Black History Month Awards Ceremony Honorees

BEVERLY A. THEODORE

“Sometimes we get so caught up in ourselves that we forget about others.”  Those are words taken directly from the mouth of Beverly Theodore.  And, they are words that she has used to change her own life. 

A career woman with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology from Farmingdale State University, a seat on the President’s List, and the recipient of the Richard R. Robinson Scholarship-C STEP Conference winner, Beverly Theodore knows that hard work equals success – or at least it should.  Especially when you begin your college career at the age of 40!

Still shy of her degree Beverly still sought her academic success.  But, as life would have it, any type of success would be fleeting.  As one position ended, and nothing new took its place, Beverly quickly went from academic and employment achiever to unemployed and the recipient of Section 8 housing.  With 5 children, this struggling Mom needed a new chance to start over – she needed to reinvent herself and quickly.

With not many jobs available in her chosen field of engineering, Beverly began looking for the fastest way to get support and head her into a new direction. She enrolled in the NYS Department of Labors Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) Program and the School Work Experience Program for a fresh start.  The programs offered guidance, training and programs to help give her resume’ renewed life in a new job market.  But, as one optimistic thing happened, adversity refused to stand down as Beverly then lost her housing through Section 8.  She was desperate!  Beverly turned to the Wyandanch Resource Center for help.  Although no new jobs were immediately forthcoming, Beverly found a renewed purpose.  As she began to volunteer at the Center, she was amazed of the number of people who came through the doors who were just as needy as she was – some even more so. 

Being a genuinely caring person at heart and with all that she had experienced, Beverly started helping those that came through the doors – tutoring them on programs, services, training, to help change their circumstances.  Over time, Beverly became one that was sought after at the Resource Center.  She was the one people looked for to help.  And help she did.  Not leaving a stone unturned to make a difference in the life of another. 

Beverly’s determination did not go unnoticed by the administration of the Wyandanch Resource Center.  The Director of the Center, Kimberly Jean-Pierre (a past recipient of Senator Phil Boyle’s Black History Month Award), took notice of her selfless acts of kindness, support and commitment that Beverly demonstrated on a daily basis and offered her a job.  This new position only stimulated Beverly’s need to help even more.  During the difficult struggles in her life she realized that no matter how bad you think you have it, someone out there always has it worse than you.  Hence her commitment to never get so caught up with her own problems and forget the problems of others. 

Not that it came to anyone’s surprise, after Kimberly Jean-Pierre was elected to the New York State Assembly; she recommended that Beverly Theodore replace her as Director of the Wyandanch Resource Center.  And she is still there today working tirelessly - ensuring that everyone that walks through the doors is treated with dignity, is offered the greatest amount of support, is encouraged to persevere, even when times are darkest and show support to those around them – reminding them that change comes in many ways – sometimes the most significant is when you are helping others.

Beverly Theodore resides in West Babylon and has 5 children and 4 grandchildren with one on the way!

CARRIE SWINSON

Carrie Bell Jones was born to David and Rosetta Jones, in Savannah Georgia.

After the death of her mother at 19 months old, Carrie was raised by her grandmother, the late Eliza J. Haynes.

Carrie attended the 7^th Day Adventist Elementary School and the Alfred E. Beach High School in Savannah, Georgia.   There Carrie met and married her late husband, Eugene, while still in High School.  Even with her married status, Carrie remained in school and graduated with her class.  After graduation she attended Savannah State where she initially majored in English and later changed her major to Nursing.

Upon graduation from Savannah State, Carrie and Eugene moved to Amityville, NY with their three children; Gwendolyn,  Eugenia and Ernest.  Carrie soon found employment at Lakeside Hospital as a labor and delivery room nurse.  While employed at Lakeside Hospital, she gave birth to Pamela, Lisa, Paula and David.  From Lakeside Carrie then moved to Massapequa General in 1964 and later to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, once again as a labor and delivery room nurse.  While working at St. John’s, Carrie and Eugene welcome three more additions to the family; Matthew, Mark and Corey.  Carrie considers raising her 10 children with her husband and her their grandmother (her mother) the greatest accomplishment in life.

