HWS News
21 August 2025 • Alums • Athletics From Statesmen to Educator: Inspiring the Next Generation
Jamie Anderson ’06 Named Ontario County Youth Bureau School Employee of the Year.
Not so long ago, Jamie Anderson ’06 did it all — a member of the football team, student leader and aspiring scientist. Today, Anderson continues to go above and beyond — a Canandaigua middle school science teacher, coach, community volunteer and recently named School Employee of the Year by the Ontario County Youth Bureau. The honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership and dedication to youth development.
Anderson’s journey began in 2002 when he joined the Statesmen football team as a defensive recruit. His passion for the life sciences led him to major in biology, with plans to become a wildlife biologist. “HWS’ liberal arts approach opened my mind to so much,” he says.
Surrounded by dedicated coaches and professors, Anderson found inspiration in the educators around him – especially, he says, in Professor of Biology Elizabeth Newell’s Ecology course. Through the Napier Leadership Program, Anderson continued to feel the value of community service and leadership, constituting the positive HWS experience he fondly remembers. “I learned a lot about people, society and culture while at HWS. It all taught me the importance of good role models and exceptional educators.”
Late in his senior year, Anderson decided to pursue a master’s in education, and explore his love for the natural sciences as a teacher. His desire to work closely with young people led naturally to a multifaceted career as a teacher, coach and volunteer, including service on the Canandaigua Town Parks Committee. “The children who build our communities build our future. I have a larger impact when working in multiple settings,” he says.
Receiving recognition from the Ontario County Youth Bureau fills Anderson with pride — but not for personal acclaim. “I don’t do what I do to be recognized. I do it because I have a skill set that allows me to be highly effective at teaching kids about the natural world. Professionally, the award motivates me to do more. Maybe it will even inspire someone else to do a little more for children.”
Reflecting on his HWS experience, Anderson credits the college with preparing him to take on the world confidently and creatively. “In my four years at HWS, I became fully equipped to tackle challenges of all types. I became obsessed with doing hard things and learned the value of following a process.”
