Padavan Honors Local Teachers

Over 200 hundred people were on hand Friday afternoon May 9th as New York State Senator Frank Padavan (Queens) honored over 40 outstanding teachers at an award ceremony celebrating “2008 Teacher Appreciation Week” in Queens. The ceremony, held at the Queens County Farm Museum, highlighted the honorees contributions to their schools and dedication to their students.

“Teachers play a vitally important role in the education and future of our children,” Padavan said. “Our collective efforts in ensuring our children have a first-class education would not be possible if it weren’t for the tireless dedication of our teachers. Today we say thank you to teachers who inspire our children to reach new heights and achieve their dreams.” 

Principals from each school throughout the 11th Senate District were encouraged to nominate an outstanding teacher from their school and submit that name to Senator Padavan to represent the school and be recognized at an awards ceremony in their honor at the end of National Teacher Appreciation Week. During the ceremony, Senator Padavan presented each honoree with a special Senate Certificate of Merit in recognition of their exceptional service as a teacher.

The Children’s Band from P.S. 31 in Bayside entertained the honorees and their guests prior to the start of the awards ceremony.

“The honorees here today represent the dedication, hard work and commitment of all teachers in classrooms throughout our community.” Padavan said. “I am proud to join here with the friends, family and colleagues of our outstanding teachers as we celebrate their lasting contributions to our future.”

 Teachers honored by Senator Padavan during the ceremony nclude:

• Diana Armada, Bilingual Dual Language Coordinator, P.S. 85
• Eileen Baginski, Fourth Grade, Mary’s Nativity School
• Angelica Benjamin, P.S./I.S 208
• Alan Brodsky, Bayside High School, Chemistry and General Science
• Kathryn Bruen, The Mary Louise Academy High School, Chairperson, Social Studies Dept.
• Susan Carrara, St. Mel’s School, Pre-K
• Miriam Chopp, Yeshiva University, Chemistry and General Science
• Ethel Conggro, Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School, Nursery
• Cheryl Crusco, P.S. 209, Fifth Grade
• Michael Donovan, St. Franics Preparatory High School, Mathematics
• Sara Durante, Whitestone Academy, Social Studies
• Sister Margaret Farley, CSJ, Immaculate Conception School, Pre-K
• Christine Fisher, JHS 194 William H. Carr, Special Education
• Patricia Friedman, Adrien Block School I.S. 25, English
• Ellen Goldfard, P.S. 193, Music
• Ronald Goldschlager, Francis Lewis High School, Math
• James Hauser, Incarnation School, Social Studies and Mathematics
• Sister Harmon, OP, St. Anges High School, US History
• David Johnson, Martin Van Buren High School, Social Studies
• Yves Julien, Cardozo High School, Mathematics
• Kathleen Kalansky, Jamaica High School, English
• Shari Kennedy, Bethel Christian Academy Elementary School, 2nd and 3rd Grade
• Maria Krauland, P.S. 159, Science
• Theresa Maggi, St. Andrew Avellino, Pre-K
• John Malinowski, Holy Cross High School, Mathematics
• Jennifer Matteo, St. Gerard Majella, 2nd Grade
• Lori Mayo, Queens High School of Teaching, English
• Ella Mendoza, St. Kevin’s, 3rd Grade
• Ryoji Mizutani, P.S. 35, 3rd  Grade  and Band
• Debra Molloy, Our Lady of Lourdes, 1st Grade
• JoAnn Mulchinski, P.S. 811, Teacher of Students with Autism
• Mose Ojeda, Thomas Edison Career and Technical High School, Information Technology
• Cindy Roma, St. Anastasia School, 4th and 5th Grade Social Studies and Science
• Lisa Rossdale, Queens Centers for Progress, Special Education Pre-School
• Sean Sammy, Bethel Christian Academy High School, Math and Science
• Jennifer Schecter, I.S. 158, Music
• Ellen Schuler, Holy Trinity Community School, 6th-8th Grade ELA, Math and Religion
• Jeanette Tillman, P.S. 33Q, 5th Grade Specialist
• Kathy Uhland-Tessoni, P.S. 22-The Thomas Jefferson School, Literacy Coach
• Marion Wunch, Sacred Heart, Pre-K Nursery

Teacher Appreciation Week was established in 1985 when the National Parent-Teacher Association(PTA) agreed to observe the first full week in May in dedication to teachers across the country.