Nov. 2, 2016

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.  — The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools announced oct. 17 that Msgr. Robert H. Aucoin, vicar of education in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, is a recipient of this year’s Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award.

“Middle States volunteers share a passion for improving education worldwide and making a difference for schools and students across the globe,” said Henry G. Cram, Ed.D., president of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. “I thank Msgr. Aucoin for his longstanding service to Middle States and for his contributions to continuous school improvement.” 

Presented annually, the Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes a dedicated volunteer who has advanced the mission of the Middle States Association to foster continuous school improvement through accreditation so all students receive the highest quality education possible.

Volunteers serve on accreditation teams that evaluate schools based on an established set of protocols and standards designed to reflect best practices in education.

Nicklas served as the executive director of the Middle States Commissions on Secondary Schools from 2002 to 2005 and was a member of the staff since 1993. She remains a dedicated educator, who views accreditation as one of the most effective forms of evaluation available to schools.

Msgr. Aucoin has been a volunteer for Middle States since the late 1970s and has served as a team member and team chair on several school visits. He has 20 years of secondary school experience, with six years in the classroom and 14 as a principal.

“I am grateful to the Middle States Association for this tremendous honor,” said Msgr.Aucoin. “Accreditation is critical to helping schools grow and improve, and I am happy to be part of that process. Volunteering enables educators like me to give back to the broader academic community and serve a greater good.