Mayfield Central School inducted long-time staff member Ryan Bornt into its honorary Wall of Dedication in a special ceremony held on Thursday, Oct. 8 in the Jr/Sr High School auditorium.
The Wall of Dedication honors people who have made a significant contribution to the students of the Mayfield community. The ceremony took place in front of an audience of past and present staff members, students, parents, friends, family and community members.
Mr. Bornt is a Mayfield alum who graduated from the district in 1997 and began teaching as a health and science teacher at Mayfield in 2003. As a lifelong resident, Mr. Bornt has worn many hats in the school community including student, teacher, coach, volunteer, mentor, friend and parent. He currently resides in Mayfield with his wife and two children.
Together, he and his wife Emily, a fellow district teacher, have dedicated countless hours to supporting cross-country and track meets, the Just Run Club, Drama Club, PTA, Sports Booster Club, and most notably, the Mayfield ski program, of which Ryan has been coaching since 2001. In addition to Nordic skiing, he currently coaches cross-country running, and previously coached soccer for ten years. Under his leadership, numerous Mayfield athletes have advanced to the sectional and state championships, with several going on to compete at the national and collegiate levels.
“As a parent of three student athletes, I can say the Mayfield ski program would not be what it is today without him,” said nominator Bree Wilkinson. “The amount of time he takes organizing practices in unpredictable weather, dealing with equipment and transportation, all while maintaining positive connections with the students, is just absolute dedication.”
In the classroom, Mr. Bornt is known for making a lasting impression through his kindness, patience and sense of humor. He is often a champion for the ‘underdog’ and strives to create an environment where no one feels left out or unseen. His generosity, encouragement, and hard work have made a positive impact on all who have passed through his classroom.
Former Mayfield student-athlete and now stand-up comedian, Tom McClellan, traveled all the way from Washington D.C. to speak on Mr. Bornt’s behalf.
“In my day the Nordic ski team was a family of misfits, and Bornt was our father figure,” said McClellan. “He was our teacher, coach, mentor and friend. But the truth is, while this award is a great honor, he doesn’t need it. He is incredibly dedicated to the students and the Mayfield community, and that dedication will stay the same with or without any of this.”
In addition to planned guest speakers, numerous parents, alumni and current students took the mic to share their stories, jokes and personal experiences with Mr. Bornt and the impact he has had on their lives.
Mr. Bornt then expressed his appreciation and gratitude for both the induction and the ceremony’s unexpected but welcome trips down memory lane.
“Being inducted reminds me just how lucky I am to serve a community that has given so much to me and my family,” said Bornt. “Just as I’ve made a positive impact on each of you, you’ve had an equally meaningful impact on me. I was a little nervous about tonight, but your words made it all ok. Thank you for a great night.”
The Wall of Dedication is on display in the Jr/Sr High School Auditorium and recognizes members going back to the first induction in 2004. Past recipients have been chosen for making a significant contribution to the youth of the Mayfield community; for going above and beyond what is ordinary; for being a positive role model; and for demonstrating a high level of conscientiousness and caring for others. To nominate someone, please visit https://www.mayfieldk12.com/board-of-education/wall-of-dedication/ or call the Mayfield Central School District Office at (518) 661-8222.
