The recognition celebrates the district’s support for the Randolph Community Love Fund, including the February “Cards for Cancer” fundraiser that raised more than $18,700 for a local family in need.

In a congratulatory letter, NYSSBA Executive Director Robert S. Schneider noted the district’s long-standing charitable commitment.

“There are many examples of good deeds, acts of kindness, social-emotional support, charity, self-directed initiatives and leadership that can be found every day in public schools across New York state,” Schneider said. “We believe that your district’s ongoing support for the Randolph Community Love Fund is worthy of recognition through our Culture of Caring program, and we wish to pay tribute to those who made it possible.”

The Love Fund was established to assist local families during difficult times. Through fundraisers such as Cards Against Cancer, more than $100,000 has been raised since the first event was held in 2013.

Superintendent Kaine Kelly holds the “Culture of Caring” plaque.

Kurt Gustafson, a regional ambassador for NYSSBA and president of the Southwestern Central School District Board of Education, presented a plaque during the district’s October Board of Education meeting. He commended the “phenomenal job” that went into Cards Against Cancer before explaining how NYSSBA’s selection process works.

“We all get ‘E-clips’ as school board members,” Gustafson said. “They go through those (local news summaries) and then take a look at programs and things that are going on in school districts that are worthy of recognition. The district’s compassion, the work that went into the fundraising effort, that’s being recognized tonight.”

Dr. Kaine Kelly also credited the community’s spirit during the meeting, saying that it was one of the first things he noticed when he was appointed Randolph’s superintendent ten years ago.

“Randolph has always had a way of rallying around any of their fellow community members who are in any sort of need, and it just keeps growing every year,” Kelly said. “A lot of that is a testament to Debbie Luce, who heads that up.”

Luce, a teaching assistant who works with students to coordinate Cards Against Cancer with students, accepted the award alongside Kelly, Board of Education President Julie Milliman, High School Principal Jason Halpainy, and Student Board Member Riley Henry.

NYSSBA Regional Ambassador Kurt Gustafson explains why the Randolph Central School District is receiving the award.

The presentation concluded with a final commendation from Gustafson.

“These fundraising efforts certainly don’t happen by themselves,” Gustafson said. “Thank you so much for your hard work for the family in need here. This is such an amazing thing. This is why you guys are being recognized today. Congratulations to the entire Randolph community.”

From left: High School Principal Jason Halpainy, NYSSBA Regional Ambassador Kurt Gustafson, Student Board Member Riley Henry, Teaching Assistant Debbie Luce, Board of Education President Julie Milliman, Superintendent Kaine Kelly