ALBANY, 03/11/15 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today welcomed New York Association for Continuing/Community Education (NYACCE) Student of the Year honoree Misty Campbell of Herkimer to Albany.

“Misty’s accomplishments in the face of adversity prove that hard work and dedication pay off in the long run,” said Senator Seward.  “Her achievements also confirm that strong educational programs, like those offered at Herkimer BOCES, can produce life changing results.”

Misty was an unemployed teen mother without a high school diploma when she started taking classes at the Ilion Literacy Zone.  She now has a full-time job as a dietary aide at a local nursing home and has been accepted to study to become an LPN upon receiving her TASC diploma.

In nominating Misty Campbell, Herkimer Literacy Zone case manager/educator Jackie Edwards said, “Misty has the respect of her teachers as well as her peers.  She is the person people look to for a helping hand.  She is always encouraging others to keep trying and usually tells them that things do get better if they stay focused and away from ‘drama’.  She is an example of what hard work and determination can do if you just don’t give up.” 

“Everyone does not fit the traditional student mold and that’s why it is vital that state government continues to support alternative educational programs.  Herkimer BOCES, and other similar programs, are staffed by caring, knowledgeable individuals who better the lives of their students, like Misty, on a daily basis,” Seward concluded.    

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