What is our North Colonie Kids Care program?
This initiative provides our district with the chance to spotlight students whose accomplishments stand out, even among the many wonderful achievements of our students. We’re looking for that student who:
- Serves as a role model;
- Puts in effort or time above and beyond to make an impact
- Strives to create positive change in the world; or
- Evokes amazement and pride, leading adults in the community to exclaim, “Wow, can you believe what they’re doing?”
2024-25 School Year Recipients
December 2024 – Katie Shimick
Katie Shimick is doing her part to improve the environment here in the Capital District. The Shaker High School senior is being honored as the North Colonie Kids Care recipient for the month of December after creating a micropark on Albany’s Livingston Avenue.
This project is the result of a 501(c)3 organization called Green Spaces Albany, Inc. created by Shimick. Her original idea was to clean up a vacant Albany lot, which turned into an 18-month process resulting in Green Spaces Albany which leases land from the city of Albany and creates micro-parks with grants from local and national businesses.
The mission of her non-profit had two goals. The first was to pioneer a streamlined process for others to obtain neglected lots in Albany County and convert them into permanent green spaces. Her second goal was to create Green Spaces Albany’s first micropark on Livingston Ave, which she did! Katie worked with lawyers, the Albany Land Bank, various community groups, local small businesses and big box stores. With the help of these community partners and volunteers from Shaker Student Government, Green Spaces Albany has provided a year-round park for families on Livingston Avenue to enjoy. Congratulations Katie and keep up the great work you are doing!
November 2024 – Dillon Gilbert
Congratulations to our November Kids Care recipient, Dillon Gilbert, a fifth grader at Forts Ferry. Dillon was nominated for intervening when racist language was being directed towards one of his peers during recess. He showed courage in the face of an ugly comment, and stood up for what he knew to be right. Thank you Dillon, for being a wonderful role model for not only your peers, but everyone here in North Colonie Central School District. We are so proud of you!
October 2024 – Anthony Sadek
Anthony Sadek is bringing beautiful music to people’s ears and joy to their hearts. The Shaker High School senior is being honored as the North Colonie Kids Care recipient for the month of October, not only for his extraordinary skills as a pianist, but also for his commitment to others.
Twice a week, Anthony visits the Beltrone Living Center in Colonie as a job site through his special education class. Assisting the employees during lunch time, Anthony works diligently and with great attention to detail. Not long after he started working there, residents learned of his musical talent and asked that he play the piano during lunch time. Now, not only does Anthony play for 45 minutes, but he’s so popular that he’s receiving requests for some of his best pieces and he almost always receives resounding rounds of applause. Thank you Anthony, for bringing joy to the residents of Beltrone and for being such a wonderful representation of North Colonie Central School District!
September 2024 – Sahana, Ruby and Max Miracle
It’s not a miracle, it’s hard work! The Latham Ridge garden and outdoor learning space look immaculate and it’s partially thanks to our September Kids Care recipients… the Miracles! At the Board of Education meeting on September 23, 2024, Sahana, Ruby, and Max Miracle were honored for their dedication to Latham Ridge Elementary School. The siblings’ contributions have included helping create the outdoor learning space during the spring and summer breaks and volunteering all summer at the North Colonie K-5 Summer Program.
“By investing their time and energy, they have impacted those around them in a very positive way contributing to their well-being and education,” nominating teacher Mrs. Paige Rossi said. “Their story serves as an inspiring example of young leaders who will make a difference by using their dedication, creativity and willingness to help others.”