media
April 15, 2008

Community Service Awards 2008

Source:  NYSUT Awards and Honors

On this page:

Special Community Service Award

Chris Pendergast
Northport United Teachers

chris PendergastNYSUT is proud to have among its membership women and men who, on a regular basis, give something of themselves for the betterment of their community. They volunteer, contribute, mobilize and commit, and they do so enthusiastically and with a belief in humankind's ability to have a positive impact on society.

One such NYSUT member is Chris Pendergast. Chris is a retired teacher from Northport on Long Island who, in 1993, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In 1998, building on his career as an educator, Chris founded Ride for Life, an organization dedicated to informing people about ALS and raising funds for research and support services.

Each year, ALS activists  - many of them in their wheelchairs  - travel between Montauk Point and Manhattan, raising money while visiting schools and informing students about the disease. Chris, who has won numerous awards for his activism and has appeared in the national media promoting his cause, has enjoyed the full support of his union brothers and sisters. NYSUT and more than 50 of its local unions support the annual ride and related ALS fund raisers; to date, Ride for Life has raised more than $2 million for ALS research and awareness.

For his selfless dedication and compassion, Chris Pendergast is NYSUT's 2008 "Special Community Service Award" recipient.

IN-SERVICE

Angela Ader
Harrison Association of Teachers
Contiguous ED 15-16

Patricia Brown
Hempstead Classroom Teachers' Association
Contiguous ED 18-19

John Franzese
United Federation of Teachers
Contiguous ED 24-25

Kim McGinley
Kings Park Classroom Teachers' Association
Contiguous ED 21-22-23

Edward Nordstrom
Half Hollow Hills Teachers' Association
Contiguous ED 17-20

Lori Stokem
Washington Academy Teachers' Association
Contiguous ED 9-10

RETIREES

Christine Alexio
Retiree Council 24

Carol Ashley
Retiree Council 17

Josie Beckwith
Retiree Council 24

Linda Collins
Retiree Council 6

Barbara Dzubak
Retiree Council 24

Sheila Feivelson
Retiree Council 24

Marcella Fugle
Retiree Council 1

Lee Gridley
Retiree Council 4

Maryann Hamilton
Retiree Council 20

Amollia Hooks Grossman
Retiree Council 8

Irene Kanowitz
Retiree Council 15-16

Ely Kaplan
Retiree Council 23

Carol Lunn
Retiree Council 9

Diana Manzo
Retiree Council 24

William Perry
Retiree Council 24

Vincent Petroccelli
Retiree Council 13

Mary Pritchard
Retiree Council 12

Sonia Rieber
Retiree Council 24

Patsy Robertson
Retiree Council 5

Betty Siegel
Retiree Council 21

Sylvia Singer
Retiree Council 24

Anna Smith
Retiree Council 11

Charles Sollinger
Retiree Council 43

Harvey Weber
Retiree Council 24

Thelma Werner
Retiree Council 24

Helen Whitaker
Retiree Council 24

Edith Whitaker
Retiree Council 18

LIFE LINE HONOR ROLL

Thomas Cruickshank
Bay Shore Classroom Teachers' Association

Kathleen Nolan
Sayville Teachers' Association

Frank Salino
Bayport-Blue Point Teachers' Association

2008 LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Arlington Teachers' Association

Robert Maier, President

The Arlington Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising over $20,000 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
  • Raising over $8,000 for the March of Dimes' Blue Jeans for Babies campaign.
  • Raising over $4,000 for the Arlington Education Foundation which provides grants to educators for special projects within the classroom.
  • Sponsoring the Literacy Volunteers' spelling bee.

Bay Shore Classroom Teachers' Association

Darlene Darch, President

The Bay Shore Classroom Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Contributing $17,700 to Dollars for Scholars.
  • Contributing $3,500 to the Bay Shore Community Summit.
  • Contributing $4,490 to the American Cancer Society.
  • Contributing $2,000 to the Acres Foundation Civil Rights program.

Bayport-Blue Point Teachers' Association

Marcia Meirowitz, President

The Bayport-Blue Point Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising $2,700 for the Susan G. Komen fund.
  • Awarding seven scholarships to graduating seniors.
  • Contributing to the local Eagle Scout Troop, school yearbook, musical, and to the local food pantry.

