Senator Lea Webb Presents the New York State Senate Commendation Award to Local Educators

BINGHAMTON, NY — Today, Senator Lea Webb honored four local educators from across Senate District 52 with the prestigious New York State Senate Commendation Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to their communities through volunteerism and service, with a focus on improving the lives of residents in the Southern Tier.

The New York State Senate Commendation Award is one of the highest honors a State Senator can bestow, celebrating exceptional leadership and dedication. Senator Webb proudly presents this recognition to the following individuals for their outstanding work in education and community development:

• Sean Eversley Bradwell, Member of the Ithaca City School District Board of Education and Professor at Ithaca College

• David Hawley, Former Member of the Binghamton City School District Board of Education and Current Vice President of the Broome-Tioga BOCES Board of Trustees

• Peter Stewart, Principal at Horace Mann Elementary School in Binghamton

• Dick Testa, President of the Union-Endicott Board of Education and Co-Founder of the Endicott Proud Initiative

“It is my honor to present the New York State Senate Commendation Award to these outstanding educators who have dedicated their lives to advancing education in our region,” said Senator Lea Webb. “Their leadership has created opportunities for countless students, and their work continues to shape the future of the Southern Tier. As a former educator myself, I understand the profound impact that teachers and school board members can have on the lives of young people. Today, we celebrate not only their achievements but also their commitment to creating vibrant, educated communities.”

“I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from Senator Webb. As many know, teaching is not a job, it is a calling,” said Sean Eversley Bradwell PhD. “I have been proud to serve as an educator in the Southern Tier for nearly 30 years. I’ve been blessed to be a public-school teacher, administrator, faculty member, and elected school Board Member. These roles are intertwined and the lessons learned, hopefully, make me a better educator. More importantly, I hope the lessons learned help me enrich the learning experience for our students inside and outside of our classrooms. I am thankful to Senator Webb for her commitment to education, and I am humbled by this recognition.”

“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from Senator Webb.” said David Hawely. “I am an avid supporter of public education and have been privileged to have served on the City of Binghamton Board of Education for 24 years and to continue to serve on the Broome-Tioga BOCES Board where I am beginning my fifth 3-year term. The Southern Tier is blessed with many dedicated education professionals, and it has been my honor to have been able to partner with them to promote the success of our students.”

“It’s all about the relationships and connections we make with students and families in our community,” said Peter Stewart. “I pride myself on being authentic and always put the best interests of students above all. My goal has always been to build a solid foundation of social/emotional well-being and academic readiness so that kids have a chance at having a GREAT life.”

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Dick Testa. “For more than four decades, I’ve devoted myself to serving this community. It started when I became an altar server at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church at age 10, and continued when I began coaching Endicott Youth Baseball at 21, eventually spending 36 years on the league’s board of directors. My 41 years with the Endicott Sertoma Club and 14 years coaching the American Legion Post 82 baseball team have been central to my mission of making Endicott a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Now, as I enter my 26th year on the Union-Endicott Board of Education, that commitment remains as strong as ever.”

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Watch the Full Announcement (LINK) | Photos From the Announcement (LINK)