By Marta E. Kane
The Levittown School District hosted its Sixth Annual Recognition Night for Community Service last Thursday, March 14, at the Levittown Memorial Education Center (LMEC). The event is coordinated each year to provide various community organizations with the opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievement of a person or persons within their group.
The district's program for the evening describes community as "the people living in the same district, city, etc. under the same laws." It also defines service as "helpful, beneficial or friendly action or conduct; act of giving assistance or advantage to another."
The program also stated: "There are many members of our community who do so much for Levittown. The majority of the community does not know their names or faces but do reap the benefits because of their efforts." During the awards ceremony, which was preceded by a delicious dinner coordinated by culinary arts students at LMEC, several organizations and its members proudly announced and shared the names and efforts of community members who have truly made a difference.
To help spread the word about the event, the district sent out letters inviting various organizations in Levittown and neighboring communities to recognize a member of their group. At the dinner, more than a dozen organizations recognized 20 individuals.
Kenneth Walden was honored by the Association of Levittown School Administration (ALSA). Among his many contributions to the district, Walden has been a teacher in the district for close to 18 years, head of Tri-M, involved in LISFA (Long Island String Festival Association) supervisor for the adult education program and member of the MacArthur and Salk PTAs.
The Girl Scouts honored Sandra Hackett as their volunteer of the year. Hackett was recognized for her endless dedication and commitment to the Girl Scouts, who said she is best known for the various trips she has coordinated throughout the years, which are both fun and educational for the girls.
Levittown Chamber of Commerce President Barry Room recognized chamber member Lois Cornibert for her dedication and commitment to the chamber. In addition to her involvement with the chamber, Room noted that she also participates in other organizations, such as YOM.
Levittown Community Council President Louise Cassano honored council members Peter and Donna Ryan for their endless dedication to the organization. Cassano noted that the Ryans are not only charter members of the council, but are largely responsible for the success the council has had throughout the years. Peter Ryan was also recognized by Tara Ryan of the Levittown/Wantagh Volunteer Ambulance Corps for his contributions to that organization.
Superintendent of Levittown Schools Dr. Herman Sirois honored Gerald Claps, assistant superintendent for administration, for his tireless dedication to the school district. Claps, who not only has worked for the school systems for several years but is also a product of the system, is retiring at the end of this school year.
Members of the Levittown Fire Department, headed by Chief John Rottkamp, honored Edward Junginger and Carl Lovgren; The Levittown Kiwanis Club, headed by President Mauro Cassano, honored Thomas and Mary Mawn and the Levittown PTA Council honored all PTA volunteers, with Roseanne Gullans accepting the award on their behalf. The Yours, Ours, Mine (YOM) Community Center honored Jocelyn Wood for her endless dedication to the organization.
The 8th Precinct of the Police Department honored Daniel Haggerty and Steven Dietrich, two officers who patrol regularly in the Levittown community and who were instrumental in a recent arrest of a person who committed vicious crimes in the area.
Other honorees included Michael Profeti, honored by the Holy Innocents #3581; Edward Daniels, honored by the March of Dimes L.I. Chapter and John Tuffarelli, honored by the Nassau Chamber of Commerce.
The district hosts this yearly event not only to associate members of various local organizations with others in the community, but also to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of community leaders. Through their efforts to local organizations, those honored have contributed not only to their individual organization but to the community as a whole.