Bedford Teachers' Association

Adam Yuro, President

The Bedford Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising $3,773 for the Walk for Autism and since 2002 raising over $16,000.
  • Donating 3,400 pounds of food and raising $2,404 for the Mt. Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry.
  • Volunteering as instructors for Adult Literacy classes.
  • Taking a group of students to Nicaragua during spring break to help build homes for the poor.

Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers

Michael Dolber, President

Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring the Community Parent Center which organizes workshops and programs for parents and child safety, such as internet safety, healthy self-image, and safe-driving.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Raising funds for United Farm Workers-Island Harvest assisting economically disadvantage workers.
  • Raising funds for local homeless and addiction centers.

Bethpage Congress of Teachers

Karen Thomas, President

The Bethpage Congress of Teachers consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Providing door prizes for an annual senior citizens' prom with over 300    seniors attending.
  • Providing scholarship aid to the seniors of the Bethpage High School.
  • Participating in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Conducting a Toys for Tots and Needy Children of Bethpage drive.

Buffalo Teachers' Federation

Philip Rumore, President

The Buffalo Teachers' Federation consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating $125 to Young Audiences of Western NY and producing 50,000 "Have You Talked to Your Child About School Today," bumper stickers distributed to teachers and students.
  • Raising over $5,000 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Providing Thanksgiving dinner to over 200 families.
  • Sponsoring Read Across America celebrations in the Buffalo Public Schools.

Camden Teachers' Association

David LaGatta, President

The Camden Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Participating in the Clothing Connection.
  • Participating in the after prom party.
  • Holding a Library Card Day.
  • Volunteering at the Salvation Army ringing bells during the holiday season.

Carthage Teachers' Association

Patricia Sheehan, President

The Carthage Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Contributing $10,300 to the United Way campaign.
  • Conducting two successful food drives for the local food pantry.
  • Awarding $1,500 in scholarships for graduating seniors.
  • Donating to the Childrens' Miracle Network and Wigs for Kids with Cancer project.

Cassadaga Valley Faculty Association

John Ognibene, President

The Cassadaga Valley Faculty Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Contributing to Operation Care which distributes food and supplies to needy Afghans and Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan.
  • Awarding $3,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors.
  • Donating to local volunteer fire departments, library, and food pantry.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Cheektowaga Central Teachers' Association

Janet Goddard, President

The Cheektowaga Central Teachers' Association has been dedicated to serving and supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating $1,200 for the holiday Adopt-a-Family Fund.
  • Awarding a $1,200 scholarship to a senior entering the teaching profession and donating $100 to the E-NSSA Scholastic Achievement scholarship.
  • Donating $1,000 for the Variety Club Telethon.
  • Sponsoring 60 members for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Commack Teachers' Association

William Matejka, President

The Commack Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising funds to help families of deceased community members.
  • Sponsoring Commack's Little League team.
  • Raising $2,667 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Participating in the Commack Education Fund.

Depew Teachers' Organization

Kathleen Ward, President

The Depew Teachers' Organization has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating $2,500 to the Village of Depew so that trees could be planted in the wake of a terrible storm.
  • Raising $1,375 for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides campaign.
  • Raising over $3,000 for the Lancaster Depew Boys and Girls Club.
  • Awarding $1,500 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

East Hampton Teachers' Association

Priscilla Campbell, President

The East Hampton Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Awarding scholarships to graduating seniors.
  • Raising funds for the Adopt-a-Charity program.
  • Conducting a Ride-for-Life fund-raiser for Lou Gehrig's disease research.
  • Participating in Pink Bandana Day to raise funds for friends and family affected by breast cancer.

East Islip Teachers' Association

Nancy Close, President

The East Islip Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising over $11,000 to help families in the district through food drives and the Adopt-A-Family program.
  • Raising apx. $5,000 in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Donating to schools in St. Bernard Parish ravaged by Katrina.

The Eastchester Teachers' Association

Rhonda Homes, President

The Eastchester Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Contributing to local toy, coat, and food drives.
  • Participating in and donating money to the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Conducting First Friday fund-raisers resulting in $2,072 which was donated to: Food Patch, Cystic Fibrosis, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, National Autism Foundation, and two local residents with special needs.

