Celebrations

Honorary Life Award: Kerry Dodge

It is my great honor to present the New York State PTA Honorary Life Award to someone whose dedication and enthusiasm are truly unmatched—Kerry Dodge. Kerry is the embodiment of what it means to be a dedicated PTA volunteer and advocate for children.  She serves as an officer in not 1, but 2 units—Seneca and High School North—while also taking on the role of Council Membership Chair and an active member of the Marching Band Booster Club, among other things. 

Kerry goes above and beyond in every way. Not only has she supported and celebrated each unit’s success by sending monthly celebration emails as they reach their goals, but she also shared ideas, offered encouragement, and helped increase membership for units that are close to their targets. She is a constant, familiar face at every event, always among the first to volunteer and help make things happen.

Kerry’s tireless effort and positive energy inspire us all. She brings sunshine into every room she enters, spreading warmth and motivation with a smile. Kerry, your incredible leadership, dedication, and unwavering support make you the heart of our PTA, and we are so proud to honor you with this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for everything you do!

Volunteer of the Year Award: Laresya Hope

The PTA Council is thrilled to honor Laresya Hope with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to our schools and community through arts in education. Laresya is the kind of volunteer every PTA dreams of—always willing to step up, whether it's presenting a workshop, sharing new and exciting programs that can benefit our students, or simply lending a helping hand whenever it's needed. Her consistency, reliability, and willingness to go above and beyond have made a meaningful impact. Laresya not only shows up—she contributes, leads, and keeps us all informed with regular updates and fresh ideas. Her passion for education and community is clear in everything she does, and we are so grateful to recognize her incredible contributions with this well-deserved honor.

PTA Partner Excellence Award: The PTA Council proudly presents the Partner Excellence Award to Dr. Georgia Afxendiou in recognition of her outstanding commitment to community engagement and collaboration. Dr. A has been a true champion of the values of the PTA—promoting inclusivity, building strong community connections, and ensuring we serve every child. Her partnership in bringing the community event to life created a powerful example of cultural acceptance and meaningful engagement in action. Her consistent presence at PTA meetings and thoughtful updates on middle school happenings have kept us informed and connected. Dr. A’s dedication has made a lasting impact, and we are honored to recognize her with this well-deserved award.

PTA Partner Excellence Award: The PTA Council is honored to present the Partner Excellence Award to Marc Mastropolo  in recognition of his exceptional dedication, involvement, and unwavering support. Marc was instrumental in the planning and success of Sachem Day, attending what felt like weekly meetings, offering creative ideas, and going above and beyond—right down to running around the day of the event to make sure everything went smoothly. His leadership in fundraising and his hands-on commitment were key to bringing the day to life. Marc also kept us well informed about happenings in High School and was a regular, supportive presence at council meetings. His partnership has made a meaningful difference, and we are proud to recognize him with this well-deserved honor.