While she was a diligent, devoted and hardworking nurse, it didn’t stop her from attending her children’s many school plays, musical concerts, sporting events and competitions.  She had a constant presence at the PTA where she was a diligent member and participant.  Like any good mother of faith, Carrie taught her children about Christianity and emphasized education and civil responsibility.

Carrie retired from Nursing in 1999, however, she continued to work per diem as a labor and delivery room nurse until 2010. To this day Carrie does volunteer work for the sick and shut-ins, taking them to doctors’ appointments, grocery shopping and simply being a caring friend.  Carrie Swinson considers herself blessed to be the proud mother of ten children; Gwen, Ernest, Eugenia, Pam, Lisa, Paula, David, Matthew, Mark, and the late Corey Swinson.  She is equally proud to be the grandmother of eighteen grandchildren; Laura, Akeela, Corey, Trevor, William, Sydney, Noah, Mateo, Messiah, Elizabeth, Carrie Ann, Olivia, Nigel, Sara, Jeremiah, Mark Anthony, Hazel and Marc Charles. 

 CLEVELAND JOHNSON 

They say that behind every great man is an even greater woman.  But, here’s a flip – behind a particularly amazing woman is an equally amazing man.  Cleveland Johnson, Jr., the husband of former Islip Town Clerk Joan Johnson, is the former Regional Director of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and has worked in the public sector for thirty-five years, holding positions of responsibility and leadership throughout.

From military service to New York City, then town, county, state and federal governments, Cleveland Johnson has demonstrated his expertise in crafting many innovative and multi-disciplinary approaches to the development of social policy for the country.

While blending this unique high level government background with successful business experience, Mr. Johnson has developed a range of influence that spans all levels of government, both executive and legislative, and the private sector.  Cleveland Johnson directed Region II with more than 8,500 employees and program expenditures of more than 64 billion dollars.  The region consists of the states of New York, New Jersey and the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Since leaving government, Cleveland Johnson has turned his time and attention to the private sector developing new business and fundraising.  His continuing commitment to public and community service finds expression by serving on several Boards of Directors of non-profit organizations including:  the Vice Presidency of the Nassau-Suffolk Health and Hospital Planning Council; the Nassau-Suffolk Comprehensive Health Planning Council; the Suffolk County IDA, Founder and Director of Business Development Center at SUNY College of Technology; Vice President of the Guide Dog Foundation Board of Directors; the Founder and Chair of the Islip Town, Suffolk County and New York State Council of Afro-American Republicans; the President Emeritus of the Urban League of Long Island, President of Cornell Cooperative Extension; Board Member of WLIW, PBS Channel 21; and a Member of the President’s Advisory Board of Cornell University.  All of these are just a mere sampling of the more than four dozen agencies, organizations and affiliations that Cleveland Johnson is connected with.  Professionally,  Mr. Johnson is also a Director, for over 30 years, on Boards of Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York and IntrAmerica Life Insurance Company of Northbrook, Illinois.

Backing up his extensive career with a solid education, Cleveland Johnson holds a Masters Degree from New York University, a Bachelors Degree from Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana and was a graduate of the New York City Police Academy.

ERICA L. PRINCE

Erica Prince is not traditional – not by a long shot.  This Wyandanch mother of 3 doesn’t take adversity, poverty, homelessness and struggles the traditional way.  For her there is no lying down and feeling sorry for yourself.  She doesn’t use hard times as an excuse to give up - instead Erica Prince fights back hard with education and acceptance.  Erica fights back through exploration and advocacy.  Erica fights back with courage and a sharing spirit.  Erica fights for herself and anyone who is willing to take her hand and follow her as she pushes forward.  When Erica educates herself, explores opportunities, demonstrates courage, she does so with an outstretched hand to bring another struggling soul with her - and she does it with humanity, dignity, compassion and an enterprising spirit.  Unlike most that find themselves in the throes of adversity, she doesn’t just fight back, she brings as many as she can back to the top with her. 

