Small Town Bigger Dreams Awarded 30K to Teachers and Students

DELHI - Some of the biggest dreams come from the smallest towns. It’s 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 a total of $30,000 to a teacher and graduating senior in the small towns of Delhi, NY, and Amenia, NY.

Each year, the STBD board members select educators and graduating seniors from each small 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 Math Teacher, Cliff “Skip” Baxter 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 the website, www.smalltownbiggerdreams.org. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2024. 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 NY. 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 on Wednesday, May 15, and closes on Wednesday, May 22. Auction and bidding can be accessed through www.memberforaday.com.

Tyler Branigan is currently attending Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is a Coronat Scholar and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program. Tyler is a double major in Policy Studies and Environment, Sustainability & Policy. After graduating, Tyler hopes to obtain a Master of Public Administration before entering the workforce for a government agency or consulting firm.

Skip Baxter is a high school math teacher and cross-country coach at Delaware Academy in Delhi, New York. Over the past 27 years, he has had the pleasure of teaching and coaching with amazing co-workers and has had the distinct privilege of teaching his own three children: Hannah ’19, Josh ’21, and Julia ’23. He plans to continue to mentor Delaware Academy students and athletes, helping them to reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom.

Cadance Shufelt attends the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) where she is currently pursuing a biology major as well as a minor in psychology. She plans to become an emergency room physician, as it has always been one of her lifelong goals to help others during their difficult times.

Janice McSpiritt is in her 37th year serving the children and families of the Webutuck school district. Working with these Pre-K through 3rd grade students has been a privilege and an honor for Janice. Janice has grown up with these families, now serving the children and grandchildren of youngsters she worked with when she started in 1987. When her time at Webutuck is done, she hopes to travel with her husband and adult children, and spend more time with good friends, and a pile of good books.