Akron Educator Honored for? Outstanding Contributions to Secondary Education

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Lucenti, James E. Allen Award Winner

ALBANY, NY (04/16/2012)(readMedia)-- Joseph J. Lucenti, principal at Akron Central High School in Erie County, has been selected as the 2012 recipient of the James E. Allen Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

James E. Allen, a pillar of educational leadership who served as commissioner of education in New York State, was known for his strong support of secondary school administrators. This award is given annually to a SAANYS member who is a secondary school administrator, supervisor, or coordinator who has given significant contributions to education and leadership at the secondary school level and service to the community and professional organizations including SAANYS.

Lucenti has served as principal at Akron, a grade 9-12 suburban school with a total enrollment of nearly 500, for 13 years and in the field of education for more than 30. He is a member of SAANYS as well as the National Association of Secondary School Principals and several other professional organizations and is a member of the Lions Club of Akron, PTA, and is a contributor and volunteer for Rotary, the local Food Pantry, and TRY House Service Learning Projects. In addition, he is a frequent presenter for local community groups, the University at Buffalo, and the Western New York Counselors Association.

Lucenti has been the recipient of several awards and honors including the Region 12 SAANYS High School Principal of the Year in 2011. The school was also honored as a Silver Medalist (top 500) in U.S. News and World Report, Best High Schools in the U.S. (2009).

Interim superintendent Dennis Ford ranks Lucenti among the best of the best administrators he has had the pleasure to work with during his own 40-year career. Ford described Lucenti in his letter of recommendation as bright, bold, and collaborative and states, "Mr. Lucenti is an outgoing, caring administrator who establishes a direct and personal relationship with his staff and students."

Lucenti will be recognized for his achievements at an awards ceremony on May 4, 2012 at the Century House in Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).