Farmingdale's former superintendent Gerard W. Dempsey was recently honored by the school district for his tremendous involvement and success as the district's top administrator.

On Oct. 22, in front of approximately 40 administrators, faculty, and staff - all past and present - Howitt Middle School's new multi-media center was formally dedicated to Dempsey, who served his tenure from 1990 to 2001. A plaque, which was presented to him by board of education President Anthony Vitale, officially declared the center the "Gerard W. Dempsey, Jr. Technology Lab," and will be mounted in the room for all to see.

Engraved on the plaque are also the words of Dempsey: "No matter what our role is within a school system or community, a commitment to the education of children is at its heart."

"Look around," Vitale told Dempsey. "Look at what you've changed. We've developed a beautiful school, thanks to you. It's an honor to dedicate this room to you," he said.

Dempsey, visibly moved by the presentation and proudly accepting the honor, confessed to his former colleagues: "I miss you - all of you. I still feel much a part of this community," he said.

After honoring who he described as "the person who was instrumental" in the production of the center as well as the new sixth grade wing, Howitt's principal, Luis Pena, gave the guests a brief tutorial on the Technology Lab's abilities.

The media portion of the room, which is located directly above the library, will be used by the Audio Visual Club and the Student Council to portray a live video broadcast of the daily announcements to each classroom. In an adjoining room are 30, Internet-ready computers for student research and computer-based lessons.

"It's using technology as a tool to learn," Dempsey said.

The decision to dedicate the room to Dempsey was announced at his retirement dinner in 2001, and although it came as a surprise to him, his colleagues agreed that it was an extremely fitting tribute.

"I thought Gerry was one of the finest human beings we've had working here," Vitale said.

Barbara Pandolfo, director of Library Audio Visual services said that in 1992, Dempsey was significant in the creation of the Joint Education Technology Program (JET) at the middle school, which is now better known as the Integrated Technology Program.

And between 1996 and 1999, under Dempsey's term, a bond issue was proposed and supported by the community to add the new sixth grade wing to the Middle School as well as to expand the library and create the technology lab which now bears Dempsey's name.

After the ceremony ended, Dempsey stood in the empty computer room which came about as a result of his vision, and said that although he has been in it a few times since its construction, the vision will be complete when he sees it filled with children.

"I am very pleased to be connected to something that I felt so strongly about," Dempsey said.