Randolph Academy has named Dennis Boron its 2023 “Golden Apple” award Randolph campus recipient. The award recognizes an individual’s outstanding professional contribution and achievement. Superintendent Danielle Cook, Ph.D., presented the honor prior to the two-campus district’s Oct. 17 board meeting.
Boron, who has served the Randolph campus for 25 years, joins Hamburg campus colleague Christopher Meckes, who received the honor last month. Boron joined the district in 1998 as a teacher’s aide. Over the years he has filled various roles, including internal suspension aide and substitute teacher. Currently, he is the campus’ long-term substitute science teacher, having helped his students earn excellent scores on their New York State Regents Living Environment Exam last June.
“This year, we’re honoring an individual who stepped into a very different role and found exceptional success,” said Dr. Cook. “He has overcome tremendous professional and personal challenges, yet he continues to be dedicated to our students and motivated to contribute to our school community.”
“He has been a model of our program,” she added, citing his commitment and skillful use of restorative practices, an alternative to traditional punishment-based school discipline which has been consistently shown to be ineffective. “He is frequently called upon to facilitate (restorative) circles to repair harm.”
Boron holds an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Jamestown Community College, as well as a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York College at Brockport. He resides in Jamestown with his son, Michael.
