The Friend of The Council Award was created in 1996 and is given annually in recognition of a person's contribution to the NYSCOSS and the field of education.
2026 Friend of The Council
NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer, 37th Senate District
Chair of Committee on Education
Senator Shelley Mayer as been selected to receive the 2026 Friend of the Council award.
Typically this award is presented at our Winter Institute & Lobby Day, but due to scheduling conflicts we will present the 2026 Friend of The Council at our 2026 Fall Leadership Summit.
More details to be announced in the coming months.
2027 Nominations' Process
Nominations are provided by members or Council staff and are due in January for the selection process. A selected individual must be:
- Actively involved in education and supportive of The Council's mission. Superintendents and Assistant Superintendent members of NYSCOSS are not eligible for this award.
- Recognized by educational leaders as a person who contributes time to improving public education.
If you are interested in nominating an individual for the 2026 award, send your nomination to Deidre Hungerford by January 8, 2027 at deidre@nyscoss.org. Candidates can be nominated with this nomination form or with an emailed letter.
The Distinguished Service Committee, composed of current Council presidents and past presidents who are active superintendents, screen all nominations for selection of one candidate. Review this complete list of Friend of The Council recipients here .
For details or to nominate an individual contact:
Deidre G. Hungerford
Associate Director for Business Development
E: deidre@nyscoss.org
T: 518.694.4885
Twitter: @deehungerford28 #NYSCOSSWell