Education is a priority for Gras
Sept. 15, 2002

Photo by ELIZABETH A. MUNDSCHENK Terry M. Gras

By LINDA MURPHY
Observer-Dispatch

Growing up in East Utica, Terry M. Gras learned young the value of education.

"I grew up in a working class family. I was taught early on that education is the great equalizer," Gras said. "If children can get a good education, they're on a level playing field."

After graduating from Thomas R. Proctor Senior High School and Utica College, Gras earned his master's degree from Binghamton University. Now the 39-year-old father of four is a member of the Mount Markham Central School Board of Education.

Among other commitments, Gras coaches softball and youth soccer. As a parent of young children, he frequently volunteers and chaperones various school functions.

"One of the most rewarding times is graduation day when I see students I put my time and effort into graduate and go on to good colleges," Gras said. "Or to see students who participated in vocational career training in situations where they excel and start winning awards at BOCES."

Gras was nominated by William Kwasniewski, owner and publisher of the West Winfield Star, who said Gras brings credit to any organization with which he is associated.

"Extremely active in Rotary, he has been a volunteer and has helped organize the Community Christmas Basket Program helping to serve the needy of the area. He's also been in charge of numerous otary fund-raisers," Kwasniewski wrote in a nomination letter.

Gras, his wife, Rachel, and their children moved to this Southern Herkimer County community from Utica about 10 years ago in order to shorten the commute to his job at the Otsego Mutual Fire Insurance Co.

They knew just a few people.

"Our community involvement was slow at first. What sparked my activity was joining the Rotary Club. At the same time, two of my daughters were involved in youth sports. This basically expanded our social circles," Gras said.

About three years ago, Gras won a seat on the school board as a write-in candidate.

"Serving on the school board is the ultimate community service at any given time, there is someone upset with you. ... But if you invest in your schools, it helps your home value," Gras said.

He said people in his youth, such as coaches at the Boys Club of Utica and Adrian Post baseball in high school, gave of themselves to him. "These people were my mentors, and it was all voluntary. I got so much out of that, I had to give something back."