Elmont Elementary Teachers' Association

Elaine Mitchell, President

The Elmont Elementary Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Awarding $1,000 in high school scholarships and $1,200 in US Savings Bonds to 6th grade graduates.
  • Sponsoring an essay contest with 12 recipients receiving a $25 bookstore gift certificate.
  • Distributing 300 toys to children in the community, collecting warm clothing and household necessities for the community's neediest families.
  • Sponsoring Elmont Little League.

Elwood Teachers' Alliance

Lorelei Stephens, President

The Elwood Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating $500 to the Huntington Freedom Center's Early Childhood Learning program.
  • Donating $500 to the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program.
  • Hosting a holiday party for underprivileged children and single parent families.
  • Treating community seniors to an evening of dinner and a performance of High School Musical.

Farmingdale Federation of Teachers

Claire Zatorski, President

The Farmingdale Federation of Teachers consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Awarding $10,000 of scholarships to local children.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and the Relay for Life.
  • Sponsoring youth baseball.
  • Sponsoring a senior citizen reception.

Freeport Teachers' Association

Ruth Smith, President

The Freeport Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Sponsoring the Freeport Long Island Arts Council, Freeport Little League, and Freeport High School Lacrosse team.
  • Sponsoring a 50/50 raffle for a student paraplegic.
  • Providing scholarships and donating to the Dollars for Scholars program.

Half Hollow Hills Teachers' Association

Mel Stern, President

The Half Hollow Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising $7,400 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach.
  • Participating in the Relay for Life.
  • Raising $2,000 in the annual scholarship drive for high school seniors.
  • Sponsoring the Dancing with the Faculty fund-raiser which netted over $25,000 in scholarships.

Hamburg Teachers' Association

Clifford Huen, President

The Hamburg Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007, they demonstrated this by:

  • Contributing to the Hamburg Teachers' Association scholarships.
  • Contributing to the Destination Imagination team
  • Contributing to the Hamburg School Foundation.
  • Supporting Special Olympics.

Harrison Association of Teachers

Karen Magee, President

The Harrison Association of Teachers has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Donating $2,000 to Food Patch which assists families in need during the winter months.
  • Providing over 100 needy children, through the Children's Hope Chest, with new winter hats and mittens.
  • Sponsoring local sports teams and local theater performances throughout the year.

Hempstead Classroom Teachers' Association

Dawn Sherwood, President

The Hempstead Classroom Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Collecting coats and clothing and distributing them to students and families in need throughout the Hempstead community.
  • Participating in the American Cancer Society's Jones Beach Walk and fund-raiser.
  • Providing an informational session for adult education students on current immigration law issues.
  • Sponsoring fund-raisers for the Hempstead High Choir to perform in the Vienna Music Competition.

Hewlett-Woodmere Faculty Association

Joan Skowronek, President

The Hewlett-Woodmere Faculty Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring Autism Speaks.
  • Sponsoring Lymphoma Awareness.
  • Sponsoring Special Olympics.
  • Awarding scholarships through the Richard Lesser Memorial Award fund.

Kings Park Classroom Teachers' Association

James Pappas, President

The Kings Park Classroom Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Awarding $3,000 in scholarships to Kings Park High School students.
  • Participating in the Memorial Day and Veterans Day wreath presentation.
  • Supporting the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce's fund-raising efforts and donating to local food pantries throughout the year.
  • Donating $2,500 to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Lancaster Central Teachers'Association

Ursula Lundgard, President

The Lancaster Central Teachers consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Co-sponsoring the Lancaster/Depew Boys & Girls Club banquet.
  • Donating to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
  • Donating to the Lancaster Youth Bureau.
  • Donating to the YMCA Strong Kids campaign.

Lawrence Teachers' Association

Alma Fiumano, President

The Lawrence Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Contributing to the Summer Dream program at St. Joachim's Church.
  • Contributing $400 to Cedarhurst Little League.
  • Sponsoring the Lawrence Music Department's concert performance at Disney.
  • Contributing to families in the community after the loss of a family member.

Lockport Education Association

Gail Niparts, President

The Lockport Education Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising $6,253 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Raising $41,876 from Lockport Education Association members for the United Way campaign.
  • Awarding (4) $1,200 scholarships to the children of Lockport Education Association members.
  • Sending 45 members to ring Salvation Army bells.

