For Meg Cernaro, creating spaces where children feel seen, valued and inspired has never been just part of the job — it has been the mission behind every step of her career.

That mission was recognized with top state honors recently, when the Mexico Elementary librarian and longtime educator was named the New York State Rural Teacher of the Year during a celebration Friday after school in the Mexico Elementary cafeteria.

Surrounded by students, family members, colleagues and administrators from the Rural Schools Association of New York, Cernaro was honored for the impact she has made on generations of students and on the Mexico school community.

“I am incredibly honored, humbled and grateful,” said Cernaro upon receiving the honor. “This recognition truly reflects the amazing students, families, and colleagues I am so appreciative to work with every day. Rural schools are built on strong relationships and deep community connections, and I am extremely thankful to be part of such an outstanding district.”

Superintendent Dr. Donna Runner called the honor “well-deserved,” praising Cernaro’s ability to connect with students and create meaningful learning experiences.

“Meg’s passion, professionalism and dedication strengthen our entire school community,” Runner said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our school family.”

Cernaro has served as librarian at Mexico Elementary since 2021, but her history with MACS stretches back more than two decades. She began at Palermo Elementary in 2004 as a practicum student and student teacher, later working as a one-to-one aide before teaching first, second and third grades. Those experiences, she said, helped shape the educator she would become.

“Palermo played such a significant role in my journey,” Cernaro said. “The relationships I built there with students, families and colleagues have stayed with me ever since.”

Today, as librarian, she works with every student in the building from UPK through fourth grades, creating schoolwide literacy experiences and opportunities for student leadership. The role, she said, allows her to combine her love of books, creativity and connection in a way that reaches every child.

Cernaro’s path to teaching was not a traditional one. Raised in Sandy Creek, she graduated from SUNY Oswego and initially pursued careers outside education. During her senior year, she served as Miss Oswego County via the Miss America Scholarship Program, an experience that introduced her to communities across the county and sparked a desire to serve others.

She later worked as a legislative aide for the New York State Senate and as a commercial loan specialist at Oswego County National Bank. But over time, she realized she was being called in a different direction.

“I wanted to create environments where students feel safe, believe in themselves and are excited to learn,” she said. “Helping students discover what they are capable of continues to inspire me every day.”

Cernaro dedicated the award to her late friend and colleague, Lynn Rathbun, with whom she collaborated for years on technology integration, professional development and global classroom connections.

“She inspired so much of my work,” Cernaro said. “Her legacy will continue to live on in everything I do.”

Cernaro lives in Oswego with her husband Sam and their three rescue dogs – Blue Cheese, Linguine Alfredo and Bucatini Carbonara‑Kai.