The New York State PTA Honorary Life Award is given to individuals in recognition of their contributions to the welfare of children and youth. Funds from this prestigious award are used to support the Jenkins Memorial Scholarship which assists outstanding students preparing for the teaching profession and Teacher Fellowship for Graduate Study which encourages teachers to stay in the classroom by providing an opportunity for them to improve their teaching skills, update their professional knowledge and expand their professional horizons. Recipients of this year's New York State PTA Honorary Life Award not only exemplify the meaning of commitment and dedication to children in the Massapequa community, but also support the welfare of children throughout the entire state.

A recent honoree was Jason Esposito, principal at Fairfield Elementary School in Massapequa.

"Mr. Esposito is the driving force behind Fairfield's success. It is under his exemplary leadership that the school maintains its level of excellence," said Caren Catinella PTA Awards Committee chair.

Esposito received the award at the school's PTA Annual End of Year Dinner held at Hemingway's in Wantagh. Numerous parents and teachers attend the annual event. This year Esposito's family surprised him by joining the celebration as he received the award.

"I am so proud and humbled to be the recipient of the Honorary Life Award. It is such a special honor," Esposito said. "I feel so fortunate that my wife, sons and mother were there to share this moment, along with parents, teachers and the Superintendent. Their presence made the night one that I will always remember. Working closely with parents and PTA for the benefit of our children is a large part of what makes Fairfield such a special place."

Acting Superintendent, Charles Sulc attended the event, to both support and surprise his administrative colleague. "In the short time that Jason has been with us, he has had a profound influence on the Fairfield community," Sulc said. "His love for his students and staff is recognized in the way he speaks about them and in the passion and commitment he demonstrates each and every day. We are so proud that Jason is a member of our administrative team."

Three other Honorary Awards were given out during the evening. Susan Miller has been a teacher at Fairfield for many years and has been the teacher representative to the PTA for many years as well. Ms. Miller is always visible at community events supporting the welfare of local children.

Fairfield PTA was equally as proud to present Lori Bonetti with the Honorary Life Award as well. For countless years Lori has been a consistent and diligent volunteer at Fairfield and throughout Massapequa. Lori always makes herself available to support community events that promote family unity. Ms. Bonetti will serve as the Massapequa SEPTA Second Vice President during the next school year.

Grace Hussey is Fairfield PTA's Past President and spends the majority of her time volunteering for the children of Massapequa. Next year Ms. Hussey will serve as Massapequa PTA Council First Vice President.

"It was a great honor to present Mr. Esposito with the PTA Honorary Life Award," Ms. Hussey said. "He was most deserving of this recognition. His unwavering dedication to our students and families for the past 5 years at Fairfield has served to define it as a school of excellence. His broad academic vision coupled with his outstanding leadership abilities has enabled our students to benefit in countless ways. The entire Fairfield Family congratulates him and looks forward to many more years of his leadership."

During the evening, the room was filled with people who have made connections to Mr. Esposito throughout his life and career. Among those in attendance was Terese Steinhauer who has been Mr. Esposito's Assistant Principal at Fairfield for the past five years.

"Mr. Esposito is truly deserving of this Honorary Life PTA recognition," Ms. Steinhauer said. "He has brought many programs to Fairfield to strengthen the connection between the PTA and the faculty and students at Fairfield. I have been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him over these five years and see many of the initiatives that he has advocated for Fairfield on behalf of the students become realities."