Meadow PTA Honored with Selective New York State PTA Award

The New York State Parent Teacher Association (NYS PTA) recently recognized Meadow Elementary School PTA with the prestigious 2026 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. According to the NYS PTA, the award recognizes a unit that “demonstrates a leadership commitment to diversity and inclusion through recruitment, training and retention efforts including, but not limited to, multicultural, gender-diverse and special needs appropriate programming/events, inclusive outreach activities, and/or other initiatives.”

Meadow PTA was selected for its ongoing efforts to foster belonging and celebrate the diverse voices, cultures, and experiences within the school community. Initiatives contributing to this prestigious recognition included school climate surveys designed to strengthen community voice and engagement; cultural arts assemblies celebrating Lunar New Year and Diwali; Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day programming; the Cocoa and Customs event highlighting family traditions and cultures; the annual Multicultural Festival; translated communications; monthly bulletin boards; autism awareness initiatives; and such student-led inclusion efforts as the No Place for Hate initiative involving the Meadow Community Future Problem Solvers, Student Council, Character Counts Club, and students from Girl Scouts Troop 2210. 

The NYS PTA praised Meadow PTA for its “meaningful and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the school community” and recognized the PTA’s strong collaboration with students, educators, and families to ensure that every member of the Meadow community feels welcomed, respected, and represented.

“This recognition reflects our school community’s shared commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,” said Helen Singson, vice president of programs for Meadow PTA and DBI advisory committee chair. “The partnership, support and collaboration between the PTA, school leadership, staff, students, and families make this work possible. We are honored to continue building a welcoming and inclusive school community for all.”

As part of the award, Meadow PTA will receive a commemorative plaque, recognition at a NYS PTA leadership event, and a registration voucher for a future NYS PTA conference or leadership program.

The Meadow community continues to exemplify the values of inclusion, understanding, and unity through meaningful programming and student-centered initiatives that celebrate diversity and strengthen connections among families and staff. The award follows two other significant achievements for Meadow’s PTA. Earlier this school year, Meadow PTA was also recognized with the New York State PARP Award and the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Family-School Partnership Award, which included a $2,000 Grant.

Meadow’s principal, Dr. Yolanda Martin, commended the PTA for their efforts and extraordinary school year. “As principal of Meadow Elementary School, I am incredibly proud of our PTA for receiving the 2026 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award from the New York State PTA,” she stated. “This recognition reflects the heart of our Meadow school community and our shared commitment to ensuring that every child and family feels valued, respected, represented, and connected. It speaks to the collaborative partnership between our staff, families, and PTA in creating inclusive opportunities that celebrate cultural awareness, student voice, leadership, and belonging. At Meadow, we believe that embracing diversity strengthens our school community, and this honor affirms the meaningful work taking place each day on behalf of our students.”

For more information about the NYS PTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, visit the New York State PTA website.