Monticello Elementary School Principal Christopher Palmer to Receive 2019 Clarkson University Inspirational Educator Award

Potsdam, NY (05/02/2019) — As a former choral director and music teacher at Monticello High School in Monticello, New York, Christopher Palmer left an enduring imprint on his students. Now the principal at Monticello Elementary School, he was known for constantly going above and beyond while maintaining a positive attitude and lifting his students their highest potential.

Palmer is one of two educators who will be honored as a 2019 Clarkson University Inspirational Educator. The award recognizes both educators for their lasting impact on their students and in their fields of education. He was nominated by former student Mallory Keough of Monticello, a senior engineering and management major at Clarkson.

"The power of inspiration with the reminder of reality is something that Mr. Palmer never stopped instilling in his students on a daily basis," Keough said.

As an example of Palmer's dedication to his students, Keough cited the time she reached out to him for his advice when she was deciding where to attend college. Even though he no longer taught at her school, Palmer drove 3 ½ hours on a Saturday to offer her his guidance.

"Mr. Palmer is a huge reason I have been as successful as I have been at Clarkson University over the last four years," said Keough in nominating Palmer. "He always pushed me to the better version of me that he knew I had inside of me academically. However, he also reminded me every day how important it was to be well-rounded and do things that make me happy. He is one of the reasons I danced, sang, acted and played sports. He helped encourage me to truly push my academic knowledge to the next level to join a SPEED team and compete using the knowledge I have learned at Clarkson. Without him, I wouldn't have pushed myself to obtain any of these feats."

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 educators will be honored on campus during Clarkson's spring commencement weekend ceremonies.