Two Niskayuna High School Teachers Honored with Surprise Award

"So, my husband and I loaded up speakers on his truck and we went door to door and sang to everyone in their driveway to let them know how much I appreciate them and for sticking with it and getting on Google meets and keeping music alive during a really difficult time."

That was Christina Pizzino-Catalano's impromptu send-off to graduating seniors at Niskayuna High School in upstate New York last month, the Daily Gazette reports.

The choir teacher was one of two teachers to receive the 20th annual Murray Award from the Niskayuna Community Foundation.

The foundation's student committee members each read a speech to the teachers, thanking them for their work and listing key reasons they were chosen.

"I thought it was a great way to give back to my teachers who have given so much to me," says senior Hailey Auster, who helped present Pizzino-Catalano's award.

"Learning what makes a great teacher by the standards of the award really made me appreciate my teachers more, and I finally got to give back to one of my all-time favorite teachers."

Sogoian, an engineering and technology teacher, received the award for his " adaptable teaching style that seamlessly meshes creativity and structure, as well as his dedication

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