EASTHAMPTON — State Rep. Daniel Carey, D-Easthampton, is the 2023 Legislator of the Year for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC).

Each year, MASC recognizes a state senator and a state representative for their contributions to Massachusetts public schools, students and their families.

“It’s been so fortunate (for Rep. Carey) to join the Legislature and be a voice for Easthampton, Hadley, South Hadley and Granby,” said Devin Sheehan, president emeritus of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, who presented Carey with the award at Tuesday’s School Committee meeting. “He has shown great leadership to support public education and to support the students of Western Mass.”

Carey got his political start on the Easthampton School Committee when he was elected to the position in 2013. Going to law school at night, he made sure his class schedule was not in conflict with the School Committee’s schedule.

“I wanted to make sure I was here, serving the students and serving the community,” Carey said. “It really has meant so much to me; in all the work I’ve done, I always take with me the experiences from the School Committee.

“When it comes to people’s families, people’s students, people’s children, there’s nothing more important,” he said. “We recognize that in our communities, supporting the school, supporting our teachers, supporting our students. … So it really means the world to me to receive this award.”

Carey is in his third term as state representative. He is currently the vice chair of the House Committee on Post Audit Oversight, and was formerly on the Education Committee in 2019 when the Student Opportunity Act passed.

“He is a representative near and dear to our heart and knows exactly what it takes to guide a school department and get them the resources they need,” said Mayor Nicole LaChapelle.

Maddie Fabian can be reached at mfabian@gazettenet.com.