LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michelle Marino upon the occasion of her
retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Huntington
Union Free School District

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great
State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michelle Mari-
no upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of distinguished
service to the Huntington Union Free School District; this momentous
occasion will be celebrated with a Retirement Party in her honor on
Friday, June 20, 2014, at Crestwood Manor, Northport, New York; and
WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the
success of Southdown Primary School is due in large part to the efforts
of Michelle Marino; and
WHEREAS, A true inspiration and mentor, Michelle Marino served the
Huntington Union Free School District for more than three decades; she
will officially retire from Southdown Primary School at the end of the
current school year; and
WHEREAS, Michelle Marino has been with Southdown Primary School since
2003; a longtime member of Huntington's educational team, she came to
the district in 1982, and has 20 years of teaching experience; and
WHEREAS, Known for her boundless energy and enthusiasm, Michelle Mari-
no is an articulate advocate for Southdown's students and programs, and
is highly regarded throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, A 1979 graduate of Long Island University C.W. Post College,
Michelle Marino holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education; she
earned a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1989 from
Dowling College, where she also obtained certification in School Admin-
istration in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Michelle Marino is certified to teach nursery
school through sixth grade, Kindergarten through 12 Art, and English-as-
a-second language (ESL); and
WHEREAS, During the 1994-95 school year, Michelle Marino served as
Principal of the Woodhull Early Childhood Center at a time when the site
housed the district's entire Kindergarten population; she has also
worked as Director of the Discovery program at the Usdan Center for the
Creative and Performing Arts in Wheatley Heights where she launched a
unique hands-on early childhood program with an emphasis on music, art
and dance for primary level students; and
WHEREAS, As a teacher, Michelle Marino was sought after by both
students and their parents; the Huntington Foundation awarded her a
grant for the development of a student facilitated habitat house, and
she has also been a nominee for the prestigious Disney Teacher of the
Year Award as well as for the New York State Better Beginnings Award;
and
WHEREAS, With Michelle Marino's leadership and a determined group of
teachers and parents, Southdown Primary School won the International
Alliance for Invitational Education's prestigious Inviting Schools Award
in 2010; she garnered the Huntington Foundation's Spirit Award in 2011;
and
WHEREAS, The Huntington community is indeed fortunate and blessed to
have such a dedicated and respected educational leader for more than
three decades; her wisdom and contributions reached into every class-
room, and she truly made a difference in the lives of those lucky enough
to have worked with her; and

WHEREAS, Michelle Marino has continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for
the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at the
Huntington Union Free School District for the benefit of its faculty and
students, as well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, In completing her service as a teacher, Michelle Marino
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she leaves behind a
legacy to the residents of the Huntington community and to future gener-
ations of its students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Michelle Marino upon the occasion of her retirement, and for her
significant contributions to education in New York State; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michelle Marino.