Huntington SEPTA Presents Distinguished Service Awards
The Huntington School District's Special Education PTA never seems to tire from advocating for the student services and programs the group holds so dear. SEPTA takes delight in recognizing those teachers and teacher aides who have made especially significant contributions to the lives of the young people they work with.
Huntington SEPTA established the Distinguished Service Award to honor those who have gone the extra mile and played a key role in helping students with special needs reach their full potential. The organization presented teachers Theresa Matthews and Christopher Hender and Huntington High School teacher aide Ann Donegan with its coveted 2012 awards.
SEPTA actively solicits nominations for the awards and after they are received, a multi-member committee review essays and other materials that document how the individuals facilitate inclusion, interact with students, make a difference in the youngsters' lives and share their special qualities with parents and other staff members.
"Teaching is so dynamic and ever changing," said Mrs. Matthews, a longtime Southdown Primary School physical education teacher. "Every day is fresh and new and exciting. Teaching gives me the most heartfelt rewards. Using my own imagination and creativity, I try to make learning enjoyable, both for me and my students, inspiring them to be successful and reach for the stars!"
Mrs. Matthews acknowledged the SEPTA and the PTA for their "encouragement and support," Southdown Principal Michelle Marino, who the teacher called a "fantastic cheerleader," parents "for believing in me" and her students, "who continue to amaze and challenge us every day."
Mr. Hender, a Woodhull Intermediate School physical education teacher, also hanked SEPTA and the PTA "for their constant support, fundraising and the amount of resources they provide the community, because without them, our district would not be what it is today."
The Distinguished Service Awards were presented to the three staff members at the PTA Council's annual luncheon at the Huntington Crescent Club. The affair was attended by a crowd of about 125.
"Since I was little, I wanted to badly to become a special education teacher and help a student achieve a milestone and show the world their talents," Mr. Hender said. "I strongly believe that Huntington has the strongest special education program on Long Island."
Mr. Hender thanked many of his colleagues for closely working with him and for their help through the years. Among those cited was Nancy Wilson, the district's director of special education. "Nancy is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Without her work ethic, example, support and guidance, I would not be the teacher I am today. She always tells her staff that no matter what is going on in your life, when you have your class, put those kids ahead of every problem and make sure they are receiving the very best of you."