The most prestigious service award annually bestowed by the Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services this year goes to Marge Brink, a lead teacher at BOCES’ East Learning Center.The 2014 Ron Dougherty Award was presented to Brink on May 21 at BOCES’ annual employee recognition program. A teacher for 41 years, 31 of them at BOCES, Brink was nominated by co-workers for her commitment to students, to excellence in education, and to supporting her community through numerous volunteer efforts on behalf of organizations such as the Broome County Mental Health Association and Roberson Museum and Science Center.
“You embody what it means to be dedicated to your profession and continuously go above and beyond to accommodate all students,” the nomination form states. “You actively support our youth and community in numerous ways … it is part of your being to go out of your way to extend kindness and support.”
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 District Superintendent Allen Buyck, Ronald Dougherty, Marge Brink, Broome-Tioga BOCES Board President Sandra Ruffo.