Darlene's Kitchen Honored with Friend of Education Award

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Darlene Browell

ALBANY, NY (03/25/2019) (readMedia)-- Darlene Browell, owner of Darlene's Kitchen in Chittenango, has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Friend of Education Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given to an individual, group, or organization that has consistently contributed to the support and advancement of outstanding public education and the students of New York State.

Believing that there's nothing more important than giving back and paying it forward, Browell has long been an active supporter of Chittenango schools. In addition to hosting many varsity sports dinners at Darlene's Kitchen and giving all students a 10 percent discount at the restaurant, she also employs a BOCES culinary arts student on an annual basis for a six week internship, giving them the opportunity to gain real world experience and learn first hand how to run a restaurant business. Browell also supports Bolivar Road Elementary School's "Read to Them One School, One Book" initiative. Darlene's Kitchen hosted a weekend long event where Browell was given the opportunity to be a guest reader for one of the book chapters, hosted a two-day One School, One Book breakfast with themed breakfast choices from the book, and passed out raffle tickets and candy corn to celebrate the event.

Students and community members alike know that they will always be greeted with a friendly smile by Browell at Darlene's Kitchen. Browell notes that she and the staff enjoy talking with the students about their upcoming games and extra curricular activities when the students visit the diner. Commented Bolivar Road Elementary School Principal Renee Burgess, "As you walk through the doors of Darlene's Kitchen, you are pleasantly greeted with a warm smile from Darlene or one of her dedicated waitresses. You feel welcome and right at home. She is always eager to lend a helping hand or participate in school initiatives."

Continued Burgess, "Darlene from Darlene's Kitchen has been an influential partner not only to Bolivar Road Elementary School, but to all Chittenango schools. Her efforts have impacted our school community in a powerful way."

Browell will be honored for her contributions at an awards ceremony on May 3 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).