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SUNY Potsdam Education Alumni Honor Harry Brooks '68 & '71 with 2024 St. Lawrence Academy Medal

Harry Brooks '68 & '71 of Broadalbin, N.Y., Presented with St. Lawrence Academy Medal by SUNY Potsdam School of Education Alumni Association

Potsdam, NY (07/15/2024) — The SUNY Potsdam School of Education Alumni Association recently honored Dr. Harry Brooks '68 & '71 of Broadalbin, N.Y., with the St. Lawrence Academy Medal during Reunion 2024.

The St. Lawrence Academy Medal is presented to a SUNY Potsdam graduate who has made significant contributions to the field of professional education or related fields. Brooks was recognized by his alma mater for his lifelong passion for education, commitment to excellence, unwavering commitment to students, and his educational leadership of the highest caliber.

About the recipient:

Dr. Harry Brooks '68 & '71 has dedicated himself for over 50 years to the betterment of educational outcomes in the Southern Adirondack region.

After graduating from SUNY Potsdam, Brooks taught for six years in the Malone public schools, later leaving to enroll at the University at Albany, where he received his Doctor of Education degree in 1979. While undertaking his doctoral studies, Brooks worked in teaching, research and consulting roles at both UAlbany and at the New York State Education Department.

In 1979, Brooks was named superintendent of the Edinburg Common School district. In 1984, he moved to the Hadley Luzerne School District, and later, from 1989 until his retirement in 2002, served as superintendent of the Broadalbin-Perth School District.

From 1985 to 2022, Brooks taught in SUNY Plattsburgh's Administrator Preparation Program, sharing his knowledge with generations of school leaders. Since retirement, he has served as an interim principal or superintendent four times, most recently during the 2023-24 academic year.

In 2012, Brooks was elected to the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES Board of Education, and he continues to serve as president of that board, which oversees cooperative services to 15 school districts in the Southern Adirondacks and Mohawk Valley.

A common thread in Brooks' distinguished career has always been his dedication to outstanding educational practice, high quality learning and service to the community. From classroom teacher, to researcher, to consultant, to superintendent, Brooks has earned the highest levels of respect and admiration of educators throughout New York State and beyond.

As a proud and dedicated graduate of SUNY Potsdam, Dr. Brooks has endowed the Harry F. Brooks North Country Educator Scholarship, awarded to deserving students entering the field of education each year, to ensure our students have the opportunity to become the very best educators they can be.

To find out more about teacher education at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/soeps.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Harry Brooks ’68 & ’71 (right) of Broadalbin, N.Y., is the recipient of the 2024 St. Lawrence Academy Medal from the SUNY Potsdam School of Education Alumni Association. He is seen here with SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith at Reunion 2024.

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