The ABCD Award is given out by the Board of Education as a way to recognize staff members who go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty each and every day to give back to our school community and make sure our students feel safe, secure, and loved – and above all else, provide them with the very best educational opportunities and experiences.
Congratulations to our ABCD Award recipients who were recognized at the District’s Board of Education meeting on Thursday, February 13.
MR. RONALD SAVOIE is a long-time technology teacher at Johnstown High School, where students say he encourages them to be the best that they can be. Recently, a former student shared that, as the only female in a course dominated by males, she was sometimes picked on by her classmates. She says that Mr. Savoie noticed and told her, quote, “Don’t let the way people view you be the way you view yourself. Some have clouded vision from their own lives.” She says Mr. Savoie’s words of wisdom not only helped her overcome her fears and ultimately succeed in the class, they have stuck with her and continue to apply in life. The Greater Johnstown School District thanks Mr. Ronald Savoie for the impact he has made on so many Johnstown students over the years, going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty to provide a supportive environment and foster student confidence.
MRS. RACHEL HARRINGTON is a dedicated first grade teacher at Pleasant Avenue, who doesn’t hesitate to step up and lend a helping hand wherever support is needed. She has spent countless hours volunteering with Odyssey of the Mind, Johnstown Little League, and Fulton United Soccer Club; and serves as a member of the District-wide Safety Committee. Parents appreciate that she takes the time to get to know each child personally, finds their strengths, and helps them to build confidence in themselves and discover abilities they didn’t know they had. Parents say that she makes their children feel welcome, smart, helpful and brave, and they are beyond thankful for the countless hours she spends finding different strategies to assist students in overcoming challenges and becoming academically successful. The Greater Johnstown School District is grateful for Mrs. Harrington’s passion for community involvement and youth development, which goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.
COACH DAVID HAYWARD devotes an incredible amount of time to teaching Johnstown student-athletes the sport of bowling, sharing his knowledge and love of the sport with great enthusiasm. It is said that he can be found at a bowling alley seven days a week, whether coaching a member of the school team, supporting local youth at a Saturday league, or providing tips and suggestions to community members to help improve their game. Coach Hayward is also known to support Johnstown student athletes beyond the bowling alley. He often attends other school events, reinforces the importance of academics, shares lessons around how to persevere through challenging times, and offers guidance to make life adjustments for success. The Greater Johnstown School District is fortunate to have Coach Hayward on its team and appreciates that he goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty to motivate our students on the alleys and in life.