It is a pleasure tonight to present the 2024 East Greenbush Education Foundation’s Community Leader Award to Marie McBride. To qualify for this prestigious award, a candidate must demonstrate outstanding service to a community group located within the school district. The candidate must have provided the leadership to make a positive change for the children and residents of the East Greenbush Central School District.

Mrs. McBride has been a member of the Columbia High School All Sports Club for over 25 years, with much of this time serving as the Club’s Vice President. Marie was a founding member of the Athletic Hall of Fame. She was heavily involved with writing by-laws and procedures for both the Athletic Hall of Fame and the All Sports Club.

Her efforts and dedication have been a true example of the meaning of “School and Community working together”. Marie is always involved in activities sponsored bt the All Sports Club. She was involved with multiple fundraising activities to provide for our teams. She helped in the funding of weight rooms for Columbia and Goff. In addition, Marie was a part of fundraising to support freshmen sports at a time when they were cut from the District budget. Marie was involved with the All Sports Club donation of scoreboards and score tables for Columbia and Goff. The banner signs at Columbia’s driveway are another example of Marie’s efforts.

Marie recently received direct recognition from the All Sports Club for her time and efforts

through the years. She has been, and continues to be an avid supporter of our schools, teams,

coaches, players and our our athletic programs. In addition, she has been a true supporter and

advocated for the successful passages of many District budgets through the years.

In summary, nominator Mike Leonard stated that Marie’s “service and leadership are second to

none, She has helped make many positive changes to our school community especially for our

athletic teams and programs. She is a very valuable member of our school community.

Through Marie’s years of dedication, work ethic and service, she has left a positive impact on our

school, athletic program and community.”

Please join me in congratulating Marie McBride as this year’s recipient of the Education

Foundation’s Community Leader Award.