Administrators, students, staff and families from throughout the district filled the Lynbrook High School auditorium on Feb. 7 for the Lynbrook Council of PTAs Founders’ Day Celebration, “Inspire, Motivate and Create.” Seventeen individuals were honored during the evening for their service to the Lynbrook school community. This included respected administrators, community members, parents, teachers and staff.
The annual event recognizes the founding of the National Congress of Mothers, the precursor to the modern PTA. One by one, members of the Lynbrook Council of PTAs, Lynbrook SEPTA, Lynbrook North Middle School PTA, Lynbrook South Middle School PTA, Marion Street School PTA, Waverly Park School PTA, West End School PTA and Lynbrook High School PTA presented their honorees while praising each individual’s strengths, dedication and commitment to touching the lives of the Lynbrook school community. Each honoree received a standing ovation from the crowd as they were called up to be recognized.
The Marion Street PTA honored beloved teacher Steven Freifeld with the Distinguished Service Award for his years of inspiring children, supporting the PTA and being a leader in the district.
“Mr. Freifeld is a one of a kind educator who has had a huge part in making Marion Street the incredible school that it is today,” said Marion Street PTA Co-President Lauren Pignataro. “Thank you Mr. Freifeld for building bridges between the home and the school, between the past and the present and between our young children and their future.”
Recipients that received the PTA Honorary Life Membership Award included Roseann Andrews, Dr. Gerard Beleckas, Marihelen Benedict, Kathryn Casey, George Constanti, Patrick Cussen, Kristin Gragnano, Courtney Jacobs, Nikolaos Kardasis, James O’Hara, Beth O’Keeffe, Ellen Postman, Stephanie Reel, Catherine Ryan, Kelly Stapleton and Dorota Zois.
Following the ceremony, the honorees enjoyed a reception in the Lynbrook High School cafeteria with their loved ones.