CTY director awarded for her contributions to public education Center for Talented Youth executive director Virginia Roach is the winner of this year's Medalist Award from the New York Academy of Public Education By Katy Bowman / Published April 27, 2021 Virginia Roach, executive director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, is this year's recipient of the New York Academy of Public Education's Medalist Award. Established in 1935, it is the academy's highest award, given annually to one individual who demonstrates a commitment to improving the public education system. Academy president Anthony Cavanna said the award reflects the profound impact Roach has had on public education throughout her career. Roach joined CTY in August after nine years serving as dean of Fordham University's Graduate School of Education and dean of Bank Street College of Education, both in New York. She was previously a professor and department chair in George Washington University's Graduate School of Education and Human Development. She has also served as deputy executive director of the National Association of State Boards of Education. Last spring, Roach was featured on the list of "Top 35 Women in Higher Ed" published by