Three District Employees Receive Rotary’s Employee of the Year Award

 Not one, but three, Ossining Union Free School District employees were honored as Employees of the Year for 2013 by the Rotary Club of Ossining on Monday. Keith Bradshaw, Karen Juliano, and Clara Rivera received their awards at the Rotary Club’s annual scholarship fundraiser, which took place at the Shattemuc Yacht Club in Ossining.

The purpose of the Rotary’s Employee of the Year award is to highlight members of the community who embrace and exemplify the Rotary’s motto of, “Service Above Self.”  The fact that three Ossining School District employees were honored just points up the dedication of district staff to supporting  the best education to Ossining students.

Bradshaw, the head custodian of Claremont Elementary School, is responsible for the overall supervision of Claremont’s custodial staff and has been with the school district for 31 years. Bradshaw was nominated for the award by Claremont Principal Kate Mathews. In her nomination letter, Mathews wrote that Bradshaw, “goes above and beyond his job description,” and that “it is obvious in everything [Bradshaw] does that his purpose is to provide a safe and beautiful environment for the students of Claremont.”

“It really feels good to be appreciated,” Bradshaw said after receiving his award. “I feel like I’m representing my family, who instilled good values in me.”

Juliano, the secretary to the Ossining High School Principal, is responsible for overseeing the functioning of the school’s main office and has been with the district for 20 years. Juliano was nominated for the award by Ossining High School Principal Joshua Mandel. In his nomination letter, Mandel wrote that Juliano, “is an extremely hard worker who approaches every task professionally and with determination.” Mandel also notes that Juliano is an alumnus of Ossining High School and that Juliano has, “literally been contributing to the Ossining community her entire life.”

“It was overwhelming,” Juliano said about receiving her award. “I feel that what I do on a daily basis is normal. I was raised to know that the value of hard work is in itself a reward.”

Rivera, the secretary to the Brookside Elementary Principal, is responsible for overseeing the functioning of the school’s main office and has been with the district for 12 years. Rivera was nominated for the award by Brookside Elementary School Principal Ann Dealy. In her nomination letter, Dealy wrote that, “there is nothing [Rivera] won’t do,” and that Rivera, “is a gift and the glue that holds Brookside together.”

“I am completely honored,” Rivera said after the ceremony. “It makes me feel really wonderful to be appreciated so much.”