The Mid-Hudson School Study Council has honored three members of the Minisink Valley school community with its 2026 Awards for Excellence.
Otisville Art Teacher Kara Welsh was honored with a Teaching Excellence Award; volunteer Cara McGinnis was honored with an Award for Excellence in Community Service; and Board of Education member Patricia M. Reynolds was honored with an Award for Excellence in School Board Service.
Kara Welsh
Otisville Principal Julia Downey spoke of Mrs. Welsh’s passion, creativity, leadership and an unwavering dedication to her students.
“Ms. Welsh is deeply committed to ensuring every child feels valued and celebrated,” she wrote in her nomination letter. She goes above and beyond by thoughtfully curating and displaying students’ art prior to every school event, concert or play so families and fully enjoy and appreciate the talents of our students. Ms. Welsh is also an advocate for sustainability and service. Collaboration is another hallmark of Ms. Welsh’s work. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on our school culture and community."
Assistant Principal Nikachi Griffin echoed those comments in her nomination letter, adding “Ms. Welsh is the epitome of what a great art teacher and educator should be. She promotes community and partnerships throughout the school. Throughout the school and local community, Ms. Welsh’s contributions have been profound in every aspect of the arts.”
Cara McGinnis
“I’ve had the distinct privilege of witnessing Ms. McGinnis’ unwavering dedication and profound impact on our school community over the past 10 years,” said Music Teacher and District Wide Fine Arts Chair Laura Hulle wrote in her nomination letter. “Ms. McGinnis has volunteered for every single drama production…meticulously designing, setting up and managing the lobby display and concession stand. This sustained commitment ensures a welcoming and professional atmosphere for community members who attend our productions. Cara McGinnis has gone beyond the expectations of a typical volunteer, acting as an essential partner in our mission to provide quality experiences for the students in our drama program.”
In his nomination letter, High School Band Director and Music Department Chairperson Thomas Stickney added: “Ms. McGinnis has a long history of being an ally to the Music Department at Minisink Valley High School. Perhaps the most impressive facet of Ms. McGinnis’ service to our music program is her ability to inspire others to volunteer goods and services to our Band program. Her spirit of giving is contagious and has help our Band Booster organization to thrive.”
Patricia M. Reynolds
“Ms. Reynolds has been a dedication member of our Board of Education since 2020 and is a trusted colleague who consistently provides thoughtful commentary and valuable perspective in all aspects of the Board’s work,” wrote Anthony Monaco, Board of Education president, in his nomination letter. “I consider her a uniquely steady and dependable member who presence contributes greatly to the effectiveness of our governance. As Chair of our Finance Committee, she demonstrates diligence and care in overseeing the development of the district’s annual school budget, always mindful of the responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. Ms. Reynolds exemplifies the qualities of effective board service through her collaborative approach, sound judgment and unwavering commitment to students, staff and the broader school community.”
Board of Education Vice President Ruth A. Luis agreed, noting her nomination letter: “Patricia brings a wealth of knowledge to the process with her strong understanding of public finance. She is a conscientious trustee who values fiscal prudence, which provides a well-rounded education for our students. Student success is at the forefront of her decision making in all areas of school district functions. Her board colleagues are grateful for her dedication to providing our students educational excellence.”
Each year, the Newburgh-based organization honors those in the education field who display excellence in their work. Awards were presented to them and other honorees at a May 6 gathering at the Fieldstone Auditorium in the North Rockland Central School District.