Christina Signore, PTA member and Onteora Booster Club treasurer, was this year’s recipient of the Ulster County School Boards Association’s Distinguished Friends of Education Award. She was officially honored during an awards ceremony held on November 21 at the Kingston Best Western. 

The Onteora Board of Education chose Mrs. Signore for her extraordinary collaborative and inspirational leadership. During her time on the Phoenicia Elementary School PTA, she was dedicated to providing students with fun, engaging, student-centered, and community-spirited experiences that went well beyond the excellent instructional program offered by our teachers and staff.

Over the years, Mrs. Signore helped organize countless square dances, talent shows, Valentine’s Day parties, and so much more—including the unforgettable “Phoenicia Farewell” event held last June. Christina was then elected to serve as the Bennett PTA president. She accepted with a co-president, as she was also named our High School Booster Club’s fundraiser.

Board of Education trustee Sarah Hemingway-Lynch, who is also a PTA and Onteora Booster Club member, paid tribute to Mrs. Signore in a speech that was read in full at the December Board meeting. She described Mrs. Signore as “a beautiful bright light,” who “made every kid feel special.” 

“Christina considered every detail when planning,” said Mrs. Hemingway-Lynch, noting that Mrs. Signore made plans for such “extras” as light shows, photo booths, and amazing snacks like cake pops. “She was, of course, supported by a diehard team of parents, but it was her vision and her ability to elevate every event to make our beloved little school as sweet and fun for the kids as it could be,” Mrs. Hemingway-Lynch explained.

Mrs. Hemingway-Lynch fondly recounted the time when Mrs. Signore created a pumpkin patch for the school’s Fall Festival. By reaching out to a local business, Mrs. Signore was able to secure a donation of 142 pumpkins, which she placed in the side yard of the school, so every student could have the experience of picking out pumpkins in October.

Perhaps most notably, Mrs. Hemingway-Lynch pointed out, Mrs. Signore took on the challenge of making the 2023-2024 school year one that was filled with festivity and love, even as the District and community faced the closure of Phoenicia Elementary School. Heartbroken but undeterred, Mrs. Signore organized a sub-committee of PTA and teachers to ensure that the transition was not only appropriately mourned, but also “wildly celebrated.” 

First, every student received a T-shirt that read, “Phoenicia School, Proud to be a Part of it!” emblazoned with a logo designed by Mrs. Signore. Then, she successfully advocated bringing three artists to the school to support the students in processing the transition to a new school through theater and dance. To top it off, on June 8, Mrs. Signore and the PTA pulled off a legendary farewell event complete with circus performers, face painting, a DJ, food trucks, live music, and tons of fun.

Some of Phoenicia’s first graduating class were in attendance, along with teachers and friends from the school’s 60-year history. Mrs. Signore even helped to turn the cafeteria into a museum of photos from over the years, celebrating all that the community had gained from this small, but important school.

“Her dedication to the children of our District is unwavering,” said Mrs. Hemingway-Lynch. “Her standard for what every child deserves, her ability to include everyone and reach beyond ingrained circles in our community, her commitment to tradition, and her understanding that kids need to love school to thrive at school are what make her this year's recipient of the award.”

“We are so grateful for her time, energy, and love for Onteora and all of our children,” she added.