Rhoda Orenstein started her work at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library 34 years ago as a senior clerk and worked her way up to director, a position she has held for the past 10 years. Orenstein notified the board in July that she would be retiring and her last day was Nov. 18. FULL STORY

During his time working at P.S. 102 in Queens, Lodico designed and implemented two literacy development programs, "Classroom of the 21st Century" and "Reading Through Music and Technology," which provided students with a multi-sensory pathway to learning via an electronic chalkboard. The program earned him numerous accolades for innovation, including recognition from NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Chancellor Rudy Crew, as well as the National John Glenn Award for Innovation and Technology. FULL STORY