Thanks to the Island Trees Community

Two weeks ago, Assemblyman Marc Herbst presented me with a Community Leadership Award. I attended this event with my family, and I want to thank Assemblyman Herbst for this special recognition. His friendship and support to the Island Trees community is greatly appreciated.

I don't think that anyone becomes involved in community life seeking public recognition. Most of us volunteer because we want to give something back to our community. We volunteer because we want to share our time and talent with others. We think we can make a difference in the lives of others. Public recognition spotlights our accomplishments, but our individual success is always a result of many people working together to achieve a common goal; therefore I would like to thank all the people who have worked with me and helped me receive this wonderful award.

I would like to thank Carl Bonsignore, Jerry Donohue, Bob Condela, Ron Tauss, Charlie Bambino, and Pete Ray. You are six of the finest people I know. You contribute hours of time and talent to our school district and community. It has been my privelege to serve with you on the Island Trees Board of Education. You are intelligent, caring and dedicated. Thank you for your friendship and support. You are the heart and soul of our school district.

It is important to thank Mr. Segerdahl, Dr. Egan and the members of our administrative, teaching, and ancillary staff. Your leadership, work ethic,

dedication, loyalty, and commitment to our children are the roots of our success. Island Trees can boast of excellent academic results, sound fiscal planning, and well-maintained plant and facilities due to your professionalism and hard work.

Our PTA parents contribute endless hours to our community. You work side by side to promote and plan programs that ensure the health, safety, and well being of all the children who attend our schools. No individual can achieve success working alone. Thank you for helping me to achieve many important goals throughout the years. Your friendship and support are very important to me. Thank you to all the parents who coach athletic activities, lead Scout troups, work on scholarship activities, and support all school and community programs. You are the backbone of Island Trees. You give hours of service to our youngsters and our children learn and thrive under your leadership.

Thank you to our community residents. You provide the resources that allow our children to attend one of the finest school systems on Long Island. Your yearly support of our plans and budget have helped us to create state of the art facilities and an excellent academic program for our students. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve on our board of education.

Finally, I would like to thank my husband, Edward, and my daughters, Katie and Molly. Your unconditional love, advice, patience, encouragement, and support allow me to do the things I love to do.