Congratulations to the recipients of our 2006 GLSEN Hudson Valley Leadership Awards
Jean Fields
"As a GSA advisor, Vice-Principal, and now Principal at Ramapo High School,
Mrs. Fields has been the strongest advocate anyone could ask for. She has
insured that our students go to the annual Pride Works Conference. She has
set aside a prominent showcase in the main hallway that allows the GSA to
educate and inform the school about events and issues dealing with the LGBTQ
population. She has allowed a mural to be painted on the walls with the
theme "individuals make a team," in which the words "transgender,"
"lesbian," and "gay" are prominent. She has stood by us and set a tone in
our school of acceptance and understanding."
Toni Nagel-Smith
"When I was in the 10th grade, Toni helped a group of us form Fox Lane High
School’s first Gay-Straight Alliance. From the very beginning, she was on
our side. She worked to make sure we were in line with the administration;
she came with us as we presented to the faculty and won us allies among the
teachers. Toni sat with us at our fundraising tables and our Day of Silence
sign-up tables. She is always quick to call students on their use of
anti-gay rhetoric. Most importantly, she has help many closeted students to
come out. Toni says making small change involves lighting one candle at a
time and letting each candle light another. Toni is my mentor, my teacher,
and my friend."
Nicole Ressa
"Nicole has worked as a Community Educator for Planned Parenthood for 3
years, serving in Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange Counties. She also works with
the Kingston-based CIRCLES group for LGBTQ youth. She is a gifted educator —
a skilled professional of integrity and sound judgment. I’ve seen her
respond to students in ways subtle and bold. She is an outspoken advocate
for their right to feel valued. Whether speaking to parents, students, or
peer professionals, she never fails to include the experiences and needs of
LGBTQ youth. Our youth benefit from her leadership, support, and advocacy."
Sonya Rifkin
"Sonya volunteers at Center Lane and has served for 2 years as the youth
anchor of our Leadership Council. She is a consummate role model for LGBTQ
youth and any young person facing discrimination, and she is tireless in her
dedication to human rights. She addressed the Westchester Youth Action
Convention in 2005 and 2006. Last year, she served on the youth panel for
the Pride Works conference and presented at a workshop. Sonya has also
talked at Blindbrook High School and Hastings High School. At Center Lane,
she is co-facilitator of our monthly Gay-Straight Alliance Network Meetings.
She embodies the best of qualities of the LGBTQ community and will continue
to change the world for the better."