In 2013 Erica Prince found herself and her children homeless.  For 6 months she worked tirelessly to help change her situation.  To supplement her income, Erica created her own business “Designs by Ms. E” where she designed and produced various styles of purses that looked like fun little skirts just for little girls.  With her youngest daughter, Erica shopped her wares everywhere and found that not only was she talented but, she had a market for her designs.  Phase one of her rebound had begun. 

The next phase sent her to the Wyandanch Resource Center for additional support.  Through the Center Erica learned of a training program through Suffolk County where she would learn a trade - but this one was a little out of the ordinary.  Without taking time to talk herself out of it, Erica Prince found herself enrolled in the Suffolk County Department of Labors Electrical Training Center and it’s Intro to Construction - Pre-Apprenticeship Program.  Erica was going to be a contractor!  Not only did she excel in her classes but, in a class of 14 men and 2 women Erica wound up being the class Valedictorian.  She also won the Leadership Award and the Fortitude Award for her unending service to her classmates.  They affectionately called her “Mom!”  Throughout the program Erica’s classmates found that she was tireless and through what sometimes seemed like great adversity, Erica refused to give up.  And she wouldn’t let anyone else give up either.  “Giving up on yourself is not an option.  I find it’s more rewarding to support others to get them from one point to another,” Erica stated.  “I hate to see people fail, especially when they just need to know someone cares.”  It was clear that Erica’s phase two was going to be a success and a new career was taking shape.

After graduating from North Babylon High School Erica served her country in the U.S. Army for three years.  She is now OSHA certified and a member of the Carpenters Union – Local 290 where she is a laborer employed on the Wyandanch Rising Project.  When not working Erica participates in the “Council of Thought and Action” (COTA) program through the Suffolk County Police Department and is training to be a team advisor.  She also organizes food drives and clothing; volunteers for Nassau/Suffolk Habitat for Humanity; she bakes cookies (just to brighten someone’s day), crochets, sews and loves being home with her daughter.  As if all the outreach were not enough, Erica is an active member of her house of worship, the Revelation Church of God and Christ. 

Erica L. Prince is not one for simple tradition – but, she is one who will traditionally serve for the simple pleasure of it.

IAN DONOVAN SEXTON JR.

Ian Donovan Sexton Jr. is a Wyandanch resident who has always prided himself on working hard. Before even being old enough to work full time on the books Ian lent a hand at a local barber shop. There he learned valuable life lessons of why to work hard and the possible consequences if you don’t. Following his employment at the barber shop he began working at a local youth center as a camp councilor, he would continue his work there for three summers  in a row.

Presently,  Ian attends Wyandanch Memorial High School and participates in many extracurricular activities. Some of the things he is involved in are year book committee; tutor for children ages k-6 at a local youth center; JROTC as a S3; member of the Raider Challenge team; and Vice-president of the Wyandanch Executive Student Council.

Ian plans on attending CUNY Bernard Baruch College and pursuing a career as an accountant.

JAMES “JIM” WALLACE, JR.

James Wallace, Jr. boasts a distinguished career as a professional athlete, coach, and educator. A native of Tampa, Fl., Mr. Wallace attended High School in Pompano Beach, Fl. Even as a High School student, Jim demonstrated that he was on a course of excellence when he earned the title of letterman in four sports: football, baseball, basketball and track. Jim is a graduate of the University of Maryland – Eastern Shore where he was named small college All-American; SUNY Stony Brook where he earned a Master’s degree in Education and Liberal Studies; and Hofstra University with a Master of Health Science Education.

