LIVINGSTON COUNTY – A nationally-renowned teacher at Geneseo Central School is the recipient of the 19th annual Earth Day Award for cultivating science and environmental education the world over.
Geneseo teacher Randy French has provided more than 35 years of dedicated service to the science and environmental education for both youths and adults.
“It’s nice to work in a community that supports our educational programs,” said French. “Everybody will benefit because young people will be eventually the stewards of the earth, so it’s good to have support in the community. Thanks.”
Alexander Pierce, Chair of the Livingston County Environmental Management Council (EMC), explained that French’s work has impacted generations of future scientists the world over.
“As a science teacher with Geneseo Central School District, Randy provides a rigorous and engaging curriculum, one that brings real-world experiences to the classroom and encourages students to go beyond the classroom to connect with their social and natural communities,” said Alexander Pierce, Chair of the Livingston County Environmental Management Council (EMC). “Randy serves as teacher, advisor and mentor, providing an exceptional level of support to students and fellow staff members.”
Pierce added that French is a science department team leader at Geneseo Central Schools, providing support to staff through direct mentoring, obtaining access to school equipment like SmartBoards, computer mapping software and curriculum sharing.
“Randy has challenged these students to seek environmental and cultural experiences through Geneseo EarthWise Environmental Club and student trips to local, state, national and worldwide destinations,” said Pierce, noting that French had just returned from Nicaragua. “He provides opportunities for students to earn money for trips for environmental activities such as electronic recycling, scrap metal drives and can and bottle collections. He’s developed cooperative partnerships with SUNY Geneseo developing STEM, science, technology, engineering and math – related experiences for students and he’s achieved state and national distinctions through the New York State Master Teacher Program, and the National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program, which recognizes exemplary work as an educator.”
The EMC works with the Board of Supervisors, local municipalities and citizens of the county on the protection, preservation, development and use of the county’s natural resources.
(L-R) Eric Gott, Chairman of the Livingston County Board of Supervisors, Alexander Pierce, Chairman of the Environmental Management Council, and Earth Day Award recipient Randy French. (Photo/Conrad Baker)