The energy inside the GE Theatre at Proctors was absolutely electric on March 24, 2026. Hundreds of educators, community leaders, and local families gathered to celebrate a shared passion: the success of Schenectady students.

The Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation (SCSDEF) hosted our annual Education Celebration Gala. This special evening serves as our biggest fundraiser of the year, but it is also much more than that. It is a heartfelt tribute to the people who make our schools thrive.

From honoring outstanding community members to showcasing brilliant classroom projects, the night was a massive success. We filled the room with joy, gratitude, and a powerful commitment to local education.

Read on to discover the highlights of the evening, meet our Crystal Apple Award winners, and learn how your support continues to change lives across the district.

A Vibrant Atmosphere at Proctors

Stepping into the GE Theatre at Proctors always feels like a special occasion. For the 2026 Education Celebration Gala, the historic venue provided the perfect backdrop for a night of inspiration.

Guests arrived eager to connect with friends, colleagues, and fellow advocates for education. The room buzzed with lively conversations and joyful reunions. Teachers shared stories of classroom breakthroughs, while community partners discussed new ways to support local youth.

Every detail of the evening focused on our central mission: enhancing learning opportunities for children in Schenectady. The vibrant atmosphere reflected the deep care and dedication our community holds for its students. We loved seeing so many familiar faces, as well as welcoming new supporters to the Foundation family.

Honoring Our 2026 Crystal Apple Award Winners

One of the most anticipated moments of the gala is the presentation of the Crystal Apple Awards. Each year, we recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our district.

These awards celebrate the heroes who dedicate their time, resources, and passion to uplifting our students. This year, we proudly honored three remarkable recipients who represent the very best of Schenectady.

Teacher of the Year: Linda Garrigan

We were proud to honor Linda Garrigan, a dedicated second-grade teacher at William C. Keane Elementary School, as the 2026 Robert Ludwig Teacher of the Year. Known for her deep commitment to her students and her exceptional leadership, Linda is actively involved in committees such as the Anti-Racist Building Level Team, PBIS, and New Teacher Mentoring. Her influence is felt throughout the school community, as she consistently goes above and beyond to support, encourage, and connect with students and families. It was truly wonderful to formally recognize her outstanding dedication and impact with this well-deserved award.

Community Partner: Boulevard Bowl

Boulevard Bowl was warmly celebrated as this year’s Community Partner Award recipient at the gala. With more than sixty years in Schenectady, Boulevard Bowl has brought generations together—supporting youth leagues, high school teams, and creating a welcoming space for all. Honoring them on stage highlighted the essential role local businesses play in building up our students and neighborhoods. It was a true pleasure to recognize their dedication and lasting impact on our community.

Outstanding Graduate: Kaytrin Ziemann

At the gala, we proudly honored Kaytrin Ziemann, a 2006 Schenectady High School graduate, as our Outstanding Graduate Award recipient. Kaytrin is the co-owner of Ziemann Hospitality Group, where she works alongside her husband to help run celebrated local restaurants. After earning her degree in dietetics and food service management from SUNY Oneonta, she has continued to make a difference in Schenectady by creating welcoming spaces and actively supporting the community. It was truly wonderful to recognize her achievements and present her with this special award.

Showcasing Teacher and Student Achievements

Beyond the awards, the gala served as a spectacular showcase of the amazing work happening inside our classrooms. Guests were treated to delicious food prepared and served by talented students from the Schenectady City School District Culinary Program, adding a special touch to the festivities. Guests enjoyed learning about the various programs and projects funded by recent Foundation grants.

We highlighted incredible initiatives that bring education to life. From student-run coffee carts that build communication skills to immersive virtual reality tools that teach emotional regulation, the innovation on display was breathtaking.

When teachers receive the funding they need, they create magic. The gala gave us a chance to spotlight these educators and the students who directly benefit from their creative ideas. Hearing the success stories straight from the classroom reinforced the vital importance of our grant programs.

Celebrating a Massive Milestone: $600,000 in Grants

The most thrilling announcement of the night centered around the incredible financial impact the Foundation has made over the years. We were incredibly proud to announce that, since awarding our very first grant in 2006, we have now distributed more than $600,000 to Schenectady teachers!

This is a monumental achievement. That $600,000 translates directly into better learning materials, advanced technology, exciting field trips, and enriching experiences that school budgets simply cannot cover.

We reached this milestone because of you. Every ticket purchased, every auction item won, and every corporate sponsorship pledged adds up to real, tangible change for our students. This funding bridges the gap between basic educational requirements and truly exceptional learning opportunities.

The Power of Community Support

None of the magic we celebrated at the gala would be possible without our robust network of supporters. The Schenectady community understands that investing in education means investing in our shared future.

We want to extend a massive thank you to our Honorary Committee members. Your vital support laid the groundwork for this successful event. We also want to thank our generous corporate sponsors. Your financial backing ensures that we can continue saying "yes" to brilliant grant applications from our teachers.

Most importantly, we thank every single person who attended the 2026 Education Celebration Gala. Your presence in the GE Theatre sent a loud and clear message to our students and educators: we believe in you, and we are here for you.

Keep the Momentum Going

The 2026 Education Celebration Gala may be over, but our work is a year-round effort. We want to keep this incredible momentum going, and we need your help to do it.

If you missed the gala, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. You can explore our website to read more about the specific grants we have funded recently. You can also make a direct donation to help us fund the next wave of innovative classroom projects.

Every dollar makes a difference. Together, we will continue to enhance learning opportunities and build a brighter future for the children of Schenectady. Thank you for making the 2026 gala a night to remember!