The Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) has honored Board of Education member Shawn Cahill, Intermediate School Music Teacher Andrew Hulle and Kiwanis Past Lieutenant Governor Hudson River West Division-NY David Morse with its 2024 Awards for Excellence.
Each year, the Newburgh-based organization honors those in the education field and those supporting the education field who display excellence in their work. Awards were presented to them and other honorees at the MHSSC Annual Awards Meeting & Celebration gathering at the Fieldstone Auditorium in North Rockland.
Board of Education member Shawn Cahill
“Mr. Cahill is committed to student academic success and achievement, fiscal accountability and stability and is cognizant of the importance of community participation and support of the district’s mission,” Board of Education President Joseph Flaherty wrote in his nomination letter. “Mr. Cahill understands the function of the board and its importance. He offers thoughtful comments, asks logical questions and equally understands the importance of listening and compromise.”
Mr. Cahill has been a member of the Board of Education since 2014 serving as a member of the Audit and Menu committees and chairing the Transportation Committee.
“He understands the many challenges all school districts face, and he is committed to making this district a better place through his service,” added Superintendent Brian Monahan.
Intermediate School Music Teacher Andrew Hulle
“Like most of the other nominated candidates, Mr. Hulle is a master teacher, and his students thrive as a result of his strong teaching practices,” Intermediate School Principal Paul Dombal wrote in his nomination letter. “In his routine-oriented classroom, students take accountability for their learning, they willingly accept feedback and support and they work hard to maximize their talents. It is therefore not surprising to learn that Mr. Hulle has had students qualify for NYSSMA solo evaluations and OCMEA auditions after only having a few months of formalized instruction. Mr. Hulle also creates a warm and welcoming environment for all of our students, and on a yearly basis, the vast majority of our 5th grade students look forward to getting involved in our band program. Our accelerated band students benefit from participating in our ‘select band’ where they are challenged to learn and perform ambitious musical pieces. Equally as important, however, students who normally struggle with school and academics, find a setting where they feel valued and supported. Mr. Hulle goes out of his way to reach and inspire these students and to give them something to embrace as they continue on with their educational endeavors.”
Superintendent Monahan noted Mr. Hulle’s commitment to music education is among the reasons why the district has again been awarded the NAMM Foundation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” designation.
“Mr. Hulle is the band teacher every parent hopes their child will have,” added Mr. Monahan. “His love for music is unparalleled, his commitment to teaching excellence is second to none.”
Kiwanis Past Lieutenant Governor Hudson River West Division-NY David Morse
“Dave never misses a chance to positively impact the lives of others in any way possible,” wrote James Burtis, Minisink Valley Kiwanis past president and past lieutenant governor, Hudson River West-NY District Kiwanis, in his nomination letter. “His energy spreads like wildfire while motivating others, especially youth groups like the district’s Key Club. Dave can be seen grilling pancakes at our annual Pancake Breakfast, which benefit the high school’s scholarship program. Dave also led the effort to initiate the Dictionary Project, Home Emergency Labeling Program and built quite a few ramps and nature trails with our group. His mentoring of our school-based clubs and faculty advisors are second to none. The fruits of his volunteer labor are seen in the district’s Key Club earning state, local and international level recognitions.”
Superintendent Monahan said Mr. Morse is a consistent positive force in the Minisink Valley community.
“Mr. Morse has spent countless hours of time demonstrating to our students the importance of service,” he added. “He’s positively impacted hundreds and hundreds of students’ lives through his commitment to donating his time to help others in our school community.”