C.W. Baker High School Teacher Casey Vanderstouw to Receive Clarkson University Inspirational Educator Award
Potsdam, NY (05/03/2018) — Casey Vanderstouw of Cato, N.Y., teaches his students what it means to be dedicated and committed to something so much bigger than yourself. Vanderstouw is one of three recipients of this year's Clarkson University Inspirational Educator Awards.
The music teacher and band director at C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, N.Y., was nominated by former student Gabrielle Piraino of Baldwinsville, a senior engineering & management major at Clarkson. The award will be presented during Clarkson's commencement weekend activities.
Each year, Clarkson asks its seniors to nominate the educators who have significantly affected their lives and helped guide their higher education and career decisions. The award recognizes these educators for their lasting impact on their students and in their fields of education.
Early in the spring term, graduating seniors submit their reasons for choosing their nominees, how they influenced them and actual situations in which they showed themselves to be outstanding educators.
"In all of my years as a student, I have never met an educator who truly cares about his students and their achievements as much as Mr. Vanderstouw does," said Piraino in nominating Vanderstouw. "He has taught me that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and professionalism. I have taken these words of encouragement with me into every hard exam and challenge I face at Clarkson.
"Thank you for showing me that everyone is an important player on the team and that anything is possible when everyone works together. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be dedicated and committed to something so much bigger than yourself.
"Finally, thank you for the time and commitment you devote to the band program and each of your students. I have learned so much both from your words and your actions. You inspire and empower students to be the best version of themselves. Seeing how you lead with such purpose, dedication and integrity has truly inspired me and shaped me into the leader I am today."
Clarkson University educates the leaders of the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as an owner, CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. With its main campus located in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the Capital Region and Beacon, New York, Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university with signature areas of academic excellence and research directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through more than 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, education, sciences and the health professions, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations, and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo and connect discovery and innovation with enterprise.
