Distinguished Service Award

The 2025 Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Hank Grishman, a Retired Life Member, and former Superintendent of Jericho UFSD. Hank has been a member of NYSCOSS since 1978 and has served on the Executive Committee, House of Delegates and the Commissioner’s Advisory Committee before his retirement on June 30, 2025.

In 2006, he helped create and was the first president of our foundation LEAF, Inc. before leading NYSCOSS as president during the 2007-2008 school year. During his presidential year he was instrumental in designing The Council’s celebration for its 125th anniversary. 

In 2012, Hank was named the New York State Superintendent of the Year representing NYSCOSS at AASA. He was also a member of the AASA Governing Board which helped establish New York State as a powerhouse on the National level. His leadership on various groups within NYSCOSS established important policy directions including the Constitution and By-Laws and the Dues Review Committees.

Executive Director Charles Dedrick said “Hank’s leadership in NYSCOSS was instrumental in creating the building blocks of our current successes enabling our staff to double from seven to our current 14, launching our foundation, establishing a higher level of partner participation, and mentoring new leaders. His rich legacy is one of humble, compassionate and joyful leadership and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”

Hank has continued to serve NYSCOSS after his presidency through his participation on both the Distinguished Service Committee, serving as chair, and member of the Past Presidents’ Committee that funds the Past Presidents’ Scholarship. In 2022, he established and personally finances the Henry L. Grishman student scholarship to honor those recipients of the NYS Superintendent of the Year award in recognition of their receipt of this prestigious designation. NYSCOSS presented Hank with its Appreciation Award during the 2023 Winter Institute. 

Thanks to Partner New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal (NYSIR) for sponsoring this year’s award which will be presented at the Sunday Opening Keynote on September 28th starting at 2:45 p.m.

2026 Distinguished Service Award

If you are interested in nominating an individual for the 2026 award, send your nomination to Deidre Hungerford by June 26, 2026 for inclusion in the selection process. Candidates can be nominated with this nomination form  or with an emailed letter. The Distinguished Service Committee will screen all nominations and will make their final selection of one candidate over the summer.