Laird, Bolibaugh receive October MVP Awards

Congratulations to the October recipients of the Most Valuable Patriot (MVP) award, BPHS special education teacher Liz Laird, and BPES math interventionist Katie Bolibaugh! 

Liz Laird, BPHS special education teacher

Liz Laird has been teaching at Broadalbin-Perth for 16 years.

"I love making personal connections with all my students and enjoy seeing them succeed in and out of the classroom. I always encourage them to pursue their goals and dreams," Laird said. 'My mom inspired me to become a teacher and I truly love what I do every day."

Laird's mother was Robin Blowers, the long-time principal of Broadalbin-Perth High School.

Laird said she was very honored to receive the MVP award. Her nomination read, in part, "Ms. Laird has shown her willingness to communicate, lead, and support her students... She exemplifies the traits that all educators aspire to have... Ms. Laird has most certainly gone above and beyond the call of her job duties to effectively be a leader of her building, too" 

Katie Bolibaugh, BPES Math Interventionist

Katie Bolibaugh, a 1987 Broadalbin High School graduate, has worked at her alma mater for more than a decade. She started as a substitute teaching assistant in 1999 when her children were in school.

"For many students, math is a very daunting and anxiety-filled subject. I try to make their experience in my classroom one where they feel safe to make mistakes and to know that, through struggling, real learning happens," Bolibaugh said. "I want every child who enters my room to know they are seen, heard, and loved! I'm so fortunate to be a part of the B-P family and to be serving the children of our community."

Bolibaugh said she was honored to be recognized by parents and colleagues for her work.

"My son was nervous to have to leave his room, but he loved working with her so much that he told me he hopes he has her again this year," a parent wrote. "He has worked harder than ever with Mrs. B and we are so grateful for all that she has done."

"When I have students who have to push out, they are always SO excited to go see Mrs. B," said a teacher. "She's so incredibly helpful to me as a teacher and as a person in general."

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 November MVP award is Monday, Nov. 4.