Binghamton Teacher Wins National Grant for Innovative Art Project

Chenango Valley’s own Matthew Wilson is making the Southern Tier proud! The high school art teacher was just named one of Voya Financial’s 2025 Unsung Heroes. He’s one of only two teachers in all of New York to be chosen, and one of just 50 across the entire country to earn this honor.

Wilson Wins $2,000 Grant and Competes for National Prizes

Wilson will receive a $2,000 grant to bring his creative project to life in the classroom. Even more exciting, he’s now in the running for one of three national prizes that could add another $5,000, $10,000, or even $25,000 to support his work. Out of hundreds of applications from across the country, it’s pretty amazing to see one of our own rise to the top.

Unsung Heroes Program Honors Innovative Teachers

Voya’s Unsung Heroes program has been going strong for 29 years, giving more than $6 million to educators across the United States. The whole point is to honor teachers who think outside the box, dream big for their students, and put in the kind of dedication that shapes young lives in lasting ways.

Wilson’s Project Brings Ancient Encaustic Art to the Classroom

So, what’s Wilson planning with his award? He’s introducing his students to encaustic painting, an art form that goes back thousands of years. It uses heated beeswax mixed with pigments to create bold, textured, and layered works of art. For his students, it’s not just about technique, it’s about problem solving, experimenting, and having the freedom to explore new ways of creating. With the grant, he’ll purchase the tools and materials needed to launch an encaustics unit right inside Chenango Valley High School’s art room.

Inspiring Students to Discover New Passions Through Art

Wilson believes that introducing students to this unique medium will spark curiosity and encourage them to step outside their comfort zones. It’s a chance for them to develop both technical skills and a passion for art that they might never have discovered otherwise. And who knows, this exposure could even inspire future artists right here in our community.

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Award Celebrates Wilson’s Dedication and Impact on Students

As Braeden Mayrisch of Voya Financial put it, this award is about recognizing the creativity and tireless dedication that teachers bring to the classroom every single day. Wilson is proof of just that, and his students are the ones who will truly benefit from his vision and hard work.