"A team approach" was this year's theme at the annual Sewanhaka Central High School District opening day ceremony held Sept. 1. In his opening remarks, Dr. John Williams, who just completed his first year as superintendent of schools, captured the attention of the school's 700 plus administrators with a story about fighter jets that work as a team to master success, such that schools should work as a team to strive for excellence.

"Everyone in here should have the same mentality: My job is the most important job in the district and everyone is depending on me to not just make it good, but to make it great," Dr. Williams said. "Everyone from custodians, to bus drivers, to the security guards, contribute to the team's effort."

Newly elected president of the Sewanhaka Central High School Board of Education, Dr. Roger Roess, was happy to announce that with the help of the "team's efforts," graduation rates rose from 93 - 97 percent since Dr. Williams' appointment as superintendent. Dr. Williams gave accolades to the administrators, staff and faculty for the district's success.

To train the educators on maintaining this success, not just in the classroom but in life, Zachary Clemens brought a surge of energy over the auditorium. With his early morning energy and vivacious zest for life, the public speaker highlighted the components of what makes a school not only good - but great.

"Don't give up on old values, take pride in what you do, use humor to teach and never stop believing are all components that contribute to a school's success. There are barriers to being great, but remember, the greater the challenge, the greater the triumph," he said.

Clemens' speech was meant to not only encourage, but to inspire. He taught administrators that the most important job they had was doing what is best for the students. "Greatness is invented when you love what you do," he said. With his quirky sense of humor and obvious love for education, Clemens prepared faculty and staff for the year ahead.

In addition to Clemens' speech, awards were given out to teachers and administrators who had worked in the school district for 25 years or more. Recipients included Charles Buttafuoco, Sewanhaka High School; Patricia Cigliano, New Hyde Park Memorial High School; Dennis Cirolia, Sewanhaka High School; Joan Conway, Hyde Park Memorial High School; Thomas Dowd, Hyde Park Memorial High School; Robert Germino, H. Frank Carey High School; Douglas Libby, Central Administration; Joanne Marro, Elmont Memorial High School; Pauline Reid, Elmont Memorial High School; Patricia White, Sewanhaka High School.

Also during the ceremony was a pre-recorded video of the "Teacher of the Year" awards for professional excellence. The following teachers received the prestigious honor: Patricia Klein, Department of Mathematics, Elmont Memorial High School; Barbara Babowal, Department of Special Education, Floral Park Memorial High School; Matthew McLees, Department of Physical Education, H. Frank Carey High School; Kevin Kowalczyk, Department of Social Studies, New Hyde Park Memorial High School; and Yvonne Sherwood, Department of Science, Sewanhaka High School.

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.