Forestville’s Sylvester Cleary is one of a kind. His passion and positive attitude about education has rubbed off on so many he has connected with over the years.

Last month, his contributions were acknowledged on a higher level. Cleary was named the recipient of the Anne Z. Paulin Distinguished Service award from the Rural Schools Association of New York State during an event in Cooperstown.

“I am obsessed with helping kids,” Cleary said upon receiving the honor. “When we teach our kids, they carry on where we left off.”

Cleary’s time on the Forestville school board came to an end after he was defeated in a recent election. But no board member was more involved than he was during his tenure of building school spirit and confidence in the staff — as well as the students.

In addition, he also serves on the board of directors for the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and on the relationship committee for the Cassadaga Job Corps.

Cleary is a class act. Our community is so lucky to be able to benefit from his contributions.