Long Beach Classroom Teachers' Association

Frank Volpe, President

The Long Beach Classroom Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating to the Long Beach Police Benevolent Association.
  • Sponsoring and maintaining a community garden and purchasing paving bricks for community walkways to honor teacher retirees.
  • Awarding (3) $1,000 scholarships to seniors at Long Beach High School and contributing to the Harriet Bernstein and Joe Farrell Memorial scholarships.
  • Donating to the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, and Martin Luther King Memorial.

Mahopac Teachers' Association

Michael Hunt, President

The Mahopac Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating over $5,000 to the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Walk and $5,000 to the Relay for Life program.
  • Awarding more than $7,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors.
  • Providing the district with $250,000 worth of contractual relief after program cuts so they could reinstitute the after-school programs for the elementary schools and reactivate bus runs.

Marion Teachers' Association

Michael Herlan, President

The Marion Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring two local Special Olympic students with a $300 donation.
  • Donating $600 to local needy families to purchase gifts for the holidays.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Massapequa Federation of Teachers

Tomia Smith, President

The Massapequa Federation of Teachers has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating to the Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, Muscular Dystrophy, Christina Cowan Memorial Fund, Massapequa High School's Hall of Fame, Massapequa International Little League, and Massapequa Challenger baseball team.
  • Raising over $3,000 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Providing aid to community families in crisis by putting together meals and collecting donations.

Medina Teachers' Association

David Parzych, President

The Medina Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Participating in the Corporate Challenge for the Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservatory.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Donating funds for the purchase of an electric wheelchair for an injured student.

Middle Country Teachers' Association

Nadia Resnikoff, President

The Middle Country Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Distributing books to kindergarten students.
  • Contributing journals and gift cards to students who participate in the LIPC and MCTA essay contests.
  • Distributing Thanksgiving holiday baskets to needy families.
  • Awarding (6) scholarships to graduating seniors.

Middletown Teachers' Association

Sheila Esposito, President

The Middletown Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Awarding (6) $600 scholarships for high school seniors and (8) scholarships for 5th graders to attend summer sports camp.
  • Donating $1,000 to the City of Middletown Neighborhood Watch campaign.

Mineola Teachers' Association

Teresa Richards, President

The Mineola Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising over $16,200 for the Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Awarding $8,800 of scholarships for high school graduating seniors.
  • Contributing $3,930 toward the honors buffet given in recognition of all retirees and those who have given 25 years of service to education throughout the school district.

Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association

Ellis Searles, President

The Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Contributing a $500 sponsorship to the Ted Moore Run which raises funds for the Ted Moore Memorial Scholarship Award and promotes the awareness of the effects of drinking and driving.
  • Donating $300 to the Thea Bowman House which provides services to the community's most vulnerable children.
  • Contributing to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
  • Providing a $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding Mohawk Valley Community College student.

Mount Sinai Teachers' Association

Mitchell Wolman, President

The Mount Sinai Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Providing scholarship funds for six graduating seniors.
  • Sponsoring the Kevin Williams Memorial Golf Tournament
  • Donating to blood drives, clothing drives, holiday food drives, and SADD
  • Sponsoring the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and Special Olympics.

Newark Teachers' Association

Patricia Davidson, President

The Newark Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring the Safe-Driver program for new student drivers.
  • Donating $100 to the Newark Central School District to sponsor the boys basketball game sporting event on local TV.
  • Participating in the United Way campaign.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Newburgh Teachers' Association

Philip Cordella, President

The Newburgh Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating to the Safe Homes project to help victims of domestic violence.
  • Participating in the Felicia Cole fund-raiser to assist a member severely disabled from an automobile accident.
  • Participating in the Reading is Fundamental program to support reading material distribution to elementary school students.
  • Participating in the Black and Hispanic Coalition promoting community involvement and sponsoring the Habitat for Humanity House which provides housing for the needy.

Newfane Teachers' Association

Kyle Beth Bridgeman, President

The Newfane Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising over $24,000 to benefit the Niagara Hospice.
  • Awarding a $500 scholarship for a Newfane senior entering the field of education.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Participating in the Adopt-A-Highway program.

