As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to remember the remarkable women who came before us and paved the way for future generations. One such woman is Amy Bull Crist (1906-1995), whose legacy has left its mark on education and Orange County’s rich history.

Amy was born on March 9, 1906, in Brick Castle, her home in Stony Ford. She was the daughter of Orange County’s oldest and most illustrious family, but instead of opting for a life of leisure, she determined to devote her life to the service of others. At the age of 18, Amy began her career as a teacher and quickly became known county-wide as one of the most outstanding educators in the region.

Throughout her career as a grade school teacher, a school superintendent and as a trustee of the Orange County Community College, Amy touched the lives of thousands of students. She recognized that education was the most worthwhile endeavor to which she could devote herself, and her lifelong career as an educator was a living testament to those who cherish this investment in our future.

Amy was one of the last of her generation, witnessing Orange County progress from a farming area to the fastest-growing region of New York State. Throughout the many changes which Amy witnessed in her lifetime, she remained constant in her beliefs that those who are more fortunate have a moral responsibility to help neighbors enjoy more productive lives and live up to their potential.

Amy’s philanthropic and civic endeavors in so many important activities including Occupations, Inc., the Orange County Mental Health Association, the Goshen Historic Track, the proposed Youth Facility for the Town of Wallkill, the American Heart Association and so many other worthwhile endeavors, helped make a better life for all of us.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s remember remarkable women like Amy Bull Crist, who dedicated her life to education and community service. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the institutions she helped establish, such as the BOCES complex named in her honor. Let us honor her memory by following in her footsteps and continuing to make a positive impact in our communities.