2009 AGATE Conference Highlights
Awards and Photos
AWARDS PRESENTED AT 2009 AGATE CONFERENCE
The annual AGATE Conference held on the C. W. Post Campus of Long Island University included the presentation of awards to honor both educators and students. On Friday, October 23rd, following an address by Fred W. Thiele, Jr., member of the New York State Assembly, Rosemary Segerdahl, who currently teaches in the Bellmore Public Schools, was awarded the Alexinia Baldwin Educator of the Year Award. The award is named after Dr. Alexinia Baldwin, a professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut, a founding member and past president of AGATE and a tireless advocate for our most able learners, especially those of color.Mrs. Segerdahl exemplifies the very best in educators of the gifted through her dedication, passion, and commitment to educating both her gifted students and the community at large. We congratulate Mrs. Segerdahl for her twenty-four years of unflagging excellence.
On Saturday, October 24th, two student awards were presented following an address by Roger Tilles, member of the New York State Board of Regents. Rebecca Whitman was announced as this year’s winner of the AGATE Student Academic Excellence Award. Rebecca attends Weedsport Junior-Senior High School where, after skipping from fifth to seventh grade, she ranks number one in her class, plays in the marching band, participates in a variety of sports, is president of the Junior Friends of the Weedsport library, volunteers at the food bank, is a cadet girl scout and takes an active role in her church. Rebecca was honored for her focus on “giving back” and using her prodigious gifts to improve the quality of life for others.
The final presentation was the NAGC-Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award. The Nicholas Green Foundation was established by Maggie and Reg Green to honor the memory of their seven year old son Nicholas who was killed in a drive-by shooting while visiting Italy in 1994. The Greens started the Distinguished Student Awards because they wanted to recognize young people who are working hard to make the most of their lives and develop their unique gifts and talents. This year’s winner was Alexandra Kung who attends Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua, New York. Alexandra’s strong interest in environmental issues, her contributions to an initiative to reduce carbon emissions in her hometown of Chappaqua, her boundless energy and resourcefulness made it clear she was most deserving of this award. We commend and congratulate both Rebecca and Alexandra.
Amy Zamkoff, Regent Tilles, Alexandra Kung (Nicholas Greene winner).
Amy Zamkoff, Assemblyman Thiele and Rosemary Segerdahl (Alexinia Baldwin, Educator of the Year, award winner)
Joe Piro, Michael Furdyk, MaryEllen Seitelman
Friday's luncheon
Vendors
Registration table
Panel discussion
Assemblyman Thiele addresses group at Friday's luncheon