The Holland Patent Central School District is proud to announce that High School Principal Mr. Stevener was a distinguished recipient at the sixth annual Oneida County Youth and Adult Recognition Ceremony. The event, held on June 5, at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), honored 13 local youths and five adults for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Mr. Stevener received the Connecting Our Community Award, recognizing his significant dedication to fostering connections and providing support within the region. Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green highlighted Mr. Stevener's accomplishments and commitment during the ceremony.
Beyond his role as High School Principal, Mr. Stevener is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) provider with ICAN (Integrated Community Alternatives Network). ICAN's IPA is a network of individuals and agencies dedicated to streamlining access to services and improving health and wellness for clients, providers and partners. Their mission is to ensure that "every child, youth and adult in need of care deserves to have the highest quality services available to them right when they need it most."
Mr. Stevener's involvement with ICAN’s IPA network dates back to 2007, when he started as a mentor. In 2016, he established his own practice specializing in behavioral management and mentoring. He and his team of providers currently work with children, aged 5-19, across Oneida and Herkimer Counties. He finds great satisfaction in helping young people set and achieve their goals.
With close to two decades of experience working directly with children, Mr. Stevener actively encourages others to become mentors. He advises those considering mentorship: "If you want to fix the system, pay it forward or simply enjoy fulfilling work helping youth find a successful path, THIS is your chance to take action. You can truly make a difference."
The Holland Patent Central School District extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Stevener for this well-deserved recognition and for his unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of all children in our community and beyond.
