Musacchio is one of this year’s ‘Women Who Make America’

Musacchio is one of this year’s “Women Who Make America”

Veteran MOBOCES educator Carol Musacchio is one of this year’s “Women Who Make America,” an awards program presented by WCNY public television station to recognize outstanding and inspirational women across Central New York. She is one of 10 honorees this year from across WCNY’s 19-county region. Awards will be presented on March 8 at the Women’s Rights Historical Park in Seneca Falls.

Carol has been part of the MOBOCES family since 1982, first as a teacher aide, then as a behavior management specialist for the past 18 years. In her work at the MOBOCES Alternative Education High School, she works with students from across the region who need extra support with behavior, attendance and social issues in order to be academically successful. By developing relationships with students and their families, making home visits, counseling students and creating avenues for them to succeed, Carol has helped thousands of students over 36 years graduate and thrive as adults.

“It’s all about mutual respect. I show them respect and they return it. We don’t worry about what happened yesterday. Every day is a new day and an opportunity to choose a positive path,” she said. “I have always wanted to make a difference for kids who needed an extra person in their life.”

She keeps in contact with dozens of MOBOCES alumni, now living across the nation, and has even had the opportunity to work with the children of graduates.

“The best part of my job is, by far, watching the students grow into adulthood, have families and reach their goals. It’s awesome to see what their lives have become,” she said. “Helping so many students who did not think they could make it in high school or in life to graduate and become a successful part of society is very rewarding.”

Carol is an Oneida High School graduate who now lives in Canastota. She and her husband, Joe, have two daughters and three granddaughters. One of her daughters attended MOBOCES when she was in high school to study cosmetology and now runs a successful salon in Canastota. Carol calls her family “one of my greatest accomplishments.”

This is the sixth year WCNY is presenting this award, which first started in collaboration with the PBS documentary “Makers: Women Who Make America.” Since then, WCNY has continued the Makers Awards as a way to celebrate the achievements of Central New York women and inspire others to follow their examples. This year’s ceremony is being held on International Women’s Day. The awards are sponsored by the Lockheed Martin Employees’ Federated Fund with support from the National Park Service. More details are available at www.wcny.org.

Carol said she is thrilled to receive this recognition.

“I feel honored to be receiving such an award for doing what I love to do on a daily basis, and to be in the company of so many outstanding women in this region,” she said.

Carol is often one to work behind the scenes and give others credit, but her MOBOCES colleagues called her “the best in this business” who sets a high standard for others to meet. District Superintendent Jackie Starks said she could not be more proud of Carol.

“Carol is so committed to these students and their families. She makes sure every student feels valued and understands their potential. She is the reason so many students graduate from our program and stay connected with our organization,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see her passion for her work.”

WCNY will be airing a TV special about the 10 winners of this year’s CNY Maker Awards on March 30.