Tupper Lake Middle-High School teacher Kate Bennett, who has been with the district for 26 years, receives the PLAIDS award from TLCSD Superintendent Jaycee Welsh, right, at the district’s school board meeting on Monday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

TUPPER LAKE — Longtime Tupper Lake Central School District teacher Kate Bennett was recognized at the district’s school board meeting on Monday.

Bennett was given the PLAIDS award. Short for Proud Lumberjack Adult who Ignites Drive in Students, the recognition was introduced in March to recognize Tupper Lake faculty or staff members. Nominations are made by colleagues, who ultimately choose the winner as well.

Bennett was April’s PLAIDS winner. With budget season taking up a lot of the board’s time last month, TLCSD Superintendent Jaycee Welsh said the district was running a bit behind with its recognition and would plan on announcing the May and June winners soon.

Before honoring Bennett, Welsh shared comments from Bennett’s colleagues. Bennett has been with the district for 26 years, teaching special education for 24 years. She was also a reading and writing intervention teacher for two years, a GED teacher for three years and serves as the district’s archery club advisor.

“Kate exemplifies a caring, compassionate and dedicated educator,” Welsh said. “Time and time again, she raises the bar for excellence among her students and colleagues.”

She added that Bennett, who is also the senior class advisor, has played a pivotal role in preparing students for the next chapter in life.

“Kate collaborates tirelessly with transition service providers, families and her students to give them everything they need to leave our school with and become the next generation of community leaders, college students and members of the workforce,” she said.

Welsh shared that Bennett’s also been a relentless advocate for her colleagues. She currently serves as the vice president for Tupper Lake United Teachers, the district’s teachers’ union and part of the statewide NYSUT union. She’s been TLUT’s president in the past.

“Kate is not afraid to stand up for something she believes in and values, regardless of who disagrees or agrees,” Welsh said. “She holds herself to the highest of standards, and it’s contagious to her students and colleagues.”

A school administrator noted that one of her greatest strengths as an educator is keeping students engaged and making the process of learning something that draws students’ attention. This leads to an “enduring understanding,” Welsh said, adding that Bennett embodies “the epitome of character and class.”