TC3 Alumni Association
2009 Alumni Awards Program

Distinguished Alumni Award
Community Leadership Award

Nomination Form

2008 Award Recipients

Larry Hinkle

Larry was nominated by his wife Janice. Athletics has been a big part of Larry’s life. He has served as Athletic Director at Cincinnatus and Norwich high schools as well as TC3. He is in the Cortland High School Wresting Hall of Fame and as a TC3 student he was named as Most Outstanding Wrestler and is a charter member of the Panther Hall of Fame. He has coached both at the high school and college levels. Larry has received many Wrestling Coaching honors as well. He has served as President of the NJCAA Region III Wrestling Coaches Association. Larry is currently the Assistant Principal at Dryden Central Middle School. In 2001, Larry authored and published a book titled: Pursuing Excellence in Youth Coaching: An Orientation and Training Manual for Youth Coaches. Larry has been very active in helping the youth in his community. He serves as a member of the Town of Dryden Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee, served as a member of the Dryden Youth Recreation Committee, and organized and directed the first annual golf tournament to raise money for the Dryden HANDS Program (Helping a Needy Dryden Student), just to name a few. His most gratifying experience has been to volunteer for many years at Camp Ta Kum Ta in Vermont, a recreational camp for children with cancer.

Valerie Wilson

Valerie was nominated by Alan Pedersen, Vice President of the Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca. Valerie has been an employee of Cayuga Medical Center since 1999. She was initially hired as a hospital aide and after working with hospital staff and patients decided she wanted to improve herself and become a Registered Nurse. She was able to balance taking care of her family as a single mom of 3, working full time as a hospital aide and going to TC3 full time as a student in the Nursing Program. In 2005 she received her Nursing degree from TC3. Valerie is a positive role model for fellow employees, who goes above and beyond for her patients. Valerie’s ability to balance her family and work responsibilities and doing so in a positive manner deserves recognition.

Amy Hamilton Ayotte

Amy was nominated by Jerry Benson, Senior Probation Officer of the Cortland County Probation Department where Amy is employed as a Senior Probation Officer. Amy’s high level of professionalism and knowledge allow her to give guidance and advice to children and parents in crisis situations by assisting them in dealing with some of life’s most difficult circumstances. She is able to do this because of her respect and compassion for all people. In 1998, Amy was inducted into the International Sociology Honor Society. She volunteered for Youth Assist Program at Family Counseling Services; volunteered with construction of a children’s playground at Dexter Park in Cortland, NY; volunteered at various Izaak Walton events; and volunteered at various Cortland Youth Bowling Association events. Amy is not afraid of a challenge. Working with adolescents and their families who are struggling with problems is a tough, demanding job. Due to her work ethic, genuine concern for others, straight-forward approach and knowledge of the community, she has the respect of her co-workers, her clients and the community.