Niagara Falls Teachers

Joseph Catalano, President

The Niagara Falls Teachers have been dedicated to supporting their community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising over $10,000 through dress down Fridays for: Community Mission, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, and Roswell Cancer Institute.
  • Donating over $1,200 worth of new books to school libraries in an effort to take a proactive role in the district's initiative to improve reading scores.
  • Donating over $30,000 to the United Way.
  • Awarding (6) $1,000 scholarships.

North Babylon Teachers' Organization

Selina Durio, President

The North Babylon Teachers' Organization has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating toys, gifts, and books to over 75 community families during the holiday season.
  • Mailing over 200 boxes to soldiers in Iraq.
  • Donating over $8,000 to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and $1,625 to the American Cancer Society by selling daffodils.
  • Donating over 30 boxes of food items to the local food pantry.

North Bellmore Teachers' Association

Randee Colter, President

The North Bellmore Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising over $3,000 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Donating to the Make-a-Wish campaign.
  • Donating $382 to Doctors Without Borders.

North Tonawanda United Teachers

Linda Roach, President

The North Tonawanda United Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating $1,000 to help fund a scholarship honoring a recently deceased social worker.
  • Contributing new toys to the Toys For Tots campaign.
  • Donating $400 to Breast Cancer Awareness.
  • Donating turkeys and non-perishable food items to the North Tonawanda Food Pantry.

Nyack Teachers' Association

Donna Ramundo, President

The Nyack Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Collecting food for local food pantries.
  • Sponsoring the Character Education program.
  • Participating in the Toys for Tots collection.
  • Collecting donations from staff and parents to purchase grocery store gift cards for needy families.

Oceanside Federation of Teachers

Richard Roschelle, President

The Oceanside Federation of Teachers consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating $1,000 from each member to purchase supermarket gift certificates for Oceanside Community Services.
  • Awarding three scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing an education degree.
  • Sponsoring fund-raisers for Rotary International to help bring children from other countries to the US for life saving surgeries.
  • Sponsoring the Oceanside Federation annual toy party.

Oneida Teachers' Association

Brian Mroczek, President

The Oneida Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring two blood drives per year at the Oneida High School.
  • Participating in the Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and Locks for Love.
  • Donating $800 to the Ronald McDonald House.
  • Sponsoring Faculty Follies which raises money for student scholarships.

Plainedge Federation of Teachers

Laura Pokorny, President

The Plainedge Federation of Teachers consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Organizing the "We Make A Difference" awards which recognizes 165 children at a special ceremony.
  • Awarding (5) $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk every year since 1999 for a team total of $64,200; its retiree chapter raised over $20,600.
  • Organizing a "Get Out and Vote" campaign.

Riverhead Central Faculty Association

Barbara Barosa, President

The Riverhead Central Faculty Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring the Riverhead Community Music in the Park summer series.
  • Sponsoring a team at the North Fork Breast Health Coalition 5K Walk.
  • Sponsoring the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and the Blue Wave Booster Golf Tournament.
  • Awarding ten scholarships to Riverhead High School graduating seniors.

Rochester Teachers' Association

Dr. Adam Urbanski, President

The Rochester Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Establishing the Rochester Teachers' Association Books for Kids program, where hundreds of books for school age children are purchased so they have books accessible to them at home.
  • Establishing the Scott Spino award to honor a young teacher killed by a drunk driver. The award is given to a high school senior who intends to pursue a career in education.
  • Establishing the Gordon Dorway Science Award.
  • Establishing the Peter Castle Memorial Scholarship Award.

Rockville Centre Teachers' Association

Rosemarie Stein, President

The Rockville Centre Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Providing academic and athletic scholarships for graduating seniors.
  • Sponsoring the Rockville Centre Teachers' Association team in the Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Sponsoring a charity drive for the troops in Iraq.
  • Donating to the Sondra Friedman Memorial Social Studies Award and Scholarship.

Sachem Central Teachers' Association

Robert LaCorte, President

The Sachem Central Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising over $21,000 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
  • Awarding SCTA Educators of Tomorrow scholarships to high school seniors pursuing careers in education; the scholarships totaled $10,000.
  • Raising over $6,000 for the American Heart Association.
  • Participating in Hope for the Holidays providing clothing to over 600 needy families.

Spencerport Teachers' Association

John Kozlowski, President

The Spencerport Teachers' Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring an athlete campaign for Special Olympics.
  • Sponsoring a United Way volleyball tournament.
  • Holding a golf tournament to raise money for scholarships for high school seniors and sponsoring a junior basketball team.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and the MS Walk.

