The 2015 Ron Dougherty Award was presented to VanOsten on May 20 at BOCES’ annual employee recognition program.A BOCES physical education teacher and Special Olympics coach for 26 years, VanOsten was nominated by co-workers for her boundless support and caring for students and her tireless commitment to the Special Olympics organization and its goals in promoting confidence and self-esteem among athletes.
“Her commitment and dedication to Special Olympics has opened the door for so many youth to learn about sports, improve their skills, gain confidence, develop good sportsmanship and work as a team,” the nomination form states. “Beth has mastered how to be firm and set rules, and yet be very supportive and encouraging.”
The award is named for Ronald E. Dougherty, a member of BOCES’ Board of Trustees from 1976 to 2006 and its president from 1985 to 2005. A 2003 Jefferson Award winner, Dougherty is a model for community leadership and public service. He was a member of the Tioga Central School Board for 11 years, is a former Tioga County legislator and past president of the Broome-Tioga School Boards Association. He also was instrumental in the formation of the Broome-Tioga Coalition for Education.
Candidates for the Ron Dougherty Award are nominated by their peers at BOCES. Applications are then reviewed by a selection committee comprised of a cross-section of employee groups.
Pictured (l-r): Broome-Tioga BOCES Board President Sandra Ruffo, Vice President Ursula Hambalek, Elizabeth VanOsten, and District Superintendent Allen Buyck.