The 2025-26 Connected Rome Mental Health Fair held at Rome Free Academy has been honored by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) with a Champions of Change recognition.

The NYSSBA Champions of Change Recognition program highlights district and BOCES programs and initiatives that bring positive, meaningful change to the students, communities, and districts of New York.

The Mental Health Fair, which was held for the third straight year at RFA in partnership with Rome Connected Community Schools this past March, was created to help showcase the mental health services available throughout the community for RFA students, faculty, and staff, whom were all invited to attend. Representatives from numerous local agencies, including Oneida County Suicide Prevention, Jervis Public Library, YWCA Rome, Rome Health, Safe Schools Mohawk Valley, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Central New York Chapter and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, were in attendance to help share information and resources with attendees.

To officially recognize the Champions of Change honor, a banner from the NYSSBA was presented during Monday’s Rome CSD Board of Education regular meeting, where it was accepted by Connected Rome Site Coordinator Maya Nelson, Connected Divisional Director of Rome Projects Matthew Hartwell, and RFA Interim Principal Kristie Boisen.

“NYSSBA is dedicated to recognizing and promoting the positive work taking place in schools across the state,” said Barry J. Entwistle, NYSSBA Chief Member Relations and Business Development Officer, via the official letter awarding the honor. “Please extend our congratulations to your Board of Education, staff, and students for their role in creating a positive district culture others may admire and emulate.”

This is the second Champions of Change recognition received by Rome CSD this year, as the Rome City School District Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was also honored this past October.