(Ed. Note: The following letter was written, as part of the application submitted to The School Administrators Association of New York State, which nominated Mr. Richard McMahon as "2004-2005 Middle Level Principal of The Year." It was presented to the Board of Education at the Feb. 17 meeting by Steven Levy when Mr. McMahon was announced to be the winner of this prestigious award.)

We are writing to you about our principal, Mr. Richard McMahon. Mr. McMahon would be a phenomenal "Principal of the Year," especially because of the great qualities he possesses. 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.

Some of the ways he achieved these goals is by providing us with exceptional assemblies where motivational speakers have come to tell us their stories and teach us how we can improve ourselves, our school and our community as a whole. He's also set up many different clubs such as SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and Student Government, where he provides opportunities for our peer leaders to show us the path away from drugs and toward benefiting others.

Mr. McMahon is the epitome of a successful human being. He somehow manages to attend every school function and sporting event while still supporting a family and a daughter in college. He always goes above and beyond what is expected of him, making sure that no one person is ever excluded. As far as people go, Mr. McMahon is an anomaly, a one-in-a-million person whom we are extremely blessed to have in our lives. Whenever you are feeling down, whether it be from a bad grade or a tough loss, Mr. McMahon is always there to pick you up and get you back on the right track. Not only does Mr. McMahon exceed the call of duty for his job, he also sets goals to always be there for us. Like a watchful guardian, he attends every sporting event, award ceremony, club meeting and presentation that Manhasset students take part in.

In short, Mr. McMahon supplies us with the greatest education New York State has to offer.

Steven Levy

Chris Smilios

James Vessa

Thomas Vouzakis

Representing the entire Manhasset Middle School student body.