Long Island Coalition Against Bullying recognizes 21 educators as 'school heroes'

Twenty-one Long Island educators are being recognized as “school heroes.”

The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying is honoring the educators for demonstrating “exceptional commitment” to creating safe and inclusive school environments and for making “lasting impacts” on the lives of students.

They will be celebrated Oct. 21 at a Long Island School Hero Awards reception at the Stonebridge Golf & Country Club in Hauppauge.

“These heroes were selected for their unwavering dedication to fostering safe, supportive and inclusive environments for students,” said the coalition’s founder and executive director, Joe Salamone. “Their contributions go beyond the classroom, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people across our Long Island communities.”

The honorees and their school districts are Alison Lepore, Babylon; Wendy Tepfer, Bellmore-Merrick; Sequoyah Wharton, Brentwood; Michelle Dick, Commack; Kristen Wallace, Deer Park; Vincent Healy, East Rockaway; Paul Defendini, Farmingdale; Marisa Wanatick, Hauppauge; Caroline Kind, Levittown; Frank Naccarato Jr. and Patricia Natale, Lindenhurst; Mary Kirby, Lynbrook; Glen Johnson, Malverne; Kathryn Lake, Northport-East Northport; Jillian Edelman, Oceanside; James Foy, Sayville; Dennis Wickes Jr., Smithtown; and John DeBenedetto, William Floyd.

Other honorees are Michael Califano, the Diocese of Rockville Centre; Adele Gutierrez, SUNY Old Westbury; and Michael Natale, Nassau BOCES.

Scott J. Beigel, a Dix Hills native who was killed while sheltering students during the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, will also be honored posthumously.

Foy, principal of Sunrise Drive Elementary School in Sayville, was praised by his district’s officials for promoting social-emotional learning and striving to personally know every student in his building.

“Dr. Foy is a champion for all of his students,” said Sayville school district Superintendent Marc Ferris. “The Sayville community is so fortunate to have him as our instructional leader at Sunrise Drive Elementary School.”

LLOYD HARBOR

New principal

Carissa Shanahan has been named principal of Lloyd Harbor School. She replaced Valerie Massimo, who retired.

Shanahan previously was assistant principal of Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School, and before that, she was a middle school assistant principal in upstate Whitesboro.

“I am excited about the partnerships and collaboration that come from our dedicated teachers and staff, parents, students and community members,” Shanahan said. “The deep-rooted tradition at Lloyd Harbor School provides an outstanding foundation for continued growth, achievement and success.”

LINDENHURST

New superintendent

Vincent A. Caravana has been appointed superintendent of the Lindenhurst school district. He had held the position on an interim basis.

Caravana, who has spent 16 years in the district, previously was assistant principal of Lindenhurst High School, the district’s coordinator of secondary English and assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and instructional personnel. He started his career in 2000 as an English teacher at West Islip High School.

“The science of teaching never stays stagnant,” Caravana said. “As an administrator, you’re not only working in the academic realm of education but also the social one. You are trying to get your teachers to grow and push themselves out of their comfort zone to become better teachers, but you can only do that if you have gained their trust.”

MALVERNE

New principal

Erik Walter has been appointed principal of Maurice W. Downing Primary School in the Malverne school district. He replaced Edward Tallon, who retired.

Walter had been interim principal of the district’s Davison Avenue Intermediate School since February. Before that, he was principal of Riverside Elementary School in Rockville Centre and Rhame Avenue elementary school in East Rockaway.

“As the new principal of Maurice W. Downing, I am genuinely excited to be a part of this incredible school community that embodies pride, unity and inclusivity,” said Walter. “Working alongside a talented leadership team and dedicated staff, I am committed to ensuring that our children — who bring me joy each day — remain our top priority as we prepare them to be life-ready.”

ROOSEVELT

New superintendent

Shawn K. Wightman is the new superintendent of the Roosevelt school district. He replaced Deborah Wortham, who retired.

Wightman has served the past 10 years as superintendent of Marysville Public Schools in Michigan. Before that, he was an elementary and middle school principal in the state.

“I look forward to partnering with the district’s dedicated staff, enthusiastic students and supportive families to build on the strong foundation already in place,” Wightman said. “Together, we will continue to create an environment where every child feels valued and empowered to achieve their best.”

STONY BROOK

New principal

Michael Jantzen is the new principal of R.C. Murphy Junior High School in the Three Village school district. He replaced Vincent Cereola, who is now an assistant principal at the district’s Ward Melville High School.

Jantzen previously was an assistant principal at the district’s P.J. Gelinas Junior High School and at Ward Melville, where he was the school’s grade-12 administrator,

“I’m thrilled to return to R.C. Murphy Junior High School, where my journey in education began teaching science,” Jantzen said. “Murphy is a fantastic school, a true cornerstone of the Three Village community.”

VALLEY STREAM

New principal

Marisela Sanchez has been named principal of Forest Road Elementary School in Valley Stream School District 30.

Sanchez, who replaced Alison Bruno, had been an assistant principal at PS 96 in Brooklyn. She has also been a special education teacher, an instructional coach and an applied behavioral analysis therapist.

“I am excited to join the dedicated team of educators, parents and community members of Valley Stream District 30,” Sanchez said. “I look forward to working together to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment.”

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.