The Niskayuna Community Foundation surprised two Niskayuna High School teachers in their classrooms with the 23rd annual Murray Award for Excellence in Education. The awards were presented to science teacher Elizabeth Kenny and world language teacher Caroline Gardiner. Each awardee received an engraved plaque and $2,500 for a professional development opportunity of their choosing.
The annual Murray Award was created in 2004 by Kathy Murray Crowe and Jeanne Murray Veasey, whose parents Edwards and Sally Murray were involved in the development of Niskayuna High School. They believed that providing the finest education required hiring the most creative, driven and inspiring teachers. The award is also given in memory of Jeanne Murray Veasey, who has since passed away. Since 2003, the Murray Award has recognized 46 NHS educators for excellence with a total of $115,000 in award funds.
Elizabeth Kenny is known for her ability to make her classroom a comfortable place for all students. She is visibly dedicated and appreciated for the time she spends outside of school to create meaningful experiences for her students, such as facilitating local field trips that provide opportunities to apply knowledge from science class to the real world. She is also known to differentiate her lessons to meet students’ needs. Kenny is also present for her students through activities and clubs such as Women in STEM club and Science Bowl. This past year, she took the Science Bowl team to nationals! She is also involved with science groups at the middle school.
“I have no words. It’s an incredible honor,” Kenny remarked after receiving the award. “The students are what makes it such a great joy to teach here in Niskayuna.”
Caroline Gardiner is appreciated for making students feel comfortable as she works to establish a welcoming environment for everyone. Students see that Gardiner is extremely invested in her subject matter and she frequently brings in food to supplement lessons related to language and culture. Students feel that she establishes authentic relationships with her students and she genuinely cares for them beyond their academic success. Outside of the classroom, she is the advisor for the International Club and is actively engaged with the English Language Learner (ELL) community. As a National Board Certified teacher, Gardiner often supports her peers who are pursuing the same rigorous certification.
“I love doing what I do,” shared Gardiner. “This is very meaningful.”
A committee representing students, parents, and peers chose the recipients, and the Niskayuna Community Foundation facilitated the selection process and award presentation. Criteria included outstanding classroom practices as well as a school presence that positively impacts students, colleagues and the community. At the request of the Murray family, this award is not competitive. It is intended to be an annual opportunity to select educators who represent the overall excellence of the high school staff and educational program.
About the Niskayuna Community Foundation
Founded in December 1999 NCF’s mission is to inspire generosity, encourage equity, and invest in local solutions by serving the Niskayuna Community through grantmaking, awarding of scholarships and supporting collaboration. NCF has awarded more than $550,000 in grants to organizations supporting children in crisis, senior safety, innovative education, and other programs that enrich lives and meet critical needs. NCF has also provided more than $200,000 in teacher awards and student scholarships. As an affiliate and geographic fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR), NCF’s volunteer board of directors has the ability to direct resources to support the town and its residents while benefiting from CFGCR’s administrative support and pooled investment portfolio. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has worked to strengthen the Greater Capital Region through philanthropy since 1968. For more information about the Niskayuna Community Foundation, visit https://www.niskayunacf.org/.
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