In the auditorium of the John Street School in Franklin Square, all of the sixth-grade students waited with anticipation for the latest guest in the "Mentors and Leaders" program, which introduced leaders to students in a town hall-style meeting. The program was created by Assemblyman Tom Alfano and it gives students an opportunity to interact and ask questions of, among others, elected officials.

In an afternoon last week, students anxiously awaited the arrival of New York State Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue. In fact, students were probably never more excited to meet a teacher. Donohue explained after her arrival that she had been a teacher for 10 years before becoming a lawyer and eventually an elected official.

Donohue spoke in front of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Lafferty, John Street School Principal Ceil Candreva, other administrators and the district sixth-grade students about the importance of education.

The charismatic lieutenant governor was impressed by the hospitality of the district and emphasized that there is nothing more important in government than caring for children.

The main point Donohue attempted to drive home to the students was the importance of developing strong character as part of the educational experience. While the lieutenant governor reiterated the importance of achieving academically, she said that grades are not the whole educational package.

It is also important for children to be taught respect for individual differences, responsibility, courage, perseverance, honesty and self control. "We want you to do your best academically, but we also want to teach you as whole people. This will go a long way academically, in reducing violence in whatever you choose to do," she told the sixth-graders.

Donohue gave the students an opportunity to ask questions. Donohue answered questions about her job and the challenges she faces. She talked to the students about the noble profession of teaching and encouraged them to get into volunteerism and public service, if it should interest them.

Prior to visiting Franklin Square, Donohue visited the Dutch Broadway School of the Elmont School District. She received a warm greeting from Principal Walter Aksionoff and the students during a similar town hall-type meeting.

"Lieutenant Governor Donohue has demonstrated vision and strength in promoting the development of citizenship, character and civility in our students," said Elmont Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Palandra. "Her visit contributes to solidify our efforts to instill in our youth those values that are vital to the preservation of our country's ideals."