Senator Fuschillo Congratulates Freeport Resident on Being Named Adult Education Student of the Year

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently congratulated Freeport resident Smaily Ogando on being named Adult Student of the Year by the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education.

     “Smaily Ogando is an inspiration and a wonderful example of how studying and working hard can help achieve your goals, no matter what your age. It was a pleasure meeting this remarkable man and congratulating him on earning this honor. I wish him the very best for continued success,” said Senator Fuschillo.

     Mr. Ogando immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic and enrolled in Freeport Adult Education’s ESOL class to learn English. He was a dedicated student who made significant progress in his courses and earned a GED diploma, all while working a full time job. Mr. Ogando plans to continue his education in the field of computers at Nassau Community College.

     Mr. Ogando was nominated for the award by Freeport Adult Continuing/Community Education Director Estelle Weiss, and his teachers, Maria Shore, Flory Carmona, and Donna O’Donhoe.

     Senator Fuschillo presented Mr. Ogando with a copy of a legislative resolution he sponsored, which was passed by the Senate, in honor of Mr. Ogando’s achievement. With passage of the resolution, Mr. Ogando’s name and achievements will forever be part of the New York State Senate’s official record.

     Senator Fuschillo (second right) is pictured presenting Smaily Ogando (center) with a copy of the legislative resolution. They are joined by Freeport Continuing/Community Education Director Estelle Weiss (left), teacher Donna O’Donhoe (right), and Smaily’s sister, Madelyn Ogando (second left).