The Chautauqua County School Boards Association recently held its annual meeting and Honors Night at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. CCSBA Executive Director Todd Crandall welcomed the honored students, their families and friends, administrators, staff and school board members from each of the Chautauqua County school districts and the Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES.
This year, Far West Council of School Superintendents (FWCOSS) and CCSBA collaborated to offer $500 scholarships to the two honor students from each school district, including the two BOCES centers. The scholarship funds were generously donated from the Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union. The students gave a brief statement about their accomplishments and future plans. Each received a certificate and memento from CCSBA, as well as the scholarship from FWCOSS.
Kurt Gustafson of Southwestern Central School was the recipient of CCSBA's Board Member of the Year Award. Gustafson has served on Southwestern's Board of Education since July 1, 2011, including terms as Vice President from 2017-2023 and Board President since July 2023. He has also represented the district on the CCSBA Legislative Board since 2012, serving five terms and helping advance educational advocacy at the regional and state levels. Gustafson was also a New York State School Boards Association Ambassador and former Awards and Recognition Committee member for Area 3.
The Annual Friend of Education Award was presented to Jamestown Community College President Daniel DeMarte, who brings more than three decades of experience in community colleges, with a career spanning academic administration, student affairs, and institutional leadership. As JCC President, DeMarte has focused on strategies such as stabilizing enrollment, expanding workforce development programs, and increasing access for diverse student populations, including adult and international learners. His leadership has also emphasized affordability initiatives, innovation in academic programming, and alignment with regional economic needs.
Crandall congratulated both Gustafson and DeMarte and stated, "We thank both Kurt and Dan for the tireless efforts and service to the youth in our schools and community colleges. Their work has been, and continues to be, inspirational to others. We are grateful for individuals like Dan and Kurt who are tremendous role models to the youth and others in our communities."
Crandall also congratulated the honor students, telling them that "their achievements, hard work and character make all of us proud. We are in good hands as each of you starts your next journey after high school."
Photos by the Chautauqua County School Boards Association