After completing his undergraduate education, James Wallace was drafted by the Philadelphia Bulldogs of the Continental Football League. He played for them for many years until he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. It was during his tenure there that Jim suffered a serious shoulder injury that led to his early retirement from professional football.

Following his retirement as a professional athlete, Jim moved to Long Island where he became a physical education teacher and recreational therapist for the Central Islip School District. After two years, Jim moved to Wyandanch, NY and began teaching Health and Physical Education for the Wyandanch School District, making him the first African- American Head Football Coach on Long Island. In 1971, when Jim was coaching the Girls’ Track Team, they received their first invitation to the NYS Invitational Track Meet. There they triumphed with three top honors in the 440 relay, the mile relay and the long jump. In the same year, under Jim’s direction, the Boys’ Track Team was victorious over Riverhead to win the best mile relay in Suffolk County and the Section 11 Championship. As a result, Coach Wallace was named Coach of the Year and awarded a trophy. Coach Wallace also worked extensively with the PAL football program. Despite the coach’s intensive schedule, he was part of a strategic planning committee responsible for a plan that resulted in the construction of the Wyandanch Day Care Center, a facility which continues to serve that community today. Jim was promoted to Supervisor of NYC Adaptive Physical Education and Recreational Therapy. After a career of thirty years, Coach Wallace retired in 1998. A year later, he was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame of the University of Maryland – Eastern Shore.

Even in his retirement years, Coach Wallace continues to assist families in need in underserved communities across Suffolk County. He assists people in need of food and clothing and mentors youth. Jim continues to encourage young people to excel, and to explore opportunities to lead and to make a difference in their communities. Each year, Jim helps to send youth on college tours to introduce Suffolk County High School and Middle School students in underserved communities to the possibilities of furthering their education.

Jim is actively involved as one of the leading members of the Durham AME Zion Church congregation in Bay Shore.

Jim Wallace is a distinguished member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Chi Rho Chapter, and a Special Deputy Grand Master of Hollywood Lodge #92 of the most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, under the direction of Dr. Gregory R. Smith, Grand Master of the State of New York and its Jurisdiction.

Jim is married to Bertha Mae Wallace. The Wallaces are the proud parents of four children.

JOAN B. JOHNSON 

Joan Johnson served as the Town Clerk for the Town of Islip in Suffolk County, New York, from 1991 to 2007. She won each of her bids for re-election with over sixty-five percent of the vote.  Joan’s victory in 1991 was historic because it earned her the distinction of being the first African-American to hold an elected office in the Town of Islip’s 311 year history.

Throughout her life, and during her time in office, Joan has shown a tremendous commitment to education. She knows first-hand that education affords everyone the opportunity to succeed.  She demonstrated this through her participation on various community-based organizations and involvement in education initiatives. She served on the Central Islip Board of Education, becoming Vice-President during her second term.

Joan has had a lifetime involvement with the Long Island Head Start Program. She began in 1970 working at the Central Islip program as a social worker and, later, as its director. She went on to serve as the Suffolk County Executive Director and, ultimately, Chair of the Board of Directors. Currently, Joan is a member of the Executive Board. 

Joan likes to "practice what she preaches”. She stresses that we should work with students at all levels to stimulate their learning potential. She served as an Adjunct Professor at the New York Institute of Technology where she was cited by her students as, "one of the most remarkable, kindhearted, caring and sincere teachers that we have ever come across."  She was also a guest lecturer in classrooms throughout the County.  Joan’s dedication to education has earned her many awards and honors, including the Phi Delta Kappa "Friend of Education Award” and an Honorary Doctor of Civil Laws degree from Dowling College in New York.

