CORRECTED: Local Principal Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Education

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Carrie Zales

ALBANY, NY (03/26/2009)(readMedia)-- Carrie Zales, principal at the Oak Street Elementary School in the Plattsburgh City School District, has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the T. Walsh McQuillan Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

T. Walsh McQuillan served the children and educational leaders of New York State throughout his life. He was the fist person to serve in joint capacity as executive secretary to the predecessors of SAANYS and was an outstanding contributor to elementary education throughout his career. This award is given annually to a SAANYS member and administrator who has strong leadership skills and has made exceptional contributions to elementary education.

In accordance with the qualifications for this award, Zales has demonstrated excellent leadership skills. SAANYS' Region 7 Representative Joanna Valente Orr stated: "I have watched Carrie grow from a student, to a student teacher, to a teacher, to an administrator. She has made me proud!" In addition, she says, "Her work as a member of SAANYS Government Relations Committee is well respected."

Zales is an active member of SAANYS and has served on the Government Relations Committee for six years. In addition, she is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Omicron Delta Kappa, (ODK) a leadership honor society. Zales has served as councilperson for the Town of Chazy and on the board of directors for the Plattsburgh State Alumni Association. Among her honors was her selection as ODK's National Leader of the Year in 1995.

Asked about her educational philosophy, Zales says, "An administrator is a catalyst for change – responsible for providing opportunities for school communities to grow programmatically and experientially. Ensuring that all decisions are made with the best interest of students in mind and based on data are a priority."

Zales will be recognized for her achievements at an 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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