The Sewanhaka Central High School District (SCHSD) recently announced the appointment of Gloria O'Connor as assistant superintendent for personnel and administration. O'Connor is replacing Gerard Connors, who recently retired.

For the last five years, O'Connor served as the principal of Floral Park Memorial High School and was the assistant principal for four years. O'Connor joined the district in 1993 as chairperson and director of physical education, health, athletics and driver education at Sewanhaka High School.

"With 25 years experience in education, Ms. O'Connor brings valuable knowledge to the central administration," Superintendent John Williams said. "Her 12 years experience with SCHSD will make her transition from principal to assistant superintendent an easy one."

O'Connor's résumé includes a variety of roles such as special education teacher at John Adams High School in Ozone Park, physical education teacher in Roosevelt and Carle Place school districts and at the Nassau Center for Developmentally Disabled in Syosset.

Throughout her career, she has been an outstanding field hockey and lacrosse coach, leading teams to a total of 15 Nassau County and nine New York State championships. During her tenure as the Carle Place varsity lacrosse coach, the Frogs had 71 straight victories from 1982-1985. O'Connor, a Carle Place standout athlete herself, has been inducted into the Carle Place Athletic Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.

O'Connor is most proud of the many student athletes she has coached over the years who have chosen careers in education. "It pleases me to see so many outstanding young women give back to various communities through teaching and coaching," she said.

Home to more than 8,600 students and 700 professional staff members, Sewanhaka Central High School District's mission is to reach higher standards through shared responsibility for student achievement. As a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon of Excellence, the district is known for its academic excellence and its fields of technical and vocational education. For more information, contact the district at 488-9800 or visit www.sewanhaka.k12.ny.us.