PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools announced today that Monsignor Robert Aucoin, vicar of education in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, N.Y., is a recipient of of this year’s Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award.
“Middle States volunteers share a passion for improving education worldwide and making a difference for schools and students across the globe,” said Henry G. Cram, Ed.D., president of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. “I thank Monsignor Aucoin for his longstanding service to Middle States and for his contributions to continuous school improvement.”
Presented annually, the Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes a dedicated volunteer who has advanced the mission of the Middle States Association to foster continuous school improvement through accreditation so all students receive the highest quality education possible. Volunteers serve on accreditation teams that evaluate schools based on an established set of protocols and standards designed to reflect best practices in education.
Nicklas served as the executive director of the Middle States Commissions on Secondary Schools from 2002 to 2005 and was a member of the staff since 1993. She remains a dedicated educator, who views accreditation as one of the most effective forms of evaluation available to schools.
Aucoin has been a volunteer for Middle States since the late 1970s and has served as a team member and team chair on several school visits. He has 20 years of secondary school experience, with six years in the classroom and 14 as a principal.
“I am grateful to the Middle States Association for this tremendous honor,” said Aucoin. “Accreditation is critical to helping schools grow and improve, and I am happy to be part of that process. Volunteering enables educators like me to give back to the broader academic community and serve a greater good. ”
About Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement. With more than 2,700 accredited schools and school systems in 34 states and nearly 100 countries, MSA-CESS is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century. For more information visit www.msa-cess.com.
