The Sullivan County School Boards Association (SCSBA) recently named Dr. Joseph D’Abbraccio as a recipient of the organization’s 2019 “Friend to Education” award. The annual award honors an individual who has made an impact on the education of children in Sullivan County.
“Dr. Joe” graduated from Monticello High School, where he was an Academy of Finance student and the first student board member of the Monticello Central School District Board of Education, in 2006. After completing veterinary school with a repertoire of accolades and awards, Dr. D’Abbraccio returned to Sullivan County, opening Catskill Veterinary Services, a veterinary practice located in Rock Hill.
Dr. Joe remains a familiar face throughout the MCSD. He serves on the advisory board for the Academy of Finance, where he has helped mentor students, provided an externship location, acted as a guest speaker and supported the program in many other capacities. He is also a frequent guest in many elementary school classrooms, where he talks about life as a veterinarian with the younger students.
In addition, Dr. Joe is a member of the Monticello Rotary Club, where he supports student-based activities with the Interact service club. Through the Rotary Club, he also helps to raise monies to fund scholarship opportunities for students at Monticello and Fallsburg High Schools.
“Dr. Joe is a true example of what we should all strive for in the education of our students,” Monticello Board of Education President Lori Orestano-James, and nominator, wrote in her letter of nomination. “He gave back as a student, and now he has returned to give back to his home community.”
The SCSBA will present Dr. D’Abbraccio with this honor during its annual Awards and Dinner Meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at 5 p.m. at The Sullivan Event Center in Rock Hill, New York.
“From our littlest cubs who dream of working with animals one day, to our older students who have gained hands-on work experience through an externship, Dr. Joe has inspired many of our Panthers,” Superintendent of Schools Tammy Mangus said. “Involved community members like Dr. Joe are essential to our mission to help our students discover their purpose and passion and we are so grateful to have him in our corner.”