Joan’s concern for people and their issues have created a remarkable legacy of involvement.  She is the recipient of several public and community service awards including:

• the Clara Barton Award from the American Red Cross 
• Central Islip's Woman of the Year
• the Role Model Award from the National Council of Negro Women
• the Community Service Award from The National Association of Black Business and Professional Women
• Honorary Guardian of the Year
• the Community Service Award for the Islip N.A.A.C.P.
• Woman of Excellence, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Award
• Honored as one of only eighty-one women chosen from among 32,000 in the national "Women Making a Difference” Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 
• Mrs. Johnson won the title of Ms. Senior New York State for 1995 and went on to participate in the National Pageant in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she finished First Runner-up in America.  
• Honored by the Junior League of Long Island for her Volunteer Services
• United Way recognized her as a "Volunteer of the Year”.  
• Honored by the New York State Senate as their "Woman of Distinction” 
• “Woman of the Year” (2000) by the Latina Women’s Society for Social Change
• Honored with the prestigious "Distinguished Alumna Service Award” by the New York State University at Stony Brook by their Alumni Association

Joan has been married to her husband, Cleveland, for fifty-seven years.  They are the proud parents of four children and are even prouder of their eleven grandchildren!

LYSTRA CONSTANTINE-GADDY

In 1982, Lystra and her husband Lee moved to Cypress Hill Brooklyn. She later joined the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, an organization established by activists and merchants to help with economic development, housing counseling, families and youth services within the community. As trustee she was appointed chairperson of the festival committee; which organized an annual event that takes place within the Cypress Hills community at the end of the summer.

When her children entered the NYC public school system ( district 19) she was disappointed in the educational process and the roles parents played.  When she asked questions she was never given a straight answer. The Parent Teacher Association within the schools only functioned as a fundraising tool for the schools, not as a partnership.  Lystra saw an opportunity to be the voice of the parents and immediately took action.  She held various positions, PTA President, PTA Council President and other committees in an out of school.  She also co-founded the Parent Collation an organization that helped organized many trips on gun control to Albany and Washington, D.C..

 In 1996, Lystra and her family relocated to Wheatley Heights NY, a hamlet of Town of Babylon.  She joined the Mother’s Club of Wheatley Heights, a grass-root organization made up of black and brown women of all backgrounds committed to empowering their theme “it takes a village to raise a child.” The group was instrumental in changing hiring policies, and educational programs within the Half Hollow Hills School District.  Lystra believed in service, she is also a member of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church in Wyandanch, the Concerned Taxpayer of Wheatley Heights/Dix Hills and The Hills Foundation.

 In 2013, Lystra along with women from the Wyandanch community started Wyandanch Mothers for Change, to empower women in the community on various issues. In the short time this small group of women have participated in various events with the community, such as Wyandanch Fall festival, helped the Wyandanch High PTA and for Christmas donated books to the Wyandanch elementary students. 

Lystra is married to her supporting husband, Lee Gaddy, a retired NYC detective, for 35 years. They have three children, Kasseine, Syreeta and Sean, as well as, 4 grandchildren Kaliyah, Kasseine Jr, Kareem and Kamay.

This family of service congratulated their son Sean in December 2013, as a Nassau County Police Officer.

NIA SIMONE SINGER

 Nia Simone Singer is a freshman at Bay Shore High School and can easily be described as an effervescent, easy-going, empathic young woman who enjoys working on behalf of those less fortunate than she.  

 The Singer family has a long relationship with YES.  From an early age Nia and her brother Myles were enrolled in numerous programs in the agency including the Saturday Enrichment Program, the Memorial Day Parade and Teen Drop-ins.  Now, Nia has brought her relationship with YES full circle.  She is no longer just a participant but now a full-time volunteer, as a teen mentor, assisting in teen socials and the youth program, working on special projects and more.  You probably could have guessed that when a volunteer is needed, Nia is the first one to raise her hand.  YES gave to her and her family and now Nia is truly giving back to YES in a dynamic way.  In fact, Nia and her entire family continue to be active volunteers and have done so much for the overall YES program from the beginning to the end. 

