Lancaster Administrator Honored with State Award

Related Media

Theresa Adamec

ALBANY, NY (12/13/2017) (readMedia)-- Theresa Adamec, assistant principal at Lancaster High School in the Lancaster Central School District, has been selected as the 2018 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.

A long time educator and administrator in the district where both she and her children attended, Adamec is known by all as a leader who passionately believes in empowering students to be the very best they can be. Many of the school's more than 60 clubs and many events are student led. Students also routinely serve as contributing members on administrative committees helping to make decisions that create a climate where students feel valued and at home. Adamec is instrumental in facilitating these activities, serving as a mentor for the students. Noted Mark Skowron, a teacher at the high school, "Terry actively works and continuously demonstrates an elevated faith and trust in the abilities of our students to think, discuss, and analyze in a mature manner. Her genuine belief in our students and their ability to work with our adult leaders often times rewards our building with complete, well thought out plans, and creative solutions. The students recognize Mrs. Adamec's respect for them and in turn show her an elevated reverence afforded to only the most respected adults within our building."

Adamec was an integral member of a team who created a program to identify and support the needs of a sub-group at the high school that were considered at-risk for leaving school. Utilizing research-based practices such as credit recovery programs, support services both before and after school, as well as the development of an evening program known as LEAP (Lancaster's Evening Alternative Program), her team was able to successfully reach these students resulting in a graduation rate of 98 percent for the district. Commented Principal Cesar Marchioli, "She has the creativity and knowledge to motivate some of our most challenging students. Many have recognized her as an inspiration, coming back years after graduation to thank her for not giving up on them. The students of Lancaster are her major concern and all her decisions are student focused." Noted Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marie Perini, "Perhaps her greatest gift is that of caring and passion for students, and she readily collaborates with teachers in the development of curriculum and instruction that is student-sensitive, fair, achievable, and challenging. This is not always an easy task, but she is able to nuance conflicting views and find compromises that are good for the kids."

Adamec received her bachelor of science and master of science in education degrees from Buffalo State College, and her master of science degree from Canisius College.

Adamec will be honored for her accomplishments at a May awards ceremony in Albany. As the NYS Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year, Adamec 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).

###