Broadway Theatre League of Utica announced today that it is naming its Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) after late local educator and dedicated community member, Bernadette A. Eichler. As a Board Member of Broadway Theatre League, Eichler was a creative force in the development of the program last summer. In honor of her dedication to education, the program will now bear her name: The Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program.

About Bernadette A. Eichler

Education was not only a career for Bernadette Eichler; it was a passion. She served the Utica City School District for 56 years as a teacher, administrator, director, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent.

Throughout her life she never slowed down. Bernadette was involved in various facets of the community including Broadway Theatre League, the Utica
Zonta Club, the Utica Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and Family Services of Greater Utica.

In 2011 Eichler was honored as the Oneida County Historical Society’s Living Legend. She received a number of other additional awards and distinctions throughout her life, including:

-SUNY Oswego’s Alpha Delta Kappa Award,
-An induction in the East Utica Optimists Hall of Fame,
-An induction into the Educator’s Hall of Distinction,
-The Salvation Army’s People First Award,
-The Utica Teacher’s Educator of the Year Award, and
-An award from Women in Business.

“Bernadette didn’t retire until she was 88, and even after that, she was still actively involved. She was very dedicated,” said John Fehlner, executive director of Broadway Theatre League of Utica. “She was a very warm, helpful individual who was always interested in mentoring young people. This is a well-deserved and appropriate honor,” he added.

Eichler passed away in December at the age of 97.

About The Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program

Broadway Theatre League chooses two students from each of the area high schools who will be given Broadway Theatre League season tickets. In exchange for the season subscription, students are required to post their thoughts about each show on Facebook and/or Twitter and submit a short critique of each show to Broadway Theatre League. 

The goal of the program is to engage area teens and encourage their interest in theatre. The students’ interests can be in any area including acting, producing, management, choreography, lighting, sound, costume or set design. 

For more information about the Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program, call Broadway Theatre League at (315) 724-7196 or email application materials to: Erika@broadwayutica.com.