NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi gave delegates a vivid illustration of exemplary leadership skills, when he described two unionists from the Southern Tier. In the face of personal and professional challenges, Kay and Steve White, leaders of the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES Teachers Association, continued to serve their local.

Iannuzzi recalled meeting the Whites at their home as the couple stood ankle-deep in mud caused by flooding. "Steve was tearing down walls and Kay was trying to salvage negotiating notes for their next bargaining session," said Iannuzzi. "They never stopped serving their local, even while their home was in ruins ... even while their son Sean was on his way to Iraq."

Near the end of his speech, Iannuzzi shared the Whites' eventual good news: their son was safely home and the bargaining impasse was resolved with a fair contract.

Iannuzzi then invited the Whites, who were present at the RA, to stand and accept from delegates "our appreciation for modeling the quiet, but decisive, leadership we all strive for."