Moschak earned the recognition through her work as founder of the Binghamton Hospital Heroes Meals volunteer group, a meal delivery coordination effort that began in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic and provided more than 11,000 meals to front line and essential workers at both the UHS and Lourdes Hospital systems.

Moschak received the award from state Sen. Fred Akshar at a news conference conducted at BOCES' Instructional Support Center.

Hospital Heroes provided meals for Lourdes and UHS hospital sites for 12 weeks, providing 11,300 meals and receiving $10,019 in grants and donations, including winning a Southern Tier Tuesdays Grant as voted by the community.

Moschak is assistant principal for BOCES Preparation for Adult Living Success (PALS) Program. Her career has been centered around supporting students with special education needs.

“It came as no surprise to those who know Vanessa that when the pandemic hit her first response was ‘How can I help?’ “ said Broome-Tioga BOCES District Superintendent & Chief Executive Officer Allen D. Buyck. “Like so many of her colleagues throughout the BOCES organization, the instinct to reach out, jump in and lend a hand is one of the defining characteristics of a compassionate, caring leader. We’re very proud of her and those who answered her call to assist the heroes who staff our local hospitals.”