 While attending her last year at Bay Shore Middle School, Nia learned firsthand how giving time and energy from the heart can truly fill a person up.  During this past summer Nia worked with the young Campers of the I.E. Summer Program.  As a first time employee Nia did not know what to expect. When asked what she liked most about her inaugural work experience she explained, “I truly enjoyed just spending time with the kids and helping them learn and enjoy themselves.”

 Nia loves volunteering, babysitting and all athletic and musical experiences.  She was a member of the Bay Shore Middle School track team and Chorus and plans to participate in the same activities during her high school career.  Nia has a profound interest in fashion and hopes to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) once she graduates.

 Nia admits that her academic success and community involvement is in large part due to her parents, Gregory and Roxanne, her brother Myles, who received Senator Boyle’s Black History Month Award last year, her extended family and friends – even her dog, Brooklyn.  She would like to thank them all for their love, support and inspiration.

SANDRA HAWKINS THOMAS

 Sandra Thomas has been an advocate and social activist for over 40 years.  Her commitment to youth, as well as the poor, have been her primary focus.

Her activism in her community has included many innovative programs.  Sandra, along with nine other individuals from her church, founded and established Resurrection House, which is a community-based shelter for homeless families.  Since its inception, Resurrection House has grown to six houses, one for the shelter and five for transitional housing (13 apartments).  She has served as President of the Board of Directors and is currently an active Board member.  In addition to her activities with Resurrection House, Sandra is the immediate past President of the Concerned Taxpayers of Wheatley Heights/Dix Hills Civic Association.  She is also a Board Member of the Industrial Development Agency for the Town of Babylon (IDA). She is currently a member of Suffolk County’s African American Advisory Board. Sandra is the former Co-Chairperson of the Half Hollow Hills school district‘s PTA Council Diversity Committee. Sandra was the originator of the District’s Unity Fair which continues today. She is currently a member of The Achievement Gap committee for the Half Hollow Hills School District where her main focus is staff development.

Sandra is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated where she serves on the Delta GEMS Committee and she is on the committee for the Men of the Future Consortium, Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence (EMBODI) working collaboratively with the members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Links Inc. She is also a charter member of the Eastern Shore LINKS and serves on their Services to Youth and International Trends Facets as well as Chair of the Legislative Committee.  Sandra is an original founding and active member of the Mother’s Club of Wheatley Heights, where she has been the Education Co-Chair for many years.  Sandra is a former group leader of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal’s Baptismal Committee.  She and her husband Douglas currently serve on the small Christian Community Committee as well as serving as Eucharistic Ministers. Sandra is also a member of the Round Table for the Common Good at her church.

Sandra is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Eastern Suffolk BOCES.  Her activism in her job have included creating and developing innovative programs to dispel racism, build esteem, and assist parents with parenting.  Many of her ideas and programs have been adopted by other schools within the Eastern Suffolk BOCES region.

In addition, Sandra Thomas has lead workshops in parenting skills for SETRC, the Special Education Training and Resource Center.  She is a former trainer for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, assisting Correction Officers with identifying and handling mildly retarded prisoners.  Sandra has also served as a graduate field instructor for SUNY at Stony Brook and Fordham University. 

She and her husband have three daughters. Sandra has been a political, educational and socially conscientious voice in the Wheatley Heights community for many years.

TUERE MORTON

Tuere Morton’s activism began several years ago when she joined civil rights organization, the Islip Town Branch NAACP. Serving on their executive board, she coordinated several annual Back to School/Stay in School Rallies where school-aged children in underserved communities were given free school supplies while being motivated to succeed in their upcoming school year. Some of her work involved guest speaking to the Town of Islip's Anti-Bias Task force of high school students.

Mrs. Morton chairs a diverse group of parents, residents and volunteers whose mission is to identify, explore and implement strategies that encourage community involvement, the Bay Shore – Brightwaters Multi-Cultural Committee. She sits on the executive board of the Summit Council whose unified voice of the hamlet of Bay Shore improves the community’s quality of life through teamwork, pride and open communication. She also participated in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program. Alongside other community leaders, she contributed to developing strategies towards making our community more resilient in the face of the next natural disaster.

