Clarence Teacher, Board Member Recognized by Clarence Chamber of Commerce

Two members of the Clarence Central School District school community will be recognized for their impact as part of the Clarence Chamber of Commerce’s 53rd Annual Awards Gala.

Harris Hill Elementary School speech teacher Gretchen Burden was selected as the Chamber’s Educator of the Year, while Board of Education Trustee Dawn Snyder was selected for the Citizen of the Year award. 

The pair will be formally celebrated during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala in the spring. More information about the Clarence Chamber of Commerce can be viewed at https://clarencechamber.org/. 

Gretchen Burden

After more than 20 years working in Clarence as a speech language pathologist, Educator of the Year honoree Gretchen Burden said she still loves the work developing her students’ language skills, and in giving families the tools they need to support their students’ growth. 

“That’s what makes me come to work every day, showing parents what their kids can do,” she said. 

Prior to coming to the District, Burden spent 17 years working in the nonprofit sector, but decided she wanted a leave her management role to work more directly with children. 

“I felt like I could make a difference,” she said. 

Working with students with wide-ranging needs, Burden works with her students on a variety of skills and activities, including sign language, to help them find success. Burden frequently shares videos of her students’ practice with their families, showing their progress and giving tools to build on their lessons at home. 

Harris Hill Elementary School Principal Robert Boccaccio celebrated Burden’s selection for the Chamber award and praised her work advocating and supporting students.

“She’s a champion for marginalized students who need a champion,” he said.

Dawn Snyder

Since coming into Clarence in 2003, Board of Education Trustee Dawn Snyder has found a wide range of ways to connect with and serve the community. As she was named Citizen of the Year, Snyder said was inspired by her family as well as the people she had met in the community. 

“I've had the opportunity to work alongside so many exceptional organizations and incredible individuals who dedicate themselves daily to helping the Clarence community,” Snyder said. “They all want to step up and serve.”

Starting in the Clarence Central School District’s parent teacher organizations, Snyder went on to co-found the Clarence Schools Enrichment Foundation and serve in leadership roles with the Clarence Contemporary Club, Clarence Community Foundation and Fireworks in the Park committee, as well as the Erie County Association of School Boards.

Snyder, a member of Clarence’s school board since 2017, said she was honored and humbled to be selected for the Chamber’s award.

“This award is due to the collective spirit and dedication of the groups I've had the privilege to serve with,” she said.