Colonie Administrator Honored with State Award

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Thomas Kachadurian

ALBANY, NY (12/16/2016)(readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY – Thomas Kachadurian, an associate principal at Colonie Central High School in the South Colonie Central School District, has been selected as the 2017 New York State Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually by SAANYS and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to an assistant principal who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the students in his or her school. Nominees are administrators who are committed to students, parents, and the community and have shown exceptional contributions to the educational process.

Nominated by a team of teachers, students, and parents from Colonie Central HS, Kachadurian is known as a dedicated leader with limitless energy, empowering both students and staff to embody a culture of caring and commitment to the greater school community. Parent and PTSA president Stephanie Cogan noted, "He constantly brims with ideas/solutions/innovations. He thinks and plans big, and is absolutely positive that plans (and dreams) will come true." Along those lines, Kachadurian embarked on an effort to return the high school culture to a place of "Raider pride" where all students and staff share ownership and responsibility for their shared community.

To that end, Kachadurian created Raiderfest, an all day event focused on celebrating community and raising charitable funds; and developed the iCARE program at the high school. iCARE is a unique character education program standing for integrity, community, accountability, respect, and empathy. Kachadurian notes that iCARE was designed to "give voice to the voiceless, and empower the marginalized and disenfranchised." A hallmark of this program is allowing the students to lead. As noted by elementary principal, Jill Penn "Each step of the way, Tom Kachadurian was there, a silent leader and tireless champion of what it means to be a person of character who never stopped encouraging the students to try and take their vision of iCARE to the next level." Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Timothy Backus commented, "He is thoughtful and inclusive in his organization of these events, but also tenacious in securing resources and looking for the hook that will bring more people together. He is one of the finest administrators and overall individuals that I have worked with in my educational career."

The success of this program can be gauged by the following comments from students: "Mr. Kachadurian often offers kids who get into trouble a chance to make good rather to face detention. These kids come into iCARE and immediately gain a sense of belonging and welcome. To give someone a sense of belonging is to give them hope, is to give them purpose." And, "In reflecting upon my own experience, I can say that it is exhilarating to see ideas become reality. My own experiences with iCARE helped me develop self confidence as well as communication and leadership skills." And finally, "I went from being someone who didn't really fit in anywhere at our high school, to being one of the co-presidents of iCARE. He not only helped me to find a place where I could belong and make a difference, but also provided me with skills that I will need and use for the rest of my life."

Kachadurian received his bachelor of arts degree from Hartwick College, master of science in education degree from SUNY Albany, and master's degree in educational leadership from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Kachadurian will be honored for his accomplishments at a May awards ceremony in Albany. As the NYS Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year, Kachadurian is now a candidate for the award of National Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by NASSP.

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).

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