On October 19 the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie hosted its 79th annual Teachers Open House, an event the honors teachers and school leaders for their dedication to the Home’s residents. This festive event is held in the Home’s gym, which is fully decorated for Halloween and complete with hundreds of delicious cookies and other snacks, punch coffee and tea, served by the Board of Directors.
Each year youth at the Children’s Home are asked to nominate a teacher who has made a difference in his/her life, a person that stands out in their mind. The youth submit essays explaining why their teacher deserves an award and a panel of judges selects the top three. Those who are selected receive a Gold Star award. At the event the youth read their essays. This year, awards were presented to Deborah Connelly from Roy C. Ketcham High School; Gwen Martin from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School; and Christine Cruz from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. All teachers that are nominated receive a certificate and copy of the essay written about them.
“This event is one of our favorites at the Children’s Home,” said Walter Joseph, Executive Director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to show our appreciation to the teachers, administrators and support staff for all that they do for our children. The event highlights our children, their education and the educators who have dedicated themselves to helping our youth succeed.”
