2024 Enlighten and Aspire Award Winners Announced - SEEC Celebrates Third Annual Toast to the Town

SCHOHARIE – Nearly 100 people attended Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp. (SEEC) third annual Toast to the Town celebration Wednesday, December 4th at 287 Main, Schoharie. SEEC benefactors, Dusty and Tom Putnam, welcomed small business owners, not-for-profit leaders and elected officials to celebrate and honor the work of individuals and organizations from every corner of the County. The Putnam’s, as honorary chairs, pinned the 2024 ASPIRE and ENLIGHTEN awardees from a pool of more than a dozen nominations received. Assemblyman Tague offered an official Citation to each winner.

"I am immensely proud of the remarkable resilience and enduring commitment of our small business owners and organizational leaders, “commented Tom Putnam, Founder, Fenimore Asset Management and SEEC Chair. “Tonight, we celebrate many points of light; especially, the two who shined brightest in 2024.” Putnam further proclaimed the difficulty in SEEC’s selection before asking Executive Director, Julie Pacatte to announce the winners.

Pacatte offered appreciation for all nominees ranging from entrepreneurs to local mission-driven leaders before announcing the 2024 winners as Stepanie Shultes of Iroquois Museum and Matthew Sloane of Middleburgh Central School District. 

“After four decades, Steph expresses as much enthusiasm for the Iroquois Museum and its evolution today as when she started there in 1983,” remarked Pacatte. “A healthy community celebrates its roots, its people and its rich cultural institutions,” added Pacatte.  

Iroquois Museum and Stephanie Shultes: ENLIGHTEN Award Recipient
The ENLIGHTEN Award honors an individual or company who has filled the educational gaps or causes an intellectual movement in Schoharie County. Stephanie Shultes, Director of the Iroquois Museum in Schoharie County, has dedicated more than 30 years to preserving and sharing Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) culture through education, exhibits, and community engagement. Under Shultes’ leadership, the museum has educated thousands of students, welcomed tourists from around the globe, and fostered a deeper appreciation for Indigenous history and values. 

“Stephanie’s tireless commitment, creativity, and passion have made the Iroquois Museum a cultural cornerstone and a testament to her extraordinary leadership,” as Pacatte read testimonial from the submitted nomination. 

"I was expecting to accept this award on behalf of the museum, not as an individual, “ blushed Shultes, Director, Iroquois Museum. “Thank you so much for supporting both me and the museum—it truly means a lot." 

Pacatte then commented about how one might expect the ENLIGHTEN Awardee to be a school; rather, this year the SEEC ASPIRE award was reserved for such an honor.  

“We are so proud of the Middleburgh School District for ascending to the Top 10 districts of the Capital Region,” enthused Pacatte. “What’s more, out of more than 4,000 school districts state-wide, we honor the #1 Principal in New York State, Middleburgh Principal Matthew Sloane as our ASPIRE award winner of 2024,” Pacatte exclaimed. 

Middleburgh Central School District and Matthew Sloane: ASPIRE Award Recipient
The ASPIRE Award was created by SEEC to recognize an individual or organization that has ascended or transcended in their industry. This individual or group exemplifies best-practice efforts through demonstrated success and is inherently innovative. Sloane was recognized amongst his peers as being exceptional having been named the NYS Secondary Principal of the Year Award by the School Administrators’ Association of New York State. Also, under his leadership, the school was ranked a Top 10 School in the Capital Region by the latest US News and World Report based on student performance. SEEC acknowledged his commitment of fostering a culture of mutual respect and academic excellence. 

The written nomination testimonial Pacatte read indicated, “Sloane’s innovative approach has introduced impactful programs such as mindfulness and restorative practices, which have strengthened relationships among students and staff.  Sloane’s ability to thoughtfully assess situations and ensure fairness for all has made him a respected and effective leader, deeply valued by the entire school community.”

 "I am truly honored to receive this award, but the real credit belongs to our incredible teachers. Without their dedication and hard work, none of what I do would be possible," Principal Sloane shared in acceptance.

Enlighten Awardee: Stephanie Shultes, Iroquois Museum 

https://www.iroquoismuseum.org/

Aspire Awardee: Matthew Sloane, Middleburgh Central School District 

https://www.middleburghcsd.org/

As a registered 501c3 public benefit nonprofit corporation, SEEC depends on generous donations to foster economic growth. Major supporters include Fenimore Asset Management, Sterling Insurance Company Foundation, the Marge and Randy Becker Foundation as well as individual giving.