New York State honored the Middleburgh Central School District with the 2025 ‘What’s Great in our State’ School/School District Award, which recognizes education systems that have increasingly recognized the importance of supporting wellness and addressing the mental health needs of students. Middleburgh Superintendent Mark Place accepted the award during the event in Albany on Tuesday after the district was recognized for its focus on strengthening the mental health of students, staff, and the entire school community.

“Through its transformative efforts in providing mental health services, the Middleburgh Central School District truly exemplifies ‘What’s Great in Our State,’” state Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “This district fosters compassion, collaboration, and innovation, which are having a profound impact on the wellbeing its young students. We congratulate Middleburgh for its commitment to youth mental health.”

Located in Schoharie County, the Middleburgh Central School District has embraced the notion that learning and personal growth flourish when individuals feel supported. The district’s Partnerships in Education and Resiliency or ‘PEAR’ Institute helps educators integrate social-emotional learning into daily activities and classroom interactions, which encourages students to recognize and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop the resilience to navigate challenges. 

The district’s Sweethearts and Heroes program emphasizes empathy and the power of human connection to offer dynamic workshops and presentations to students and staff alike. By engaging in interactive lessons on kindness, anti-bullying, and inclusivity, participants gain practical tools for fostering a more supportive school climate.

Mindfulness has also been woven into the Middleburgh school day to help students and staff cope with stress and anxiety. By having students engage in short, guided meditation sessions, breathing exercises, and reflective activities, the district has fostered calmness and focus into classrooms and common areas.

Middleburgh also provides one-to-one social and emotional support for students. School counselors, psychologists, and social workers meet individually with children who may be struggling academically or personally, which help to address challenges early on and prevent small issues from escalating. 

"This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, students, families, and community partners who work each day to support the social, emotional, and mental well-being of all learners,” Place said. “We are proud to be part of a statewide movement that values the importance of mental health in helping students reach their full potential.”

Established in 2010, ‘What’s Great in Our State’ recognizes individuals and programs that are successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health in New York State and is celebrated annually during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The day-long conference in Albany features a ceremony recognizing honorees, in-person and virtual workshops, and an art show featuring artwork created by children receiving services from New York State’s mental health system.

The event is sponsored by the state Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In addition, several children’s mental health advocacy organizations sponsor the event, including the Council on Children and Families, the Early Care & Learning Council, Families Together in New York State, Inc., Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc., National Alliance on Mental Illness - New York State, New York State Network for Youth Success, Prevent Child Abuse New York, and the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.