The Great Neck Public Schools have long been fortunate in having not only a nationally renowned school district, but, as well, an exemplary, envied Board of Education. Long-standing trustees Donald Ashkenase, Barbara Berkowitz, Judi Bosworth, Fran Langsner and Lawrence Gross are all devoted, hard-working, community-minded friends and neighbors who continue to give so much of themselves to this community. And now, as Larry Gross steps down from heading the board as president, we thank him over and over for all that he has done (and, for sure, will continue to do), and once more we thank Judi Bosworth for continuing to serve as vice president and so much more.

And now we prepare to welcome Barbara Berkowitz to her new position as president.

We have the utmost confidence that Barbara will do an exceptional job, with much care and much knowledge. With a wealth of knowledge, including chairing the board's policy committee for so many years, Barbara will bring her own style to the board of education, as well as a rare warmth and gentleness. Every issue will be her concern, and, yes, she will worry about each and every child. That's Barbara Berkowitz!

Talk about people you most admire! That's Barbara Berkowitz too! As she fought, and continues to fight, a difficult battle these last years, Barbara has rarely missed a meeting and has determinedly continued the intense work involved in the district's all-important policy committee. And she has absolutely never lost her sense of humor nor her loving spirit.

Great Neck is most fortunate, once again, to score such a "hit" with yet another outstanding president for the Board of Education. Our little ones most certainly will continue in good hands with Barbara Berkowitz taking up the lead.

We wish our good friend Barbara the very best of luck in the coming years. But, truthfully, we are the lucky ones.

Barbara Berkowitz! How lucky can we get!

- Wendy Karpel Kreitzman