendoza, Greenleaf Academy; Becca Paul, Hill View Montessori Charter Public School; Cherie Rousseau, Walnut Square School; Melissa Sands, John C. Tilton School; Beth Sosa, Dr. Albert B. Consentino School; and Erin Paszko, Community Action.
The 16th Annual Haverhill YMCA Educator of the Year takes place Wednesday, Nov, 13, starting at 5 p.m., at Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill.