Richard N. Segerdahl, superintendent of the Island Trees School District, was honored at a retirement party on May 27 that was held at the Crest Hollow Country Club and attended by over 200 well-wishers.

Segerdahl was appointed Island Trees superintendent in 1984. He began his career in 1975 as principal of the Michael F. Stokes Elementary School and then went on to become the assistant superintendent in 1978. He has been the pulse of Island Trees and respected by all factions of the community. Everyone at the event who spoke on his behalf, including Dr. Peter Egan, deputy superintendent; Helen Costigan, business administrator; Lee Spallone, former Island Trees teacher; and Robert Condela, board president, recognized a man of extraordinary vision, leadership and dedication.

Among the presenters at the event were Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Nassau County Legislator Dennis Dunne Sr. and Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes. New York State Senator Kemp Hannon was unable to attend, but in his absence a proclamation from the senate was awarded to Segerdahl by Board of Education Vice President Carl Bonsignore. He received citations and plaques from Dr. John Fagan (SCOPE), Dr. Jerry Shiveley (Nassau BOCES), Kevin Regan (Levittown/Island Trees Youth Council), Mauro Cassano (Levittown Kiwanis) and Peter Gibbons (for NYSSMA). Sonia Meyer of the Island Trees Public Library was delighted to inform Segerdahl that the Community Room of the library would be dedicated to him. Additionally, a personal gift, as well as a $500 donation in his honor to the Island Trees Dollars for Scholars Program were presented to Segerdahl.

The final event of the evening was orchestrated by district administrators and Condela. After a light-hearted introduction by administration, Condela shared a board resolution which will be read at the June 30 board of education meeting. The resolution attempts to summarize the influence Segerdahl has had on the district and concludes as follows:

"RESOLVED, that in recognition of his commitment to the entire Island Trees community, the Island Trees Middle School will be rededicated the Richard N. Segerdahl Middle School, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this rededication will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2004 during Homecoming Weekend."