School Without Walls art teacher Susan Hollister-Cronberger earns prestigious ESL Heart of Service Award

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District is celebrating one of its own after School Without Walls art teacher Susan Hollister-Cronberger was recognized with the prestigious ESL Heart of Service Award, an honor presented through a partnership between ESL Federal Credit Union and News10NBC. The award shines a spotlight on individuals whose dedication and volunteer efforts help strengthen the Rochester community, and district leaders say Hollister-Cronberger’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom walls.

For years, she has combined education with meaningful community involvement, creating opportunities for students to learn lessons that cannot be found in a textbook. Her work has shown that art and creativity can become powerful tools for leadership, teamwork, and service, while encouraging young people to play an active role in improving the lives of others.

One of the hallmarks of Hollister-Cronberger’s teaching philosophy is her ability to transform community projects into hands-on educational experiences. Through an extended class she leads, students take part in planning and managing events that support nonprofit organizations. Along the way, they gain practical skills in project management, organization, and collaboration while seeing firsthand the value of giving back.

Among the many initiatives she has spearheaded is an annual golf scramble fundraiser that she launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was designed to raise money for graduating classes at a time when traditional fundraising opportunities had become difficult. What started as a response to challenging circumstances has continued to provide support for students while bringing the community together around a shared goal.

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Her commitment to helping others has also been evident through the school’s participation in the Toys for Tots program. Working alongside district robotics teams, Hollister-Cronberger helped organize, pack, and deliver toys to students at School No. 33, helping ensure that children and families in need experienced some extra joy during the holiday season. The effort not only benefited local families but also allowed students to understand the importance of volunteerism and collective action.

Beyond her work with students, Hollister-Cronberger has dedicated herself to causes that have touched the lives of fellow educators. She has played an active role in an annual sickle cell awareness event organized in partnership with the American Red Cross. The blood drive was created to honor School Without Walls staff member Narseary Harris, who suffered the heartbreaking loss of two sons to the disease. Over time, Hollister-Cronberger has passed the responsibility on to her students, teaching them how to organize and manage the event while raising awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations.

Her colleagues say the recognition is a fitting tribute to someone who consistently leads by example and inspires those around her.

“She deserves all the accolades because she is an amazing role model for our students,” said School Without Walls colleague Mary Gagnier. “She demonstrates daily high expectations and treats others well.”

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The award arrives as Hollister-Cronberger continues to look for new ways to connect students with community service. She is currently helping organize a collaborative project between School Without Walls and a student group from the Brighton Central School District. The initiative aims to support local individuals experiencing homelessness, once again giving students the chance to use their talents and energy to make a positive difference.

For the Rochester City School District, the ESL Heart of Service Award is more than recognition for one educator’s volunteer efforts. It is a celebration of a teacher who has built a legacy of compassion, leadership, and civic responsibility—showing generation after generation of students that learning and serving can go hand in hand.