|
|
Name: Janet Griffin |
| Janet Griffin is definitely one of the 20 Outstanding Women You Should Know. In fact, if you could only know one person, Janet Griffin is one that one amazing, unforgettable woman, par excellence. The mother of three children (two daughters and a son), this woman is unrivaled in the breadth and scope of her commitments. In addition, she is a treasure of the Cortland community pillar - who has remained here her entire life and impacted the community in enormous ways. Janet went through the Cortland city school system, graduating in the class of 1970; she got her undergraduate and masters degrees in education from SUNY Cortland. In 2008, she ended a stellar 33-year career in teaching. During her three decades in elementary education, she also served as union representative and head teacher at Randall Elementary School for many years. It is a regular occurrence to see former students greet her out in the community with a hug and a thank you for the impact she had on their lives. Janet continues to be a significant role model for at risk youth at the High School in her role as the Drop Out Prevention Specialist. She establishes an amazing rapport with the students, giving them a sense of trust as well as an adult confidante, whose goal is to help them realize their own strengths, capabilities, and sense of self, while also guiding them through the realities of the world. Janet's professional colleagues, as well as the students and families she serves, are equally devoted to her. In addition to her position at the school, she works part time at the SUNY Cortland bookstore. Since her official "retirement" two years ago, her level of community involvement has remained at a fevered pitch. Janet has been a long-time member, and is currently serving as president, of the Cortland Jr. Sr. High School Booster Club. She puts in countless hours volunteering her time on behalf of the many athletic teams, such as helping at games, organizing and working at all of the fund-raising activities, leading the meetings, and shopping for all of the supplies needed to run the concession stands (in fact, we affectionately refer to her car as a "Sam's Club on Wheels" because it is always full of concession supplies). Janet has been senior class advisor for the Cortland High School long past her own children's graduations. Her membership at Grace Episcopal Church is a very important part of her life, and the congregation there looks to her for leadership and fellowship. She is a Sunday school teacher, vestry member, and Altar server, to name a few of the roles she plays there. Janet is an organizing member for the Relay for Life, first in memory of her dear friend, Jeanie Reagan, and this year in honor of her beloved big brother, David. Janet's high energy and positive attitude is legendary. Her undying commitment to children, both in and out of the classroom goes above and beyond the call of duty in order that she may meet the needs of each individual. Her innate common sense, ability to remain calm in the face of varied crises, knack to mediate between varied and strong personalities, and her infamous sense of humor, makes Janet the person you want to be in a fox hole with. She has an infectious and booming laugh, that is indicative of her huge heart and personality. It can be heard far and wide, it makes you smile, and wraps you with a feeling that everything is going to be okay. Janet always puts others first. This was quite evident when she decided she would plan her own retirement party at a local restaurant (Gators), so as not to inconvenience and place extra burden, on her colleagues and friends. Before Janet serves the community, the school system, or the church, however, she is first and foremost, a daughter, sister, and mother. She lovingly cared for her mother during her later years, is currently planning both a son and a daughter's weddings, and is riding "shot-gun" as she helps her brother and his family face his recent cancer diagnosis. Janet does everything in her life not to be recognized, but because of her deep and abiding love for all those she is connected to. At those seminal moments of our lives, she shows up at the door with wisdom, caring, a hug, and casserole in hand. Janet is the centrifugal force of wherever she stands and is the personification of grace under fire. Her friends and family are devoted to her. Her need to give back is enormous and her ability to keep the peace is truly a gift. What a joy for us all to be a part of her extended family. Her youngest child, when asked for comment, said simply "she is just a great mom". Her niece also said it beautifully: "No matter what role Janet is playing, daughter, mom, sister, aunt, educator, or friend, the same core values come shining through – she is sincere, genuine, honest, caring, and hard working. She is just a beautiful person who simply and altruistically does the right thing by others, without hesitation." We attest to the fact that Janet Griffin is all that and more. She is beloved and adored by all who know her, and this recognition is our way of saying, "We love you, Janet". Nominated by Terri Natoli and Barb Milligan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
