A well-deserved honor | News, Sports, Jobs

Carol Hay was named Saturday the recipient of the 2024 Chautauqua Region Community Service John D. Hamilton Award.

On Friday evening, Carol Hay was honored with the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

The event was held at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, which welcomed nearly 100 attendees to honor the 2024 laureate.

This award has been given annually since 1993 to recognize an individual’s dedication, leadership and support in promoting community spirit. It is named in honor of John D. Hamilton to honor his lifelong influence.

“We had a wonderful evening with beautiful weather and some heartfelt words about a woman who truly deserves this recognition,” said Tory Irgang, executive director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “Carol has supported many individuals and community organizations with her time and leadership, and it was an honor to spotlight her this evening.”

Carol moved to Western New York with her husband, J. Douglas “Doug” Hay in 1972. There they operated a retail and wholesale pottery business and raised animals on their farm in Sherman. When their children were of school age, Carol accepted a teaching position in the Sherman Central School District and after ten years in the classroom, became principal of Dunkirk City Schools and then principal of Panama Central School before serving as superintendent of the Panama District. She retired in 2010, but her retirement gave her more time to serve in various volunteer roles at her church, the Stanley Hose Fire Department Auxiliary, and the Sherman Historical Society.

When she lost her husband Doug to cancer, she used her skills as a caregiver to advocate and drive neighbors and church members to meetings. She also volunteered as Interim Executive Director of Community Helping Hands and served on the board. She also turned her passion for history into service as a board member of the Chautauqua County Historical Society.

One of Hay’s longest-serving volunteer roles was on the board of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. She served on the Executive Committee and continues to serve on the General Grants Committee.

Friday’s event was attended by Carol’s family, friends and colleagues, and praise from elected officials, both in attendance and in letters of recognition, was conveyed by Jeffrey Hay, the recipient’s son, along with Irgang and Peter Stark, who delivered the evening’s address.

In a video prepared for the event, Hay spoke about her tendency to intervene when necessary.

“I know how to say no. There just aren’t many opportunities to use that word. You can usually say yes, be helpful, kind, and considerate. Why say no when you can say yes?”