We are pleased to share that the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) recognized two Mohonasen teachers and students as 2024 Capital Region Students and Teachers Who Make a Difference. Recognized students are chosen by their schools on the basis of academic achievements, community service and leadership to their schools or communities, or other unique accomplishments.
Each nominated student then selects a teacher who has had a significant influence on their education.
Mohonasen senior Grace Macturk selected MHS chemistry teacher Alex Niedbalec as her influential teacher, and senior Kylie Slater chose MHS FACS teacher Kathleen Sacks.
Grace Macturk
“Grace Macturk is an exceptional individual and student. She is currently third in her class, was team captain of the Mohonasen-Schalmont Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving team, and is going to attend Hamilton College. Grace is very involved in both her school and community, giving her time and efforts to those around her. She is more than deserving of this honor.”
Kylie Slater
“Kylie has been actively involved in Peers for Peace throughout her four years of high school. In her junior and senior years, she took on leadership roles as vice-president and then co-president. Kylie was instrumental in planning and executing school wide activities that have helped Mohonasen earn No Place For Hate Gold Star School Award every year. Activities include Black History Month, Womens’ Her-story Month, the Day of Silence, our annual Holocaust Remembrance Day and also bringing awareness to Unified Sports. Kylie was also on the planning committee for and student facilitator and participant int he Capital District Elevating Student Voices initiative since summer 2022. As a result of her involvement, Kylie spoke at the BOE conference in Albany summer 2023. Kylie cares deeply about human right issues and is a change agent for social justice at MHS and in the larger community.”
Alex Niedbalec
“Mr. Niedbalec is a Chemistry teacher at Mohonasen High School. Grace chose Mr. Niedbalec because he always looks out for his students and cares about them more past just the school work. He is kind and understanding about how much they have on their plates as high schoolers.”
Kathleen Sacks
“Mrs. Sacks has been in my life since my freshman year. Parenting class introduced me to FACS, where I then proceeded to follow a pathway for the opportunity to become a student teacher intern. The internship is called CEIP (Career Exploration Internship Program). She guided me throughout my early years of high school and then through my internship experience. Her influence on my education is what inspired me to push towards the internship. I’m eternally grateful for her. This is the reason that I chose Mrs. Sacks – because without her I wouldn’t have the ambition that I do today. Thank you Mrs. Sacks!”