OBSERVER Photo by Natasha Matteliano Dr. Robert Anderson was honored with a recognition of service award by the Gowanda Village Board this week.

GOWANDA — Dr. Robert Anderson, Gowanda Central Schools superintendent, was honored with an official proclamation in recognition of his exemplary outreach to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“He defines professionalism in every way and since March 16, I’ve received nothing but positive comments from our community, our residents, our children, our staff about the job that the school district has done under your leadership,” Mayor David Smith said. “Gowanda leads the way, thanks to you.”

According to Smith, since the beginning of the pandemic, Dr. Anderson has made himself available for students, parents, and the community as a whole to look up to and come to if they need help. His service to the community through food distribution to students and residents contributed to the great need of the community, and his leadership and communication in general have been outstanding and has contributed to the general well-being of Gowanda.

“The board and I want to recognize you for your dedication and service to this community,” Smith said. “We recognize your exemplary service to the Gowanda Central School District and the community during the COVID-19 crisis.”

Dr. Anderson, in attendance at the board meeting on Tuesday, accepted the award graciously. “Thank you very much for the honor,” Dr. Anderson said. “I accept this on behalf of the mayor, our administrators, our food service, and our buildings and grounds faculty, it was truly a team effort, it’s really humbling.”