Kathy Hendrickson, a physical education teacher at Oyster Bay High School, and a resident of Syosset, was named "Teacher of the Year" by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Hendrickson was recognized at the Association's Jay B. Nash Awards Dinner on Nov. 14 in Callicoon, NY. A graduate of Oyster Bay High School, she has been making contributions to the students, school district and community for 30 years. Her goal has been to develop individuals through physical activities while also improving their mental efficiency, social character and emotional responses.

"Although she has been a teacher here for many years, her desire to positively impact young people's lives has not diminished at all," said Gwyeth Smith, director of guidance. As an example of her dedication, Smith cited the adaptive physical education program she developed for a student with a serious illness. "She even arranged for classmates to participate in certain adaptive activities so the student would have more social interaction in a controlled setting," he said.

From a parent's perspective, James and Jane Macri have described Hendrickson as "an unsurpassed leader, mentor, guide, friend and role model for young people at a time in their lives when such involvement is critically important." They cite the impact Hendrickson had on their daughter, Dee, who although born with spina bifida completed high school, graduated from college and now works as a youth advancement counselor. "Dee was included in every possible phase of physical education either as an adaptive participant or in some other role such as score keeping," the Macris noted. Her teacher also prepared Dee for the Games for the Physically Challenged, where she won medals in many events, including the shot put, swimming, and track and field.

Hendrickson has served as a role model not only for her students but also for her daughter, Kelly, who has followed in her footsteps. "She touches so many people's lives in a positive way," observed Kelly. "Children who take classes with her love physical education so much they do not even realize how much they are learning," she noted.

Previously, Hendrickson was named Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year for the Nassau Zone and was the recipient of the Crown Trophy Award for her outstanding contributions to girls' and women's sports. Her coaching abilities have spanned the sports of field hockey, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, cheerleading, soccer and badminton. She started the girls' soccer program six years ago and is the new soccer coach this season.