Saugerties CSD celebrated John and Margaret (Peggy) Mullen as this year’s Distinguished Friends of Education Award recipients, an honor sponsored by the Ulster County School Boards Association. Through their Andrew Mullen Memorial Trout Fishing Derby, they raised over $348,000 for the Saugerties High School Scholarship Program, supporting 170 students in pursuing trade schools, apprenticeships, and college.

John, owner of J. Mullen & Sons Construction, brought hands-on learning to classrooms, teaching the value of skilled trades, while Peggy, a longtime Saugerties educator, continued to inspire students as a substitute teacher. Their generosity, advocacy for trades education, and unwavering support made a lasting impact on generations of Sawyers learners.

The award was presented during the Ulster County School Boards Association annual dinner on November 20 at The Venue at the Best Western in Kingston. Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, praised all honorees, saying, “Their dedication and generosity helped create the kind of supportive environment where every student could be seen, valued, and inspired to succeed.”