Maple Avenue Middle School teacher earns ‘Heroes’ award
CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » As the state and nation continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Jim Tedisco recently announced a new award he is initiating in the New York State Senate, the “49th Senate District COVID-19 Acts of Kindness Heroes Award,” to honor those residents who have performed extraordinary acts of kindness to save lives or to make life better in this difficult time.
Senator Tedisco will honor a new recipient each week with a special 49th Senate District COVID-19 Acts of Kindness Heroes Award New York State Senate Citation and will highlight these individuals on his social media platforms and public communications.
“This is a very difficult time in our history, as we all work together to flatten the curve and fight this terrible coronavirus that has impacted all of our lives. As we continue to deal with the serious medical, social and economic impacts of COVID-19 in this dark time, I believe it’s important to recognize all those who in their own special ways are bringing some light to people’s lives and showing true acts of kindness and heroism,” Senator Jim Tedisco said in a press release.
“Whether it’s the health care providers and first responders who are tirelessly caring for COVID-19 patients, to those providing PPEs to the essential workers who are one mask away from battling this killer contagion themselves, to the restaurant owners and volunteers cooking and delivering meals to vulnerable New Yorkers who can’t leave their homes, we see the goodness of New Yorkers on display every day,” he continued. “I created the ‘49th Senate District COVID-19 Acts of Kindness Heroes Award’ to recognize these everyday heroes who give us hope in what for many people’s lives is their darkest hour.”
While recipients can live and work anywhere in the Capital Region, it’s encouraged that nominations be made for those who live or work in the 49th Senate District, which includes Saratoga, Schenectady, Fulton, Hamilton and Herkimer counties.
One recent local recipient of the Acts of Kindness Heroes Award is Deanne Savage, an eighth-grade teacher at Maple Ave Middle School in Saratoga Springs.
“As a former special education teacher, guidance counselor, athletic director and coach, I know the tough job our teachers have, especially in this remote learning environment during this pandemic,” Tedisco said. “According to the people that know Deanne Savage, including her nominator, Allison McIntyre, Deanne always goes above and beyond her job description, but during this remote learning time she has been unbelievable.”
Deanne’s nominator, Allison McIntyre wrote: “My granddaughter lives with us and she struggles in school. Deanne every day since this started has put together a daily plan for her kids. She gives them step by step what they have to do each day. She calls my house to check on my girl. She has offered to sit on my front porch and talk through my glass door to teach my girl.
“She encourages them every day. She reaches out every day. I think people forget how very important our teachers are. They are very essential workers. What would our society be without our teachers. Did I mention how many meals our schools are providing. These are the most wonderful people! Mrs. Deanne Savage is exceptional!”
Tedisco added, “Deanne truly embodies what it means to be a teacher and mentor and she epitomizes what the COVID-19 Acts of Kindness Award is all about. Deanne, thank you for all you do for our young people. We are blessed by your work and the work of all our teachers!”
Those who know someone deserving of this award are encouraged to email a nomination to tedisco@nysenate.gov. Nominations should include the name, place of residence, contact telephone number and email address of the individual or individuals along with a JPEG photo of them and a brief description of their acts of kindness as it relates to helping others during the COVID-19 crisis.