Garrow Honored for Lifetime Commitment to Education

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Garrow, Robert

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2008)(readMedia)-- Robert Garrow, retired principal of Plattsburgh Senior High School, has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the Irving Schwartz Distinguished Retiree Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

Irving Schwartz was a founding member of SAANYS. His exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to his profession was demonstrated through his countless years of participation in SAANYS and its national affiliate, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). This award is given annually to a retired SAANYS member who, in retirement, has made significant contributions to the welfare of the association, education, and the greater community.

Robert Garrow has been a dedicated leader with an exceptional commitment to education that has spanned more than 35 years. He began his career in education as a teacher with the Peru Central School District and then the Plattsburgh City School District. After five years, he moved into administration. He served as high school principal for 30 years before retiring. Garrow is a charter member of SAANYS and has served as a regional representative for many years. In addition, he has been active in many civic organizations including the American Red Cross, Lions Club, Clinton County Youth Bureau, SUNY Plattsburgh College Council, and several other organizations.

In retirement, Garrow has continued his commitment to students and the community through involvement in community organizations and activities. He is currently the commissioner of ethics for the New York Public High School Athletic Association.

According to Joanna Valente Orr, a fellow SAANYS regional representative, “Bob has touched the lives of almost all of the administrators in Region 7 (encompassing New York’s northern-most counties) over the last 16 years – both personally and professionally. He has been the face of SAANYS in our area.” Richard Spataro, a SAANYS board member, also from Region 7, also comments on Garrow’s commitment, dedication, and reputation. " The first word that comes to mind when I think of Bob is gentleman with a capital ‘G.’ One of the last of the old guard of administrators who truly believed in being a member of a team. He was a quiet leader who devoted his time to his family, his school, his organizations, his friends, and sometimes, himself. It was always fun to work on projects with Bob. He was a tireless ambassador for his causes. I have come to know Bob over the last twenty or so years and I have never heard anyone say a negative thing about him. He is well respected in all of his pursuits and rightfully so."

Garrow will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards banquest, May 9, at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York.

SAANYS represents more than 6,900 school principals, supervisors, and directors. 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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