(Henderson Harbor, NY, July 28, 2016) – The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will present the 2016 New York State Boating Educator of the Year award to Henderson Harbor Water Sports Program Director, Mary Hoffman in a ceremony at the Henderson Harbor Yacht Club on Wednesday, August 3 at 3:30 pm.

Hoffman is being recognized for her excellence in water sports programming for youth and commitment to teaching boating safety through the New York Safe Boating Course and hands-on sailing lessons.  She has been the volunteer Program Director for Henderson Harbor Water Sport a 502c3 independent educational organization using the facilities at the Henderson Harbor Yacht Club.

She is a New York Safe Boating certified instructor with over 20 years of experience. Since 2013, she has been a nationally certified boating safety instructor through the National Safe Boating Council.

During the winter, Hoffman resides in Edgewater, MD where she is a music teacher at Lighthouse Christian Academy and teaches piano at the Mary M. Hoffman Music Studio.  She is a partner in Yacht Haven of Annapolis and owner of Hazelnut Ridge Farms, LLC.

Hoffman’s deep commitment to teaching sailing to youth and insuring that they learn boating safety, Rules of the Road, and navigation law through the New York Safe Boating Course has launched the next generation of well-educated boaters.

“I love what I do and see the difference it makes with the kids as well as the adults,” said Hoffman. “I would love to hope that I have another 20 years or more in me. Working with young people keeps me young.”

About New York State Parks

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 65 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.