The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying (LICAB) honored 29 exceptional educators, administrators, and school staff members from across Nassau and Suffolk counties at its Third Annual Long Island School Hero Awards, held October 19 at The Watermill in Smithtown. Many of the honorees were nominated by their students.
The annual awards celebrated individuals who made extraordinary contributions to the lives of students through their compassion, dedication, and commitment to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
The honorees represented public and private schools across Long Island and were recognized for going beyond their everyday responsibilities to help students overcome challenges, build confidence, develop meaningful relationships and feel valued within their school communities.
“Every student deserves to have someone in their corner who believes in them, supports them, and helps them navigate the challenges of growing up,” said Joe Salamone, Founder and Executive Director of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying. “These 29 individuals demonstrated that being a hero doesn’t require a cape or a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s simply recognizing when a student needs help, taking the time to listen, or making sure a child knows they are not alone. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom.”
Established in 2024, the Long Island School Hero Awards recognized the often-unsung contributions of individuals working within Long Island’s school communities. Honorees were nominated by students, parents, and colleagues who witnessed firsthand their dedication to making a positive difference in children’s lives.
The awards also highlighted the important role school personnel play in preventing bullying, addressing student mental health challenges and fostering a culture of kindness and acceptance.
“Kids need to feel valued and connected to their school community,” said Dr. Joanne Pisani, Director of Mental Health Services in the Connetquot School District. “They need to feel that people see them as important and that they have people to go to if they’re struggling, especially if somebody is bullying them.”
The 29 individuals recognized at the Third Annual Long Island School Hero Awards were:
- Tiffany Belferder – Fusion Academy of Long Island
- Dr. Stacy Calcanes – East Meadow School District
- Michelle Champlin – Deer Park School District
- Kristin Corso – Commack School District
- Maria Corso – Smithtown School District
- Carla DeVito – Deer Park School District
- Kelly Fitzpatrick – B.E.S.T. Learning Center
- Michael Florence – Hauppauge School District
- Stephen Goldberg – Great Neck School District
- Christina Helbock – Brentwood School District
- Gloria Jaramillo – Brentwood School District
- Jonathan Kaplan – Woodward Children’s Center
- Dr. Jillian Kelly – Carle Place School District
- Jamie Keuthen – Lynbrook School District
- Kathryn Miedl – Seaford School District
- Josseline Morales – Farmingdale School District
- Lori Neazer – Harmony Heights School
- Ancy Paulose – Lindenhurst School District
- Emma Peppe – Smithtown School District
- Dr. Joanne Pisani – Connetquot School District
- Kayla Pollenz – Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District
- Paul Reilly – Great Neck School District
- William Riedel – Elwood School District
- Dr. Christopher Smalley – Hauppauge School District
- Jennifer Thearle – Plainedge School District
- Dr. Benedict Tieniber – Lynbrook School District
- Lauren Timoney – Seaford School District
- Lauren Vega – Farmingdale School District
- Brooke Yonick – Bayport-Blue Point School District
The awards ceremony brought together members of Long Island’s educational community to recognize the honorees and celebrate the importance of compassion, mentorship, and positive relationships in schools.
Proceeds from the event supported LICAB’s anti-bullying school partnership programs, which provide educational resources, presentations, and support to students, educators, and families across Long Island.
About the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying (LICAB) is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of bully-free communities on Long Island through education, increased awareness, and therapeutic outlets. LICAB works with students, families, schools, and communities to provide resources, programming, and support designed to address bullying and promote kindness, inclusion, and respect.
Photo courtesy of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying
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