Stars Glitter at Huntington Foundation Gala
Bitter cold temperatures didn’t stop several hundred supporters of public education from turning out to honor longtime Huntington High School math teacher Doris Quintilian at the Huntington Foundation’s annual gala last Friday night at The Woodlands estate in Woodbury.
The crowd danced, dined and participated in live and silent auctions as Mrs. Quintilian’s three decade long career was celebrated with touching tributes from family members and elected officials. The Foundation presented her with its prestigious Spirit Award for her commitment to excellence and remarkable dedication to the more than 3,500 students she has guided through courses on the junior high and high school levels.
The event raised $24,000, which will be plowed back into the Huntington School District via grant programs that encourage innovative classroom practices and creative initiatives.
Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education President Carly Burnett said that in an era of budget cuts, the organization she leads is more vital than ever. She thanked those who have worked so hard on its behalf and spoke glowingly of the Foundation’s accomplishments, including donating more than $650,000 to the district over the past 16 years.
Mrs. Quintilian said she knew as a high school senior that she wanted to be a teacher and joined the Future Teachers of America club at Copiague High School, where she was valedictorian of her graduating class. One day she was given a chance to teach a lesson to a third grade class. “I taught them about cumulus and cirrus clouds and that was it,” Mrs. Quintilian said, “I caught the teacher bug.”
The Spirit Award honoree told a story about a “chatty” student she worked closely with last year who was struggling in math. As the weeks turned into months, steady but challenging progress was made. On the very last day of class the student insisted on having her classmates and teacher pose for a series of photos. When the final bell rang, “my ‘chatty Cathy’ said ‘Mrs. Quintilian’ and she opened her arms and gave me the biggest hug. As the Master Card commercial says: ‘Priceless,’” Mrs. Quintilian said.
“They say you get what you give, but there is an imbalance in my equation,” Mrs. Quintilian told the crowd. “I receive so much more from your children. I am very fortunate. I love what I do. Teaching is my life. I thank you so very much for this honor. I will always, always remember this evening.” The gala crowd gave her a standing ovation.
Tables were filled with public education supporters and community minded individuals. “The Foundation plays a most important role in the district,” Superintendent John J. Finello said. “It has really enhanced our educationally program and been a true friend to both students and teachers. All of us appreciate the work these dedicated volunteers continue to perform.”
Since it was established, the Foundation’s grant programs have made an impact in every school, touching every program by providing enhancements that couldn’t be funded through the regular budget.
Array of Items Auctioned
About a hundred area businesses and individuals contributed thousands of dollars worth of prizes that were either raffled off or put up for auction. Professional auctioneer Jeff Klaverweiden proved adept at coaxing money from attendees for items ranging from vacation packages, jewelry, tickets to professional sporting events and a private wine tasting to a six-hour charter fishing trip, country club golf outing, free home heating oil and Dave and Buster’s party for 15.
Elected Officials Participate in Tribute
New York Assemblyman James D. Conte, a 1977 Huntington graduate, was on hand to present Mrs. Quintilian with a state citation, extolling her service and applauding her achievements. “Her efforts and the work of the Foundation are both inspiring,” said Mr. Conte, whose wife Debbie accompanied him to the dinner.
Town Council members Mark Cuthbertson and Stuart Besen were also on hand to praise Mrs. Quintilian and present her with a proclamation. Mr. Cuthbertson noted he comes from a family of teachers and Mr. Besen joked that if he had a math teacher like Mrs. Quintilian, who is known to bring bagels to class for her students, he would have earned better grades.
This was the Huntington Foundation’s night to shine, and it did just that. The elegant Gold Coast era surroundings lent grace and dignity to an evening that saw the district’s administrative ranks turn out en masse, along with dozens of faculty members and hundreds of parents. At one point the dance floor simultaneously included the superintendent, three principals, a program chairperson and several school trustees, plus dozens of parents and teachers.
The more money the Foundation raises, the more it can contribute for programs and equipment and even support for students who cannot afford to pay for field trips or for the sixth grade Greenkill outdoor environmental education trip.
Once the auctions and tributes ended, the crowd spilled out of its seats and onto the dance floor, enjoying twirls and whirls while nearby fireplaces roared, although the energy and excitement generated from the night’s events was more than enough to heat the large banquet room almost by itself.
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