What is the purpose of the program?
To enhance relationships between the business community, schools, and institutions of higher and continuing education while recognizing outstanding scholastic achievement by a member of the graduating classes of the public, private, and parochial secondary schools in the DCMO and ONC BOCES supervisory area. The program also recognizes teachers nominated by each student scholar for having a significant and beneficial influence on his/her education.
How will students be selected for the program?
Student representatives should be chosen based on scholarship, as well as leadership and service to his or her school and/or community. Local grades, Regents scores, and other formal measures may be used. Local school administrators will be given considerable leeway in choosing the students to represent their schools. Please take into consideration the student’s availability to attend the banquet when making the final choice.
How will teachers be selected?
Selected student scholars will be asked to identify the teacher, mentor, coach, or administrator who has had a significant and beneficial influence on his/her education. The student will then, in 100 words or less, state how that person has made a difference in his/her education.
What will the information obtained be used for?
The information obtained, along with a JPEG photo of the teacher and the student (individually), will be used in recognizing students on the evening of the banquet. Additionally, the information will be used in the Scholar Recognition Banquet Booklet, which will be distributed at the event and will be printed in the Daily Star publication on the week of the banquet. Additional copies will be provided to all students.
What happens at the banquet?
5:00 – 6:00 pm – Students and mentors arrive at SUNY Oneonta’s Alumni Field House. Students and the honored mentor will have their picture taken together. The photo is inserted in a commemorative frame and presented to both during the ceremony. A copy of the award goes to the school to display.
6:00 pm - Guests arrive at SUNY Oneonta’s Hunt Union to enjoy beverages and hors-d'oeuvres during the social hour. A Local school district band will provide musical entertainment.
6:30 pm - Guests enter the banquet room to enjoy a special dinner sponsored by our many business and community supporters. Each school sits with its honored guests, school administrators, and sponsors.
7:30 pm - The Award Ceremony opens with a welcome from the Scholar Recognition Banquet Planning Committee Chair. After dinner and dessert, the program continues with remarks by our underwriting sponsor, NBT Insurance Agency, followed by our guest speaker, who alternates each year between a business leader and a leader in higher education. After the guest speaker, each student and teacher are recognized by their BOCES District Superintendent and presented with their framed photo.