Elmsford educators honored with “Hero in Education Awards”

Principal Andrea Hamilton of Alice E. Grady Elementary School and Teacher Maia Hood, who teaches third grade at the school and has coached at the high school, were recently recognized by Senator Shelley Mayer and the Westchester-East Putnam PTA for the 2024 Hero’s in Education Award.

The two educators received their honor at the February Board of Education meeting, held on Feb. 5 and were presented with their certificates by Melanie Johnson, the second vice-president of the Elmsford PTSA.

The women received the honor for their “gratitude and their dedication on behalf of the children past and present,” Ms. Johnson said.

“Dr. Hamilton has always put children first. Being a woman of color, as the principal of Alice E. Grady Elementary School, she inspires so many children, especially the other little girls that look like her, if she can be principal, I can too.”

As for Ms. Hood, Ms. Johnsons said she grew up in Elmsford and attended all three schools in the district. In addition to teaching here, she has coached volleyball and basketball.

“She truly cares for the students she teaches. She could have taught anywhere but she made a conscious decision to teach the young people at the school she also attended,” Ms. Johnson said of Ms. Hood.

Two students who Ms. Hood coached shared their congratulations.

“I have known her to be a very passionate person. You can tell she cares about what she is teaching. She is genuinely an incredible person. I truly believe she is one of the few people who make undeniable difference on behalf of the people in this district,” said Aurora Johnson, who was on the volleyball team coached by Ms. Hood.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tell her how meaningful she has been to me,” said freshman Cassidy William who was coached by Ms. Hood in basketball.

“She was more than a coach, she was also mentor,” Cassidy continued. “She genuinely cared about my growth both on and off the court. She pushed me beyond my limits. She created an environment where I felt supported and empowered.”