Clifford, Szala receive May MVP Award

Congratulations to the May recipients of the Most Valuable Patriot (MVP) award, teaching assistant Carlye Clifford and fourth-grade teacher Nicole Szala!

Carlye Clifford, Teaching Assistant

B-P alum Carlye Clifford is in her sixth year as a teaching assistant at the elementary school. In addition to working in Sarah Barkley's pre-K classroom, she also helps with the before- and after-school programs. Clifford comes from a family of B-P educators, following in the footsteps of her mom, high school special education teacher Liz Laird, and her grandmother, long-time high school principal Robin Blowers.

"Ms. Clifford goes above and beyond for the students," wrote the parent who nominated Clifford for the MVP award. "My daughter absolutely loves her and talks about her every day."

“I feel so thankful to have such amazing students and an amazing teacher in my first year being full-time in the classroom," Clifford said.

Nicole Szala, Fourth Grade Teacher

Nicole Szala, a 2007 B-P graduate, has worked at her alma mater for 12 years. Szala started in the district as a fourth-grade TA, then spent some time teaching fifth grade, and now teaches fourth grade.

"Nicole Szala is deserving of this award because of how much she cares about the well-being of her students, not just my son," wrote the mom who nominated her. "She has gone above and beyond this year to make sure he is excelling... To say my son loves her is an understatement. This has been his best year at B-P academically, and it's all thanks to her."

Szala said she was so honored to be nominated that it brought tears to her eyes. "It is really nice to be recognized and appreciated. I knew when I started college for an education degree that the one and only place I would work is B-P. This community is extremely special to me. I love seeing my kids grow year to year and building relationships with these students — and with many students whose parents I went to school with here. It’s a full circle moment that brings me so much joy and fulfillment."

Each month, two district employees are recognized through Broadalbin-Perth's MVP program. Each winner receives a B-P Yeti mug. Nominations can come from any member of the school community and all nominations should be submitted online. The deadline to nominate a B-P employee for the next MVP award is Monday, June 1.