The annual Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) Awards for Excellence in Education recently recognized Edward R. Crosby Elementary School Principal John Voerg for his outstanding performance as an administrator.

Mr. Voerg, who has served as a leader in Kingston City School District for the past six years, was hired in 2001 as the vice principal of Harry L. Edson Elementary School and was quickly promoted the following year to the position of principal at the Sophie G. Finn Elementary School, where he served for three years. Since July 2005, he has worked as building principal of the Edward R. Crosby Elementary School, where students, staff, and teachers say he has helped to make Crosby a wonderful place to learn, work, and grow.

Before entering into administration, Mr. Voerg was a physical education teacher and interscholastic coach for eight years. His biggest concern about becoming a principal was that it would take him out of the classroom, and out of a direct line of influence with the students he enjoyed working with. However, anyone at Crosby can tell you this just isn’t so. Principal Voerg makes time to encourage, mentor, and teach students throughout each day, visiting classrooms, the lunchroom, and even riding the school bus with students. He knows every student in the Crosby Elementary School on a first-name basis.

“I wanted to take a look at administration and redefine some of the priorities of the job,” Mr. Voerg explains, “At Crosby, the Principal’s office isn’t just someplace you get sent for misbehavior.”

To recognize student achievement in Character Education, Mr. Voerg created an award called “The Shining Star” to highlight admirable qualities in the children and adults at his school. When he left Sophie Finn Elementary School, the students presented this same award back to him, referring to Mr. Voerg as their shining star whom they would not forget. Today, he continues this tradition of awarding Crosby students for the often overlooked, but essential qualities of respect, kindness, and empathy. “The teachers who work with him at Crosby are thankful for having an administrator who truly cares about them and the children,” says Superintendent Gerard M. Gretzinger.

At Crosby, Mr. Voerg has created a an atmosphere where people enjoy coming to work, trust each other, and work collaboratively together, and his dedication has translated into improvements in student achievement. “Mr. Voerg’s commitment to education demonstrates how a community working together can make major differences in the lives of students,” says Superintendent Gretzinger.

Mr. Voerg says winning the MHSSC award is a recognition he wants to share with the wonderful staff that supports him. “The accomplishments that I have been a part of are attributed to the great people I have been fortunate to work with over the years, especially in Kingston.”