Back row, from left: Kathleen Sottile; Daniel Yuengling;
Paula R. Lein; Gerard W. Dempsey Jr.; Cheryl Davidson; Bruce
Castellano; and Jeannine Ayres, who accepted on behalf of Jean Kelly. Front row,
from left: Donna J. Donahue; Zefy Christopoulos; Dr. Herb R. Brown; Linda M. Lopez, Ph.D.; Lisa A. Gatti; and Patrick Boyle.
Before a sell-out crowd of more than 400 guests, 13 outstanding
individuals received the Nassau BOCES "Education Partner" award during a
gala dinner on May 6. Hailed as
education's answer to the "Oscars," this award recognizes those whose
impact on public education in Nassau County can be measured in tangible
ways.
A strategic education partner with school districts since 1967, Nassau
BOCES created this innovative program to pay tribute to those who share
its commitment to providing the best possible education to learners of
all ages and abilities.
The 13 honorees are: (click honoree's name for more information)
Patrick Boyle, executive director, Gateway Youth Outreach
Inc.
"Tonight we are honoring 13 men and women who are committed
to helping ensure our children's futures," said Dr. Thomas Rogers, Nassau
BOCES district superintendent. "They have worked hard to prepare
students to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Individually and
collectively, they have had a powerful and measurable impact on public
education in this county – and we have all benefited from their efforts."
This year's Nassau BOCES "Education
Partners" were chosen from a pool of more than 85 nominations. They were
judged by a committee of distinguished educators and community leaders
looking for individuals who personify the spirit of educational
partnerships and/or demonstrate measurable impact on public education
in Nassau County.
The fourth-annual Nassau BOCES "Education Partner" Awards Gala was sponsored by the
Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation, a non-profit, community-based
organization whose mission is to acquire and distribute funds to enhance
educational opportunities for students attending or taking part in
Nassau BOCES schools, services or programs.
