CORRECTED: Local Principal Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Education

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Michele Shirkey

ALBANY, NY (03/26/2009)(readMedia)-- Michele A. Shirkey, principal of Greenlawn Elementary School in the Bainbridge-Guilford School District, has been selected as the recipient for the 2009 Leadership and Support Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

The SAANYS Leadership and Support Award was established to recognize the outstanding leadership efforts of those members whose responsibilities require leadership through support services to fellow administrators across and between buildings and districts.

Shirkey has served in the field of education in several capacities for 27 years, 14 as an administrator and 9 in her present position. Greenlawn Elementary is a rural school in Chenango County with an enrollment of 285 students. Shirkey is active in several professional associations including SAANYS where she is a unit president, The National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Student Councils, and is the executive director of students for the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities (NYS CLSA).

Shirkey's dedication to students is evidenced by the fact that she is a field hockey, volleyball, and softball coach, is a student council advisor and 4-H leader, and coordinator of a regional student leadership conference. In addition, Shirkey is a unit leader and treasurer for the Salvation Army, a Rotary member, and serves on the board of directors and is a facilities chair for the Delaware County Cooperative Extension. She has received several awards for her involvement including NYS CLSA Administrator of the Year and the NYS Advisor Student Association District Advisor of the Year.

According to NYS CLSA Executive Director Debbie O'Mara, "Michele Shirkey exemplifies a principal that actively supports fellow principals across New York State by taking the lead to prepare students to be strong leaders within their school building, district, and community."

Asked about her educational philosophy, Shirkey stated, "I have two mottos that I live by. One – Building bridges (relationships/resources) and empowering others will foster a positive learning community for all. And, two, persevere and the solutions to problems will come!"

Shirkey will be recognized for her achievements at the SAANYS annual awards ceremony on May 1, 2009 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York.

SAANYS represents more than 7,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to provide 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).

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