Holland Patent Teacher's Impact Recognized with Women of Distinction Award

Erin Murray has spent nearly two decades connecting students across New York state through American Sign Language, and her dedication has now earned statewide recognition. The Holland Patent High School and Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES Distance Learning teacher was recently named as a 2025 Women of Distinction Award recipient by New York State Assemblyman Robert Smullen. 

Murray was one of seven women recognized during the third annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony on Sept. 11 at Smullen's Herkimer district office. The awards honor women whose leadership, service and commitment make a lasting impact in their communities.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen for this award,” Murray said. “The six other women recognized alongside me embody the goodness that continues to shine in our country. Assemblyman Smullen spoke about the importance of celebrating people who spread that goodness, and I was grateful to be counted among them.”

Since joining OHM BOCES in 2007, Murray has taught ASL to students in eight of the 12 component districts and 18 districts statewide, from Central New York to Long Island. Using Zoom and other distance learning tools, she teaches ASL to students in multiple schools each day, bridging geographical boundaries to provide access to language education where it might not otherwise exist.

“The program has grown significantly over the years,” Murray said. “When I started, I was one of the only ASL teachers. Now we have five. I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor new ASL instructors, which has been incredibly rewarding.”

Her work has left a lasting impact on students and the community. Many of her students have gone on to become interpreters or teachers within the program, while others apply their learning in after-school jobs and everyday interactions.

“Time and again, my students encounter members of the Deaf community and come to class excited to share how they were able to communicate,” Murray said. “Moments like these truly make my heart smile. The power of language -- it connects people.”

Beyond her classroom role, Murray is co-advisor for the Holland Patent junior class, helping lead fundraising and planning the junior prom. She is also an active leader in the New York State PTA, currently serving as Leatherstocking Region director and vice president of the Golden Knights PTA. Her PTA work has included advocating for statewide policies that advance equity, including helping secure funding for school meals to ensure all children have access to proper nourishment and the foundation for success.

To her students and colleagues, Murray’s legacy is defined not only by the lessons she teaches but also by the relationships she builds and the communities she strengthens.

Murray shares this advice with her students: “Recipe for success: Be kind, work hard and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and start over.” Her dedication to teaching, mentoring and community advocacy reflects the values that earned her recognition as a Women of Distinction Award recipient and makes her an invaluable member of the Holland Patent community.