On Thursday the City of Albany's Summer Youth Emploment Program (SYEP), through the Department of Recreation, honored the dedication and guidance of Albany High School's lead maintenance worker at a ceremony marking the close of the month-long program.
Mark Sharpe received the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Worksite Supervisor of the Year.
Sharpe, who has worked for the district since 2022, was recognized for his role in mentoring 50 special education students for SYEP this summer. Sharpe and his team, which included support from teaching assistant Donna Cunningham, helped our students perform daily maintenance tasks as well as annual summer building upkeep.
"Our enthusiastic students, thanks to Mark Sharpe, helped to make Albany High School a better place," said Special Education Transition Coordinator Joey DiPiazza.
"I am proud of our kids and grateful to Mark. This is a well-deserved award."
The City of Albany’s SYEP is a 30+ year old program that provides summer employment for youth between the ages of 14-18. Its aim is to introduce and prepare youth for the work world while also helping them to identify career interests and attain job skills. Nearly 670 Albany teenagers participated in SYEP this year.