Thelma Shaw's generosity glowed through in her remarks after she received the union's coveted SRP of the Year award.

"I am proud to be an SRP.

If I could, I would share this award with every SRP in the state," she said.

That spirit is the current that runs through all her efforts.

Her leadership style brought her the presidency of the BOCES Educators of Eastern Suffolk, a 1,500-member local with two separate contracts representing teachers, social workers, psychologists, teacher aides and teaching assistants. A teaching assistant, she is one of the handful of SRPs leading an umbrella local.

Her union involvement dates back to 1976, and includes serving as building representative, treasurer, executive vice president and contracts benefit officer for the local. She acknowledged the other representatives from her local, including her daughter who now teaches at the BOCES, and some administrators who came to join in the honor.

Shaw has said, "The passion that I have for the students I work with, and the union I represent, fuels the fire that drives me. I still look forward to each day and greet it with the same enthusiasm I had 35 years ago."

Referring to NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue's speech from the 2007 RA, Shaw said she was "confident the NYSUT quilt will continue to grow."