Teacher from Keene Central Receives National Honor for Guiding Youth to College

Laura Eldred mentors a CFES Scholar during this past summer’s College Explore trip at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT (Credit: CFES)

College For Every Student (CFES) honored Laura Eldred, teacher at Keene Central School, for her work in helping students prepare for, gain access to, and succeed in college. Eldred received the Mario Peña Award in front of 40 other K-16 educator colleagues during the CFES College Connect event at the CFES Center on December 10.

Named in honor and memory of former CFES Board Member, Mario Peña, CFES presents the award annually to an exceptional educator who helps develop and expand school-college collaborations that increase college access and success for underserved youth.

“Laura has successfully implemented the CFES program in two Adirondack schools, having started in Willsboro and now at Keene,” said CFES President & CEO Rick Dalton. “She goes above and beyond to create opportunities, open pathways and encourage our students to think beyond.”

Throughout the year, Eldred works with students in grades 3-12 to implement the three CFES Core Practices – Mentoring, Leadership Through Service, and Pathways to College & Career.

“I am shocked and humbled,” said Eldred, upon receiving the award. “I’m just trying to be there for my students and help them to become the best they can be.”

CFES College Ambassador Andrea McDonald added, “This past summer, Laura gave up her time to chaperone our College Explore Program at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT. Students from the Adirondacks, New York City, and Kentucky all benefited from her guidance. This award is an outward symbol of her unwavering support, loyalty and dedication to building and strengthening pathways for hundreds of CFES Scholars to take the next step.”

Adirondack Educators Plan for Success at CFES Center (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Willsboro Mentors & Mentees Reflect at End of the Year Celebration (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
How I Spent My Summer Vacation: Adirondack CFES Scholars Explore College Pathways (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Local Rick Dalton Featured in STRICTLY BUSINESS (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Seven Adirondack Schools Recognized for Excellence (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About CFES Brilliant Pathways

CFES Brilliant Pathways is a global leader in helping K-12 underserved students from rural and urban communities become college and career ready, giving students an opportunity to forge their own route to a bright future. For 29 years, CFES has worked closely with schools, colleges and businesses in urban and rural areas to help students become college and career ready through mentoring and by equipping them with the EssentialSkills that include perseverance, agility, goal setting, networking, teamwork and leadership (www.brilliantpathways.org)