Livingston Manor Central School District will see three of its own honored by the Sullivan County School Board Association next month.
Art teacher Jessica Mall will be honored as an Outstanding Educator and school nurse Mary Davis and LM/Roscoe Cafeteria Manager Stephen Rogers will be recognized as Outstanding Friends to Education at the SCSBA annual dinner and awards ceremony.
Jessica Mall, Outstanding Educator
Mall was recognized not only for her work in the classroom but her contributions to the district and beyond.
“I'm both honored and appreciative to our BOE for recognizing me for this award. I take great pride in the connections I have made over the years with students,” she said. “They have been and continue to be, my inspiration behind building our LMCS Visual Arts Program into what it has become. As a former LMCS graduate, I am humbled and grateful that I have the opportunity to represent our district.”
Mall’s students have earned multiple awards at the annual Countywide Art Show at Bethel Woods, which in his nomination letter, Superintendent John Evans attributed to the high-quality instruction they have received in Mall’s classes over her 20 years at LMCS, as well as her ability to inspire and cultivate creativity in her students.
“As a dedicated and innovative art educator, Jessica has made a significant impact on our school community through her creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence,” Evans said.
Beyond the classroom, Mall has designed Section title basketballs, and has used her artistic talents to design posters for several school activities, showing her dedication to school endeavors. She is in the process of designing trail signs for a Sullivan 180 grant, an initiative that highlights her commitment to community engagement and environmental education.
She also was recognized for her hard work and dedication to capturing school memories in the Manorisms school yearbook as yearbook advisor. She also arranges school, staff and class photos each year.
“Her innovative teaching methods, willingness to go above and beyond, and positive impact on our school community truly set her apart as a leader in education,” Evans wrote.
Mary Davis, Outstanding Friend to Education
Davis was recognized for her work in the nurse's office, in the classrooms and more. 
“I am really honored and touched to be recognized by the administration and the board,” Davis said. “It is always reassuring and rewarding to be thanked and acknowledged for doing a great job.”
She regularly volunteers her time to assist with public health initiatives and has organized numerous health presentations for the Livingston Manor summer enrichment programs. She is actively involved in the Pre-K and kindergarten screening process, manages health-related record-keeping, including immunization records, and coordinates the scheduling of sports physicals. She also is a liaison between LCSD and outside medical offices, as well as the Sullivan County Department of Health, ensuring staff and students have access to resources such as flu shots and Narcan training.
Her work during the COVID pandemic was also noted in her nomination. As a member of the Wellness Committee and Safety Team, she was instrumental in providing timely updates from the CDC to parents, staff and the community.
“Mary approaches every task with a positive and upbeat attitude, never complaining and always wearing a smile,” Evans wrote. “Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she generously offers her time and assistance to anyone in need, embodying the spirit of selflessness and service.”
She is regularly at athletic events, supports students preparing for NYSSMA and cheers on students of all ages. She provides a listening ear and words of praise to students of all ages. She supports all students, following up with families to offer ongoing support and making sure each child feels valued and cared for,” Evans wrote.
“‘Mary's dedication does not end at 3 o'clock,” Evans wrote, “she is always on duty, providing comfort and assistance whenever needed, and ensuring that every family knows their child is her top priority.”
Stephen Rogers, Outstanding Friend to Education
Rogers was nominated jointly by the Livingston Manor and Roscoe school boards for “positively impacting the lives of countless students, staff, and community members through his dedication, creativity, and passion for health and wellness,” Evans wrote in the nomination.
“Giving back to my alma mater has been something that I always wanted to do if I was ever given the opportunity,” Rogers said. “Knowing that the students are being educated on what real food is and being able to consume it daily is an honor that I receive daily.”
Roger’s work on integrating the cafeteria with the edible school garden and growing towers in classrooms has helped students learn about the importance of fresh, nutritious food. He has developed a highly successful Farm to School Program and his work led Livingston Manor and Roscoe to become the first schools in the region to receive waivers from the New York State Department of Health to use reduced oxygen packaging and flash freezing techniques. Over the past three years, the schools have provided more than10 tons of local produce and fruits to students.
These changes have seen more participation in school meals, by students and staff, with student participation in the free breakfast and lunch programs to more than 80% on most days and $20,000 in staff lunch sales between the two schools.
His support of the schools goes beyond the cafeteria. He is a football and track coach, is actively involved in various Sullivan 180 health and wellness projects, regularly attends Wellness Committee meetings and contributes ideas, and volunteers his time as a chef and kitchen help when classes hold fundraiser dinners.
“His dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle within our school community is deeply felt and widely appreciated,” Evans wrote.
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Each year, the SCSBA presents Outstanding Educator Awards and Outstanding Friend to Education Awards based on nominations from districts across the county. This year the organization’s annual meeting and award ceremony will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at The Villa Roma in Callicoon.