Mrs. Morton received her masters degree in Nursing at Stony Brook University where she earned her Adult Nurse Practitioner's license. She works as a community health nurse in the Town of Islip where she currently resides with her family. In addition to two grade school-aged children, their oldest began his freshman year in SUNY Buffalo's Civil Engineering program. If you can believe Mrs. Morton has any spare time, she enjoys reading and editing her novel.

VICTORIA J. MORGAN

Victoria J. Morgan is a driven student who dedicates her life to working towards her academic goals. Sixth grade was the first time she was inducted into the Copiague School District honor roll. By seventh grade Victoria was inducted into the Junior National Honor Society, to this day she works vigorously to maintain her academic honors.

Currently, Victoria attends Wyandanch High School where she is the secretary of the National Honor Society. She has persevered academically by following the advice of her mother to stay focused on her schoolwork every single day.

She also participates in several other programs at Wyandanch High School which include JROTC Drill Team under the leadership of Sergeant Bell and Sergeant Kingston; student volunteer at Stony Brook; HOPE program; and a science research student for NYCOM Science/Math/Technology Program.   

Victoria is preparing for her college career by receiving college credits through the Smart Scholars Program. In eleventh grade she received her CNA certification through the Nursing Assisting Program at Wilson Tech. She is also enlisted in the Professional Health Studies Program at Wilson Tech.

Upon graduation, Victoria plans to enlist in the United States National Guard Reserves and attend college. She hopes to pursue a degree in occupational therapy.

Victoria would like to thank her parents, Cecil and Brenda Morgan, and her brothers, Wayne, Michael and Robert for their endless support, memories and love they have shared as the “Morgan Six.” 

WILLIAM K. MOSS, III

William K. Moss III (a.k.a. Billy Moss) graduated Brentwood High School with honors as his class’ Salutatorian and President in June of 1995. Since then, Billy has earned his B.A. with honors from Harvard College in Children’s Studies and Mathematics Education and his M.Ed. from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education where he majored in Moral and Social Development and Character Education.  Billy has completed his doctoral coursework in Educational Leadership, earning both School District Administrator and Bilingual Education certifications. Billy taught mathematics in Brentwood school district for 11 years and now serves as the Math and Science Chairman at Lawrence High School. In December 2000, Long Island Newsday printed a cover story about Billy’s return to Brentwood from Harvard. And in February 2001, FOX 5 News broadcast a segment similarly about Billy’s return. In May 2009, Billy was featured on the DirectTV televisions series “Hometown Heroes” for his community service work and accomplishments. He is co-founder of the Brentwood Alumni Student Association, Inc., and serves as president of the NAACP Islip Town Branch and Brentwood Youth Activities. He has been an advocate for Student Leadership having served as a Student Council Advisor and having been elected to the New York State Council for Leadership and Student Activities where he played a leading role in the execution of local and state leadership conferences for high school students. In his spare hours, Billy tutors mathematics and SAT prep privately and was the on-site Director of the Rising Star Summer Leadership Camp, which teaches character, mathematics and English language arts in a mentoring environment. In addition, Billy has won various awards on both regional and national levels. He is a Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation National Scholar, National Westinghouse Semifinalist, National Tandy Technology Scholar, NAACP ACT-SO Mathematics National Silver Medalist, and NAACP Sutton Scholarship recipient. In 2013 Billy was nominated for the Council of Administrators and Supervisors’ Director/Chairperson of the Year. Billy received the 2008 Trailblazer Award from the Mid-Island Club, received community service recognition in 2008 from Hope Missionary Baptist Church, was named a Long Island HERO in 2010 by Long Island with Alicia, received the 2013 Cultural Excellence Award from the Skyye Center, and received the 2014 Award for Excellence and Unique Leadership from Body Shop Enterprises.