Thank you to our attendees, vendors and sponsors for attending our successful inaugural event in Lake Placid, NY.
For over 40 years, the RSA Summer Conference was held at The Otesaga in Cooperstown. This year, with our growing needs, we sought a new venue that combined heritage, rural charm, and diverse activities. Inspired by a past experience at NYSSBA, we chose the Olympic Complex in Lake Placid—home of the Miracle on Ice—to highlight the parallels between Olympic excellence and the dedication of rural school leaders.
The conference opened at the Herb Brooks Arena, where we relived the Miracle on Ice and heard from Gold Medal Captain Mike Eruzione. The event featured motivational sessions by Mark Mambretti on enhancing student experiences, Adam Cheeseman on vision and integrity, and Bill Daggett on preparing students for the future.
Top officials from the State Education Department and Ferrara Fiorenza provided updates on the latest educational laws and regulations. Attendees enjoyed a wider selection of breakout sessions, curated by the Conference Planning Team led by Dave Ziskin, and were inspired by our awardees, Doug Gustin and Kelly Zimmerman.
The inaugural RSA Rural Teacher of the Year award was given to Todd Shuskey for his contributions to experiential learning. FFA’s top speakers, Maggie Winspear and Kaylee Heroth, showcased their exceptional skills, supported by scholarships from RSA and NYSIR.
Networking opportunities abounded, including a reception with Mike Eruzione, a dessert gathering, and a pre-dinner social. Thanks to our sponsors and partners, this conference was a resounding success, exceeding expectations and setting a high bar for future events.
The 2024 Summer Conference was held in partnership with FEH BOCES
Thank you to our lead sponsors:
