Some of the biggest dreams come from the smallest towns, where strong morals are born, challenges are overcome, and incredible bonds between neighbors are formed. That is why the Small Town Bigger Dreams (STBD) organization is committed to giving back. In 2023, this charitable organization awarded $30,000 to a teacher and graduating senior in the towns of Delhi and Amenia.
Each year, STBD board members select educators and graduating seniors from each town to receive four awards recognizing them for their accomplishments.
The Coby Clark Excellence in Education Award recognizes a deserving educator employed by a recognized school district who best represents the qualities and passion for teaching and mentorship, and who embodies the selflessness required to be a top-tier educator.
The James “Tuffy” Clark Leadership in Service Award recognizes a deserving high school senior who possesses great leadership qualities and has the best record of community service/service to others.
The Norman and Sandra Dawson Hospitality Award is given to a deserving high school senior looking to continue their education in Hospitality and the Burt D. Townsend Gift recognizes a deserving high school senior looking to pursue a career in professional golf management, hospitality, or any skilled trade at SUNY Delhi or any PGA PGM or trade school.
The James “Tuffy” Clark award of $5,000 was given to Tyler Branigan from Delaware Academy and Cadance Shufelt from Webutuck Central School.
The Coby Clark award of $10,000 was given to Cliff “Skip” Baxter, math teacher, from Delaware Academy, and elementary school teacher Janice McSpiritt from Webatuck.
“They say it takes a village. In our case, this is true, and it has motivated us to give back to our hometowns and, eventually, many small towns across the nation,” says organization founder Justin Marano. “We seek to create opportunity where there is none, to make an impact for those less fortunate or seeking assistance. We want to continue telling the small-town story while paying respect to the fabric and traditions that help shape us all.”
Visit smalltownbiggerdreams.org to donate to support local teachers and students and other community initiatives in the future. The next round of awards is currently open for submissions and applicants can apply exclusively through www.smalltownbiggerdreams.org The deadline to apply is June 1. Any questions can be directed to Justin@smalltownbiggersdreams.org or Christina@smalltownbiggerdreams.org
STBD is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, volunteer-led organization that grants funds to honor the commendable work of local teachers and the efforts of local graduating seniors in the Delhi and Amenia school districts in New York. The next fundraiser for the group is an online auction through Member For A Day, which helps nonprofits and charitable foundations exceed their fundraising goals by auctioning off once-in-a-lifetime golf experiences. The auction to benefit STBD opens Wednesday, May 15, and closes Wednesday, May 22. Auction and bidding can be accessed through www.memberforaday.com