Syosset Teachers' Association

Jeffrey Rozran, President

The Syosset Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring a breakfast for Ride-for-Life which provides funds to support ALS patients and families.
  • Providing ten scholarships in partnership with the PTA for Syosset students attending college.
  • Sponsoring the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Participating in the Interfaith Nutrition Network food bank.

United Teachers of Island Trees

Karen Olsen, President

The United Teachers of Island Trees consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising over $5,500 through the Scrap-a-Thon fund-raiser for community families suffering with the devastation of Leukemia.
  • Raising over $2,000 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Awarding over $4,000 through the Island Trees District Scholarship fund to graduating seniors.
  • Donating $1,000 to the local Adopt-a-Family fund.

Valley Central Teachers' Association

Timothy Brown, President

The Valley Central Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk where 200 participants raised $12,720.
  • Awarding over $10,000 in scholarships and organizing fund-raisers for three memorial scholarships which totaled $6,256.
  • Organizing fund-raisers for Walk for Diabetes, Daffodils for Cancer, Flowers for the Heart, Relay for Life, and Care for Kids campaign.
  • Raising $1,352 for the Montgomery Food Pantry.

Wallkill Teachers' Association

Donna Carr, President

The Wallkill Teachers' Association has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Sponsoring a 50/50 raffle to benefit Special Olympics of NY.
  • Organizing several phone banks.
  • Sponsoring district-wide food drives to benefit local food pantries.
  • Awarding (5) $800 scholarships to the Wallkill Class of 2007 graduates.

Washington Academy Teachers' Association

Mary Kruchinski, President

The Washington Academy Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Holding the Washington County "Walk for a Cure," where over 300 walkers raised $30,000.
  • Donating money to the local library from College Sweatshirt Day which is held to promote college awareness.
  • Preparing "Books-in-Hand" reading bags for Pre-K children.

Watertown Education Association

Dianne Loonan, President

The Watertown Education Association considers community service to be an integral function of their local. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising apx. $2,000 helping to keep the Watertown Teen Center open.
  • Donating apx. $800 to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Donating $1,500 toward four scholarship awards for graduating seniors.
  • Donating $1,000 for the Critter Chronicles Story Time Series which provides free books to parents and children.

West Hempstead Education Association

Barbara Hafner, President

The West Hempstead Education Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Collecting toys for St. Thomas the Apostle Church which were distributed to the poor.
  • Participating in the Relay for Life and raising money for cancer research.
  • Donating (3) $500 scholarships, (2) $300 scholarships, (2) $250 scholarships, and (2) $150 scholarships for graduating seniors of West Hempstead High School.
  • Organizing phone banks for local and national elections and for the school budget vote.

West Irondequoit Teachers' Association

Beverly Engel, President

The West Irondequoit Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising $2,196 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Donating $250 to a scholarship fund for an orphaned high school student.
  • Sponsoring Special Olympics.
  • Awarding three scholarships to graduating seniors planning to study education.

Wilson Teachers' Association

Jeffrey Dabill, President

The Wilson Teachers' Association consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating food, clothing, and school supplies to needy families and students in the community.
  • Participating in the United Way Day of Caring.
  • Participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Participating in the Relay for Life.

Yonkers Federation of Teachers

Patricia Puleo, President

The Yonkers Federation of Teachers has been dedicated to supporting its community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Raising $11,000 for breast cancer research and participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
  • Donating $1,124 to the Food Patch campaign.
  • Sponsoring the annual Storybook Bonanza to encourage parents to read with their children. Over 1,000 storybooks were given to children in grades Pre-K through 6 th.
  • Donating $2,000 to Yonkers midnight basketball for the Nepperhan Community Center.

Yorktown Congress of Teachers

Robert Faigle, President

The Yorktown Congress of Teachers consistently evidences a belief in service to the community. In 2007 they demonstrated this by:

  • Donating $2,000 to the Beaver Farm Conference Center which provides food and clothing to needy families.
  • Awarding (4) $1,000 scholarships to Yorktown high school graduates.
  • Mentoring two high school students as interns at the Yorktown Congress of Teachers to learn about labor unions.
  • Donating $5,000 to the Yorktown Community Help food pantry.