Each year, Clarkston seniors are invited to nominate a secondary school educator whom they feel has had a significant positive impact on their lives and helped guide their higher education decisions and career pursuits. Guay was just one of four who were honored by the university this year. The award, which has been bestowed for 19 years, recognizes “professional excellence and dedication to [the] nurturing of young minds and spirits.”

In the nomination materials, Ainsworth wrote, “Mr. Guay has taught me that I have the power and ability to do whatever I desire to do. He serves as a role model by demonstrating the traits of being a strong listener and a dedicated professional. In his eyes, there was no dream I couldn’t achieve as long as I was willing to put in the hard work that was needed. He was always there to help me in any way that he could. I thank Mr. Guay for coaching and inspiring me to become the young woman that I am today.”

Ainsworth also mentioned Guay’s role in nominating her for the Clarkson Leadership Award during her junior year of high school, an event that eventually led to her attendance at Clarkson University.

“This award for Mr. Guay is the perfect close to my Clarkson career because it honors the man who helped me begin my journey at Clarkson,” she commented. “When Mr. Guay nominated me for the leadership award, I did not feel that I was the type of student who would be successful at Clarkson. Mr. Guay had more faith in me than I had in myself. He encouraged me to explore the university and he felt that I was a great fit and perhaps an asset to the school.”

Guay was surprised and honored by the award. “It’s overwhelming to be recognized in such a manner,” he said. “Marissa is an accomplished young woman and it’s nice to think that she feels I may have played a small part in her path to success.”

During a ceremony honoring Guay and the others receiving the Inspirational High School Educators Award, Ainsworth spoke further about Guay’s positive influence. “While at Clarkson, I continued to grow and encountered many more opportunities and challenges. Mr. Guay was only an e-mail away and he continues even now to help me explore my thoughts and realize my dreams,” she said.

Clarkson University Vice President for University Outreach and Student Affairs Kathryn Johnson commented, “Some high school educators are successful in motivating students and helping them to harness their capabilities and creativity in a quest to discover where their strengths lie. We, as a university, rely on those educators and their valuable guidance to our prospective students. We are proud to honor those who have given selflessly so that these students could have the best education possible.”

Guay has worked as a guidance counselor at Schuylerville Jr.-Sr. High School since 2002. Prior to that, he was a guidance counselor in South Glens Falls and Schenectady and also a corrections officer. In 2006, he was recognized by Coca-Cola with an “Educator of Distinction Award,” another award that required students to go through an extensive nomination process in order to recognize an educator who went above and beyond to provide assistance and support.

Ainsworth graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary engineering and management. She’s preparing to begin a job as an energy solutions sales representative for TAC Energy Solutions in Dallas, Texas. During her time at Clarkson University, she served as president of the Interdisciplinary Engineering and Management Society, secretary of the Pan Hellenic Council and also as a master peer educator for freshman students enrolled in a first-year seminar course. Additionally, Ainsworth was selected to attend the inaugural meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative University at Tulane University. She is the daughter of Paul and Mary Ainsworth of Gansevoort.