SALEM, Mass. - The Salem State College preschool program has recognized Ralph Conte of the Facilities Department as the 2003 recipient of its "Friend of the Preschool" award.

At its annual "Moving On" ceremony, preschool coordinator Beverly Gerson made the presentation to Conte, recognizing his "genuine concern for the health, safety and well being of the children who come to the school every day." Conte has been working at Salem State College since 1984.

The ceremony celebrated 18 children in the preschool program who will be moving on to kindergarten next year.