Joyce Gay is a long-time supporter of education with more than 30 years of service to South Colonie Schools as a valued employee, agent of the administration and Board of Education, and exemplary volunteer. She began her career with the district in 1980 as an office clerk, and became secretary to the Assistant Superintendent For Instruction (1991- 1999), and later secretary to the Superintendent of Schools from 1999 until she retired in January 2013. She served under three different superintendents and had been District Clerk since 2006.

During her tenure, Gay was an instrumental part of the planning committee for South Colonie’s 50th anniversary celebration as a school district during the 1998-1999 school year. She was also an organizer and charter member of the South Colonie Dollars For Scholars chapter (2003), a not-for-profit organization that provides college scholarships to graduating seniors of Colonie Central High School. She served as chapter president and secretary for four terms, and was chairman of the SCDFS Awards Committee for eight years.

She was recognized for her efforts in 2012, being named New York Volunteer of the Year by Scholarship America and the Northeast Region of Dollars For Scholars. She has always put education first and has been an advocate for scholarships to encourage further education for graduates.

Outside the district, Gay has been involved in community service for four decades. Married in 1965 to Reverend Charles Gay, she has been a pastor’s wife leading various women’s groups, was a Sunday school teacher, worship music leader and vocal soloist. She was also a member of Albany Pro Musical (1990-1996). The couple’s three children attended and graduated from South Colonie Schools.