Twenty-six local educators were recently celebrated as “school heroes.”

The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying honored the group last month for going “above and beyond to support kindness, inclusion and safety,” according to the organization.

The recipients — nominated by peers, parents and students — were recognized during an Oct. 20 reception at the Stonebridge Golf & Country Club in Smithtown.

“Our honorees remind us that real impact is not measured in statistics or applause, but in the single moment, single student and single act of kindness that can alter a child’s path,” said Joe Salamone, the coalition’s founder and executive director.

Honorees and their school districts: Alfredo Chapman, Bay Shore; Bradley Seidman, Bellmore-Merrick; Steven Davis, Wayne Hanna and Stephanie Weeks, Brentwood; Lora Elsirgany, Carle Place; Susan Ballantyne and Tracy Goldman, Commack; Michael Mosca, Comsewogue; John Danaher, Copiague; Jennifer DeHayes, Patrick Klocek and William Sperduto, Farmingdale; Elizabeth Dukeman, Garden City; Nicole Freeman and Milagros Rivera, Harborfields in Greenlawn; Donald Murphy, Andrea Olivero and Tracy Zamek, Hauppauge; John Zampaglione, Levittown; Michelle Fussa, Mattituck-Cutchogue; Jillian Makris, Sayville; Kelly Whitney-Rivera, Valley Stream Central; Krystina Stevens, William Floyd; and Michele Darby and Daphney Pierre, Wyandanch.

Davis, the coordinator of health, physical education and athletics for Brentwood, also received the inaugural Scott J. Beigel Enduring Impact Award for demonstrating “an unwavering commitment to creating safe, supportive and inclusive school environments,” the coalition said.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized,” Davis said in a statement. “I take great pride in creating an environment where every student feels safe and has a true sense of belonging.”

ELWOOD

Pantry collection

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School recently collected more than 5,000 nonperishable food items for families in need through a “friendly food drive competition” to benefit the pantry at Elwood Middle School.

The two-week drive saw the junior class place first by collecting 1,587 items, while the freshman class placed second with 1,445 items, school officials said. The seniors and sophomores collected 1,253 and 1,003, respectively.

“The total number of donations is a tremendous accomplishment, especially considering that we are such a small community,” teacher Diane Locascio said in a statement.

MANHASSET

Life-skills classroom

The Manhasset school district recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a life-skills classroom providing special needs students with a dedicated space to learn and practice daily living skills.

The refurbished room in Manhasset Secondary School will assist the students in developing abilities like cooking and cleaning, which are “essential in preparing them for success beyond high school,” according to the district. It also features sunflower decor that embodies values like growth and strength, the district said.

“The district is thrilled to have this beautiful, new space,” said Laura Peterson, the district’s executive director for student services. “The classroom was designed to meet the unique needs of our students by talented teachers who made their vision for this space into reality.”

PORT WASHINGTON

First-place publication

Paul D. Schreiber High School’s student newspaper, The Schreiber Times, was one of nine publications nationwide to win International First Place in the 2025 News Media Evaluation coordinated by Quill and Scroll, a journalism honor society recognizing “student initiative and achievement in scholastic journalism,” its website said.

The Schreiber Times publishes 10 issues a year with a circulation of 2,000 copies per issue, according to the school.

“Our students do more than report the news,” said Principal Kati Behr. “They shape conversations, ask important questions and capture the spirit of our school community.”

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.