CCE Sullivan Recognized with Outstanding Friend to Education Award

LIBERTY, NY — Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCE Sullivan) was honored to be recognized as an “Outstanding Friend to Education” by the Fallsburg Central School District at the Sullivan County School Boards Association’s annual recognition dinner held on October 5th, 2026.

Accepting the award on behalf of CCE Sullivan were Team Leader Nancy McGraw and Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Wanda Cruz. Superintendent Dr. Ivan Katz noted that “in the nearly 20 years [he] has been Fallsburg Central School District’s superintendent, CCE Sullivan has been a steady presence, supporting and guiding the district’s health and wellness initiatives in many ways. Dr. Katz added, “CCE’s willingness to go above and beyond for our district’s students demonstrates their exemplary character and relentless work ethic. CCE truly makes a positive difference in the lives of students and families in the Fallsburg Central School District.”

CCE Sullivan Executive Director Colleen Monaghan said, “The event underscored the progress made through partnerships focused on improving access to physical activity and nutritious food environments and is a reflection of the importance of our ongoing work in driving sustainable community change, with a renewed commitment to future initiatives.”

New York State Department of Health renewed Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) funding to CCE Sullivan until 2031 to continue its work supporting healthier schools, early education providers, and communities across the county.

CHSC will work in partnership with Sullivan County schools, communities, and organizations to implement evidence-based nutrition and physical activity strategies. Additionally, CHSC will leverage local, regional, and state investments as well as partnerships, coalitions, and resources from a variety of sectors to help reduce health disparities in chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity) related to poor nutrition and physical inactivity. All proposed activities will use policy, systems, and environmental approaches in collaboration with key partnerships and community engagement that support nutrition and physical activity. This will include health equity approaches and address social determinants of health that influence health for all residents, especially those most impacted by chronic diseases.

CHSC will focus on strategies to:

1.     promote the adoption of food service and nutrition guidelines for regional or system-level organizations;

2.     expand or enhance fruit and vegetable incentive programs;

3.     increase opportunities for physical activity through community design to connect activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations;

4.     implement physical activity and nutrition best practices in early care and education settings; and

5.     develop and implement local school wellness policies focusing on nutrition, physical activity, social and emotional climate, and mental health.

Team Leader Nancy McGraw said, “CCE Sullivan is incredibly proud of our partnership with the Fallsburg Central School District, we are honored to be recognized and looking forward to building on the progress that has been made toward strengthening systems and policies that promote health for all.”

CHSC funding was supported by Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC), a five-year New York State Department of Health funded initiative, helping to build stronger, healthier communities.