When word reached the Huntington School District that retired Assistant Superintendent Steven Tribus had unexpectedly passed away on January 28, 2013, the teachers and administrators that had worked alongside the thoughtful educator were exceedingly saddened.
A true professional who was proud of his chosen career, Mr. Tribus enjoyed his time in the Huntington School District, interacting with teachers, students and parents effortlessly and making significant contributions toward initiatives designed to improve the quality of classroom instruction.
Mr. Tribus was just 69 years old at the time of his passing. His family quickly resolved to create a scholarship in his honor and earmarked the award for a graduating Huntington senior intending to study English in college and become a teacher.
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The inaugural recipient of the $1,000 Steve Tribus Memorial Scholarship is a young woman who would surely make a favorable impression on the award’s namesake. Anna Garfinkel is one of the leading members of Huntington’s Class of 2014. She’s headed to Skidmore College in the fall to pursue English education studies in preparation for a teaching career.
“Anna is a young woman with sharp intellect and keen intelligence,” said Bernadette Walsh, Huntington’s college counselor. “She seems mature beyond her years and is able to set her goals well in advance and keep them in perspective. Anna’s activities are very important to her, but her academic work still comes first. With her wonderful time management, she is able to do it all well.”
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The multi-faceted Ms. Garfinkel holds a brown belt in jujutsu. The teenager found time to engage in weekly volunteering in the community while taking a full complement of Advanced Placement courses, displaying exceptional writing and research skills along the way. A participant in Huntington’s credit-bearing career internship program, she worked in a classroom with high school English teacher Kelly Quintero.
“Anna has impressed me with her calm, cool demeanor and her effervescent fun-loving teenage personality,” Mrs. Walsh said. “She really is a gem!”
Joseph Leavy, Huntington’s chairperson of humanities, 7-12 presented the Tribus scholarship to Ms. Garfinkel at the high school senior academic awards ceremony in June.
Steve Tribus a longtime educator
Mr. Tribus earned a BA in history at Hofstra University and a master’s degree in administration and supervisor at St. John’s University. He came to Huntington in January 1995 and retired June 30, 2000. The final months of his career in the district were spent serving as interim superintendent, following the departure of Kevin Colpoys.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Tribus was residing with his wife, Marilyn in Henderson, Nevada, near Las Vegas. A member of Far Rockaway High School’s Class of 1961, he participated in the school’s 119th commencement exercises on Thursday, June 29, 1961. He received the Henry Koslan Memorial Medal for excellence in health education.
Steven Charles Tribus began his career in 1965 as an English teacher at Canarsie High School in Brooklyn. In 1973 he moved to Grover Cleveland High School in Queens, where he worked as an assistant principal and English department faculty member.
In 1982, Mr. Tribus was promoted to director of English, K-12 for the New York City public schools, a post he served in until 1991 when he was named director of curriculum and program development for New York City.
A talented high school pitcher at Far Rockway and a baseball fan his entire life, Mr. Tribus was given tryouts by the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies organizations. The retired educator also enjoyed playing golf and was a wine enthusiast. Traveling was another favorite pastime, as Mr. Tribus and his wife of 45 years traveled throughout the world, taking delight in experiencing different cultures.
A funeral service was held for Mr. Tribus on January 31 at King David Chapel in Las Vegas with interment immediately following. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Craig (Melissa) Tribus of Henderson, NV and Evan (Alison) Tribus of Montclair NJ; and grandchildren Jaelyn and Jordyn Tribus of Henderson.
Ms. Garfinkel said she has always “had faith” in her abilities while realizing that “hard work really does pay off.” It’s a sentiment that Mr. Tribus would surely agree with.
