The Raymond R. Delaney Memorial Scholarship was inaugurated during the centennial year of The Council in 1983 in honor of "100 Years of Educational Leadership." In 1990, it was renamed as the Raymond R. Delaney Annual Memorial Scholarship in memory of a past president of NYSCOSS.
2026 Raymond R. Delaney Annual Memorial Scholarship Award
The Distinguished Service Committee selected Rose Battleson, a PK–12 Instructional Coach at Silver Creek Central School District, as this year’s recipient. Rose’s desire to make a difference in children’s lives has grown into a commitment to strengthening the systems, relationships, and communities that support student success. Reflecting on her role, she said, “When we invest in and grow the capacity of our educators, we multiply our impact on students.”
Silver Creek Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston described Rose’s work ethic as “second to none,” noting that she approaches every responsibility with professionalism, integrity, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement. Dr. Ralston also emphasized the importance of investing in and cultivating talented emerging leaders.
Rose added, “Leadership is found in showing up, building authentic relationships, and investing in something greater than yourself.”
The scholarship will be presented during the Tuesday Morning Keynote on September 29, 2026, with sponsorship from
Partner Utica National Insurance Group.
2027 Scholarship Process
The scholarship is awarded annually to one individual enrolled in a graduate study program through which a School District Administrator Certificate or Doctoral Degree may be earned. Applicants must be nominated by an active superintendent of The Council. Please contact Deidre Hungerford at deidre@nyscoss.org for the nomination form and nominate an individual by June 25, 2027. NYSCOSS will contact each applicant directly. Candidates are responsible for sending their completed applications in by August 3, 2027.
The Distinguished Service Committee, composed of current Council presidents and past presidents who are active superintendents, screens all applications and credentials for selection of one candidate. The scholarship winner will be recognized in-person at our 2027 Fall Leadership Summit.
Special thanks to Partner Utica National Insurance Group for their sponsorship of this scholarship.
Selection Criteria:
1. Promise for continued success as a school or district administrator or leader, as evidenced by the quality of the candidate's education, references, and previous or current experience in an administrative or supervisory role.
2. Readiness to grow administratively in the field of education and the likelihood that the candidate may serve in the superintendency during his/her career.
3. Enrollment in a graduate study program leading to the School District Administrator Certificate or Doctor Degree.
4. Currently employed teachers are eligible under some, but not all circumstances. Teachers who work part time in administrative or leadership roles may be considered. For example, teachers who serve as department chairs, academic facilitators, summer school or program principals or directors, coordinators and/or directors of adult or continuing education. Teachers who have assumed a leadership role such as a staff developer, full-time technology support staff or coordinator, or full-time subject matter specialists who works as a department chairs may also be considered. Teachers who have no track record in a continuing administrative or leadership role will not be eligible.
5. Financial need.
6. Superintendents are not eligible.