Transit Middle's assistant principal recognized with New York State award

Mary Holzerland, assistant principal of Transit Middle School in the Williamsville School District in East Amherst, has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the James E. Allen Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State.

James E. Allen, a pillar of educational leadership who served as commissioner of education in New York State, was known for his strong support of secondary school administrators.

This award is given annually to a SAANYS member who is a secondary school administrator, supervisor or coordinator who has given significant contributions to education and leadership at the secondary school level and service to the community and professional organizations including SAANYS.

In a letter of recommendation, Jill Pellis, principal at Transit Middle School, describes her as having "that tireless, old-fashioned work ethic to see a job through to completion, making sure every report, every student schedule, every teaching assignment and every event is perfect. She is, indeed, a principal's dream teammate."

A fellow administrator notes of Holzerland, she "goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to helping children . . . she attends almost every event to cheer on the teams, assist the PTSA or a student club, and provide a safe environment for all."

Holzerland will be recognized for her achievements at an awards ceremony on May 9 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.