The entire school celebrated when Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy visited Powell's Lane Elementary School in the Westbury School District. Among those welcoming her were Westbury Schools' Superintendent Dr. Constance Clark, Principal John Ogilvie, students, staff and PTA representatives. McCarthy came to recognize the school as a School of Excellence and to offer her congratulations for winning the Newsday Stock Market Game. "I have always heard about the wonderful things happening at Powell's Lane," said McCarthy. "I care about my schools very much, and I care about you. I am very proud of all of you. I've chosen Powell's Lane to be the School of the Month which means it will be recorded in the congressional record forever. Now each of you is famous. Congratulations!"

Powell's Lane recently received the prestigious New York State School of Excellence Award, marking its candidacy for the National Blue Ribbon Award. Powell's Lane is one of only seven schools in the state to be given this reputable award. The school's nomination has now been forwarded to Washington D.C., where a national panel of judges will consider it to be named a United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School. "Educational excellence needs time to develop. It traverses the temporal continuum that began yesterday, continues today, and proceeds into tomorrow.

Educational excellence thrives at Powell's Lane Elementary School," said teachers and Blue Ribbon co-editors John Carcich and Pat Yula.

It was an honor to have Congresswoman McCarthy at our school," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Constance Clarke. Also Principal John Ogilvie expressed great pride in the school's staff and the entire school community for its effort and support. He added, "The teachers at Powell's Lane continually encourage our students to be the best they can be: Excellent.