The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) has selected Richard A. McMahon, middle school principal of Manhasset Union Free School District, as its 2004-2005 Middle Level Principal of the Year. McMahon is being honored for his commitment in creating new opportunities and programs for the students of the middle school.

In his nomination essay, McMahon noted that his goal in the middle school was "to establish a climate where students can become good citizens, lifelong learners, and healthy, caring, ethical and intellectually reflective individuals." A teacher and administrator in New York since 1973, he began his career in New Rochelle at an alternative school. He was director of activities at the Association for the Help of Retarded Children in New York City from 1977-1979, before launching his education career in Long Island schools. For 14 years, McMahon served in the Long Beach School District as a special education teacher, a sixth grade teacher, and assistant principal of the middle school. In 1994, he was named principal of Lincoln Orens Middle School in Island Park. He became principal of Manhasset Middle School in 2001.

In nominating McMahon as Middle School Principal of the Year, the students of Manhasset Middle School wrote, "He is able to incorporate every single teacher and student into reaching the goals of our school. He has set some high standards for our school as well. These goals include improving the character of our students, improving the quality of our education, and making sure we receive the vital lessons in life crucial to our success."

McMahon was also nominated by the Nassau County Middle Level Principals' Association, which noted, "Mr. McMahon is an educational leader who demonstrates a solid working knowledge of current exemplary education practices and is committed to active student learning. He has further demonstrated a sound understanding of the developmental needs of middle school students, and their instructional, social and emotional needs." He was also nominated by the Manhasset School Community Association, who stated that "Richard McMahon brings joy to education."

McMahon holds a BA degree from Iona College, a MS degree from the College of New Rochelle and an MA degree from New York University. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work in promoting intercultural tolerance, is active in community organizations and is continuing his professional development at the New York University School of Education.

McMahon will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on April 29, 2005 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. As New York's 2004-2005 Middle Level Principal of the Year, McMahon is a candidate for the award of the National Middle Level Principal of the Year, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. An awards ceremony sponsored by NASSP will be held in Washington, DC in August 2005.

SAANYS represents over 6,500 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS provides direction, service and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).