CVA Junior Dakotah Dudgeon was named a 2022 Student Achievement Award winner by the Oneida-Madison-Herkimer Counties School Boards Institute. The award recognizes local students who have overcome challenges on their way to success in school. Dakotah was one of just nine students out of 4,500 students in the three-BOCES region selected for the award.
She was nominated by CVA English teacher Amy Billings, who also introduced her at the Zoom ceremony on May 19:
"I am so pleased to have the opportunity to introduce one of the best people I know to this group this evening.
Dakotah Dudgeon is a young lady who clearly stands out to me in my 25 years of teaching. At 17 years of age, she possesses a combination of qualities that many adults are still aspiring to acquire.
Dakotah is a genuine hard worker. She has a true love of learning and deep affection for her peers, family and community.
She offers encouragement and positivity to others in all aspects of her life—from her school community to her church family. She is a wonderful role model and person."
Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Rich later said, "Dakotah is a reminder that every person has the power to positively impact those around them. A person's character matters. It is a lesson that we all need to learn."