It was a very special night for the Elwood School District, honoring successes and careers, and recognizing students, staff, administrators and board members at the June 13 board of education meeting.
On hand was New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, who was honored for his allocation of capital funding to Elwood, a $250,000 legislative grant for vital security and technology upgrades. Stern worked with Elwood Board of Education Vice President Heather Mammolito on the project.
“Assemblyman Stern has always been a tremendous supporter of the Elwood School District, and as a result of his advocacy in the past five years, Elwood has received bullet aid and grants providing for enhancements to security, classroom technology, building infrastructure and curriculum,” Superintendent Kelly Fallon said.
“I am privileged to serve as our community’s representative in the New York State Assembly,” Stern said. “It really is a great personal pleasure to present this legislative grant to the Elwood School District.”
Next, Athletic Director Dave Shanahan recognized Elwood-John H. Glenn High School seniors Anthony Bell and Lauren LaMena. LaMena was named as the female winner of the 2024 Butch Dellecave Award while Bell was named a finalist. The Dellecave Award nominates the top male and female student-athlete in each school in Suffolk County, recognizing excellence in three categories: academics, athletics and community service.
The district then turned to celebration of three important milestones in the careers of members of the Elwood school community, recognizing newly tenured faculty and staff, retirees and 25-year employees.
Recommended for tenure were Director of Math, Science, Technology and Federal Grants Dawn Valle; teachers Emily Dana, Dana Dorrian, Jill Greenblatt, Deidra O’Brien, Kristen Poulos and Laura Raimondi; and teacher assistant Francisco Benavides.
Retirees honored were staff members Vicki Cacioppo and Charlayne Scarbelli, and teachers David Anzalone, Margueritte Carvana, Patricia Farrell, Margaret Mahoney and David Trabulsi.
Recognized for 25 years of dedicated service were Anne Marie Chalao, Elizabeth Held, Matthew Lauro , Amy Lindenbaum, Marsha McLeod, Virginia Rouse, Lisa Sallie, Amy Schombs, Todd Schwartz, Maria Trucios, Christopher Vandernoth and Karen Wenda.
“Achieving tenure is a testament to your hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence in education,” Superintendent Kelly Fallon said. “We look forward to you continuing to be a driving force in fostering an educational environment of curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. To our dedicated 25-year employees, thank you for your remarkable dedication and service to the Elwood School District. Your contributions have touched the lives of many students and will be valued and are part of the chemistry that is found in this amazing school district. And to our retirees, each of you has dedicated countless hours, boundless energy and such tremendous passion to the notable profession of education. Your contributions have touched the lives of so many students, shaping their future and inspiring them to achieve their dreams.”
Bell, the student liaison to the board, was then honored before giving his final report.
Next, Next, Board of Education President James Tomeo paid tribute to Fallon, the district’s outgoing interim superintendent.
“Your leadership has left an indelible mark on our district,” Tomeo said. “On behalf of the entire board of education, administration, staff, students and our community, we extend our deepest thanks.”
Finally, Tomeo bid a grateful farewell to Mammolito, who is retiring from the board after nine years of dedicated service.
“Heather’s commitment and passion for education have profoundly impacted our students, staff and the entire community,” Tomeo said. “Your dedication has made a lasting impact and your contributions will be remembered for years to come.”
Photos courtesy of Elwood School District
Recent Comments