Two Pine Bush teachers were honored Tuesday night at the board of education meeting for receiving Mid-Hudson School Study Council Teacher Excellence awards.

Kelly Cooke received the 2020 Award for Teacher Excellence and Holly Shader received the 2021 Award for Teacher Excellence

Kelly Cooke is the English Department chairperson at Pine Bush High School. She is also a senior class advisor.

Cooke came to Pine Bush 19 years ago. She earned an associate’s degree from the State University at Morrisville, and both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Mount Saint Mary College.

“Kelly exhibits a caring and generous heart to all of the senior students helping to make sure their final year in high school is a memorable and wonderful experience,” wrote Barbara Hancock, former secretary in the PBHS Counseling Department. “Kelly cares so much about all of the senior students that she purchases a small gift and personalizes each one to make them feel special and presents it to them at the end of the school year.”

“As department chair, Kelly has moved us through changing state curriculum with ease so that we have felt supported as professionals and students have not felt the burden of high stakes testing – only support and preparation,” said Jessica Casterlin, a teacher at PBHS who wrote a letter of support. “When I started teaching here almost 18 years ago, Kelly was one year into her tenure here. I will never forget the day I met her. Overwhelmed with embarking on my new career, Kelly soothed any worries I had about feeling alone and ill-prepared. She gave me copies of her syllabus for the year and any additional resouorces I needed.  She quickly became a friend and a huge part of my support system in Pine Bush. I am thrilled to come to work every day, and her friendship and leadership are two of many reasons why.”

“Ms. Cooke has embraced many additional responsibilities as English Department chair,” said former Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Donna Geidel. “She collaborates with the English teaching staff along with district administrators to meet the needs of all Pine Bush Central School District students. She handles difficult and delicate situations very effectively and treats everyone with respect.”

Holly Shader teaches science to 7th and 8th graders at Circleville Middle School. Holly earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in secondary sciences in education. Holly has taught for 29 years. Before coming to CVMS, she served in the Peace Corp in southern Africa, taught for seven years in New York City and one year in New Jersey.

“Holly does not know the meaning of the word no and I’m not even sure it’s part of her vocabulary,” wrote retired CVMS English teacher Stacey Szymczak in her nomination letter. “Whenever you need someone to step up to the plate for her students and colleagues, Holly is the first to do it, and without ever complaining. She gives endlessly of her time creating interesting labs and activities for her 7th and 8th graders, running National Junior Honor Society, which requires endless hours of her time, and being a morale builder for both students and staff.”

“Students are blessed to have her as a teacher and staff are blessed to have her as a friend and colleague,” Ms. Szymczak continued.

“She is an amazing science teacher and a trusted friend,” wrote Dr. Michael Raucci, PBHS Science Department chairman, who wrote a letter in support of Holly’s nomination. “She is smart, she stays current, she participates in the scientific community, she cares about every student, she extends herself to help students in all ways, she mentors other teachers and prospective teachers and she volunteers for countless events and programs.”

“With all the things Holly is involved in, she is still humble and never looks to be recognized for any of the extra time and energy she dedicates to our school environment on a regular basis,” said Special Education teacher Susan Erickson. “Holly also has a positive impact on staff morale. She will often show up in your classroom spreading optimism, positivity and infusing some added joy into our day.”

Pine Bush truly is a place where special people come to teach.

Congratulations to both Kelly Cooke and Holly Shader on their much-deserved honors.