The 2009 School of Education Alumni Award winners are as follows:

The Valiant Educator Award - Maureen Tomkiel

Dr. Patricia Vardin with award winner Maureen Tomkiel

Maureen is the Executive Director of the John Coleman School and Children's Center. 

Maureen has dedicated herself to early childhood education.  Her 30 year career is dedicated to childhood disabled programs.  She reflects the true spirit of the Valiant Award by dedicating her life to the growth and support of young children and their families.

The Distinguished Service Award - Monique Reilly

Award recipient Monique Reilly is congratulated by nominator Dr. JoAnne Ferrara, Chair of Instruction and Curriculum Department

Monique is a 4th grade teacher at the Church Street School in White Plains.

For the past ten years, Monique has been an active member of the Manhattanville community.   She has a strong commitment to children and teaching, a willingness to mentor, and shares her time and resources willingly.  Over the years, Monique has freely given of her time and expertise on a regular basis by speaking at Kappa Delta Pi workshops, participating in School of Education Open House events, hosting student teachers, field experience students, and faculty members in her classroom.  In addition, Monique consistently volunteers to conduct workshops about infusing brain-based education into the teaching of math.  She includes in this workshop inspiration poetry and innovative teaching tools.

Monique serves on the School of Education Alumni Board and is the President of the Childhood Alumni Group.  Her contributions have included several new initiatives and programs that benefit current School of Education students and alumni.

The Alumni Award for Publications in PK-12 Education - Tricia Grosso Clancy

Award recipient Tricia Grosso Clancy is congratulated by her mentor Jean Bolton as former Pres Berman looks on.

Tricia is the Director of Admissions at the Iona Grammar School.  Tricia wrote and published a book, Dylan Remembers Daddy, which was released in August 2008.  The book was written with the intent to help small children cope with the loss of a parent or a loved one.  Tricia said that she wrote the book as a poem so that small children would easily understand the message.  Tricia hopes that her book reaches as many small children who are experiencing a devastating loss and that the book can be a tool to help them see things a little more positively.