NYSSBA Honors Baldwin UFSD with the Seventh “Champions of Change” Award

The New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) has recognized the Baldwin Union Free School District with another Champion of Change Award for its Black History Month exhibit at the African American Museum of Nassau County, which showcased Baldwin students’ artwork. This is the seventh time the district has received this special recognition.

NYSSBA’s Champions of Change Recognition program honors those school districts and BOCES throughout New York State that have implemented innovative initiatives with significant impact. Recipients are selected based on committee observation and input from NYSSBA members, highlighting exceptional programs without requiring a formal application process.

This recent accolade adds to the district’s growing list of Champions of Change Awards. Other Baldwin UFSD programs that have also been recognized by NYSSBA include the Future Teachers of Baldwin Pre-Academy at Baldwin Middle School, the Future Jewelers Academy at Baldwin High School@Shubert, the Baldwin Schools Wellness Center, the Shark Tank Project at Brookside Elementary School, the Hello Neighbor Project and the Education Academy at Baldwin High School.

“Receiving our seventh Champions of Change Award is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects the Baldwin School District’s continued commitment to creating innovative, relevant learning experiences for our students,” said Mr. Anthony Mignella, superintendent of schools for Baldwin UFSD. “We are honored that NYSSBA has recognized our Black History Month Exhibit at the African American Museum of Nassau County, which demonstrates the meaningful learning experiences that emerge when creativity, culture and community come together. Through our valued partnership with the Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County, our students have the opportunity to use art to explore and celebrate African American history, culture and contributions while sharing their own voices and perspectives. We are incredibly proud of our students and staff and grateful to the museum for helping us bring this unique educational experience to fruition.”

Baldwin UFSD has partnered with the African American Museum of Nassau County for four consecutive years. Located in a gallery featuring installations about key figures like Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, the exhibit showcased artwork created by more than 70 students, ranging from elementary to high school. Photographs, collages, portraits and handmade jewelry were among the works on display for the public to view throughout the month of February.

The official Champions of Change banner was presented at the district’s September Board of Education meeting, where Dr. Gabriella Franza, assistant director for instructional programs, received special recognition for organizing the exclusive partnership with the museum.

“This Champions of Change Award for our Baldwin Schools African American History Month Exhibit means so much to us,” she stated. “It reflects the real care, hard work and dedication our community put into honoring this important history.” 

Audrey L. Hadden, the director of education for The African Atlantic Genealogical Society, Inc. (TAAGS), also shared her congratulations on behalf of the museum. The special exhibit, initiated in 2022 under TAAGS’ management of the Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County, was coordinated by Monet Green, program director. Through TAAGS’ educational initiatives and dedication to preserving and promoting African American history, the museum offered Baldwin students and educators an engaging cultural learning experience that extended beyond the classroom. Baldwin UFSD has been the only school district to partner with the museum for this exhibit. 

“On behalf of TAAGS, we congratulate the Baldwin Union Free School District on receiving the NYSSBA Champions of Change Award. TAAGS is proud to have helped establish the foundation for this important educational partnership and to see Baldwin students continue to experience African American history, culture and legacy at the museum. We congratulate the Baldwin Union Free School District on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate the continued impact of a program rooted in TAAGS’ commitment to education, history and cultural preservation.”

For more information on NYSSBA’s awards and recognition programs, visit the organization’s website.

 

See related:

• NYSSBA Honors Baldwin UFSD with Sixth “Champions of Change” Award
• NYSSBA Honors Baldwin UFSD with Fifth "Champions of Change" Award
• NYSSBA Recognizes Baldwin UFSD with Fourth "Champions of Change" Award
• NYSSBA Champions of Change Award Presented to Baldwin UFSD