Cornwall CSD Assistant Principal Named Assistant Principal of the Year

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Samantha Buchholz

ALBANY, NY (03/21/2019) (readMedia)-- Samantha Buchholz, assistant principal at Cornwall Central Middle School in the Cornwall Central School District, has been selected as the 2019 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS and NAESP, promoting educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (PreK-8) schooling and calling attention to the fundamental importance of the assistant principal.

An administrator who always makes the students her top priority, Buchholz values the importance of ongoing home/school communication, creating a positive school culture. Rather than only contacting parents with disciplinary matters, she prides herself on taking the time to make the "good calls" or to send a "good news" note home in order to recognize the student being a good citizen within the school. She also maintains an open door policy and is often found participating in school activities both during and after school hours. Parents Irene and Ray Meyer whose son is on the autism spectrum noted that, "Mrs. Buchholz took the time to understand our son, his interests, disability, and struggles. She has shown great patience in understanding each situation. She has always done what is in the best interest for him. He understands that even now that he is a freshman at the high school that Mrs. Buchholz is on his side and is always available to him if he feels a need to talk to her." Commented School Counselor Jeanne Kendrick, "Every day Samantha shows commitment and dedication to her staff. She always communicates with parents in a compassionate and positive manner. Because of her kind and caring approach, she has an incredible rapport with the students in our school. Many times, students will stop in the main office and ask to talk with her."

Gina Dinnocenzio, one of several teachers who nominated Buchholz, commented, "Mrs. Buchholz is a true leader who leads by example. She began her education career as a teacher, and although now an administrator, she continues to teach the students, parents, teachers, and the community. She enjoys her job, and as a result of that, we all benefit." Teacher Janine Lazos added, "Samantha is loved not only by all of her colleagues, but also by the student population. Cornwall CSD is incredibly lucky to have someone like Samantha Buchholz as an administrator. She is a remarkable person with a lot to offer."

Commented Principal Kate Pulumbo, "Every day Samatha brings fresh ideas, boundless energy, humility, kindness, and compassion when working with students, faculty, and families. She takes the time to establish a personal connection and forge a relationship in order to maintain a lasting positive rapport."

Buchholz received her bachelors degree from SUNY Plattsburgh, Her masters degree from Mount St. Mary College and second masters degree from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Buchholz will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 3 at the Century House in Latham, New York. As a New York Assistant Principal of the Year for SAANYS/NAESP, her professional practices will be recognized and showcased by NAESP.

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).