Star Lake school's principal honored

STAR LAKE — Clifton-Fine Central School Principal Susan O. Shene has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 K-12 Building Principal Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State.

Mrs. Shene, the prekindergarten through 12th grade principal, has served in the field of education for 24 years, six in administration and three in her present position.

She will be recognized for her achievements at the organization's annual awards ceremony May 6 in Latham.

The award honors principals who administer multiple grade levels and who have demonstrated leadership and creativity.

In November 2010, Clifton-Fine Elementary School was awarded the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Award based on improved assessment scores. Clifton-Fine is the only school in St. Lawrence County and one of only 19 schools in the state to receive the award.

"Although I have only had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Shene for the past few months, I am tremendously impressed by the caliber of her performance and leadership ability. She goes above and beyond to connect with students, staff and parents to make their educational experience here truly exceptional," Superintendent Denise L. Dzikowski said in an email. "We are fortunate to have her and are so proud that she is being recognized for her efforts."

Mrs. Shene was nominated for the award by Paul J. Alioto, the district's former superintendent.

"Susan O. Shene is the most effective educational leader with whom I've had the privilege of serving," he said in a statement. "Despite our local community challenges of poverty and cultural and geographic isolation, Mrs. Shene has led our staff to help students achieve their highest potential resulting in our New York State Education Department nomination for a national Blue Ribbon in 2010."