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  Partnerships, Scholarships, Service, and Recognition

At the annual Student/Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, the Foundation recognizes students from the NYS School for the Deaf and RFA, along with the Most Influential Educator (MIE) each honoree feels has had the most significant influence on his or her life. Financial grants of $400 are presented to the students.

Students were selected by the administration of each school using the following selection criteria:

  • One of the top senior students academically
  • Strong SAT and/or ACT scores
  • Participation in school and community activities
  • Excellent citizenship qualities.

2021 STAR Recipients

NYSSD:
   Hunter Ocmand— MIE   Kara Adama, teacher
   Nathanial Hoose — MIE  Jennifer Roberts, teacher

RFA:
   Jordan Purrington — MIE  Christine Scharf, teacher
   Chandni Desai — MIE  John Smales, teacher



NYSSD – Students and their influential educators at the New York State School for the Deaf were among those honored in 2021. From left: Hunter Ocmand (student), Kara Adama (Hunter’s Most Influential Educator), Nathanial Hoose (student), Jennifer Roberts (Nathanial’s Most Influential Educator) and Franca Armstrong, Vice President of the Rome College Foundation.


The RFA students and teachers honored in 2021. From left: Christine Scharf (Most Influential Educator), Jordan Purrington (student who selected Mrs. Scharf), John Smales (Most Influential Educator), Chandni Desai (student who selected Mr. Smales) and Franca Armstrong, Vice President of the Rome College Foundation.