South Huntington Names Justin Gravina District Teacher Of The Year

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — The South Huntington School District honored its 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year during a special Board of Education meeting held Wednesday night, January 21, at Walt Whitman High School.

The celebration recognized educators selected as Teacher of the Year from each of the district’s seven schools, culminating in the announcement of the districtwide Teacher of the Year: Justin Gravina, a special education teacher at Stimson Middle School.

The South Huntington School District has recognized Teachers of the Year since 1987, honoring educators for their dedication, leadership and lasting impact on students, schools and the broader community.

The district’s 2025–2026 school-level Teachers of the Year are:

• Jessica Escalante-Rodriguez, Countrywood Primary Center (Social Worker)
• Courtney Galano, Oakwood Primary Center (Special Education)
• Kristen Tohill, Birchwood Intermediate School (Special Education)
• Laura Zuhoski, Maplewood Intermediate School (Literacy Specialist)
• Michelle Berger, Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center (Special Education)
• Justin Gravina, Stimson Middle School and Districtwide Teacher of the Year (Special Education)
• Tina Abbondandelo, Walt Whitman High School (Science)

The Walt Whitman High School Performing Arts Center was filled with faculty and staff cheering on their colleagues as each honoree was presented with a crystal apple by Board of Education President Nicholas Ciappetta, South Huntington Teachers Association President Rob Morris and Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia.

“Year after year, this community has been built on a foundation of learning, growth and opportunity, and at the heart of it all are our teachers,” D’Elia said. “They open doors for students and help them see a world filled with possibility of what could be. Tonight, we honor educators who represent the very best of what it means to teach.”

Gravina has served as a special education teacher at Stimson Middle School for 13 years, teaching math and science to students with learning, hearing and speech disabilities. He also serves as the vocational teacher for students in the sixth- through eighth-grade Life Skills program. Gravina was additionally named Stimson Middle School’s Teacher of the Year.

Stimson principal Michael Duggan praised Gravina’s impact, saying his “ability to connect with students — academically, socially and emotionally — sets him apart as a truly transformative educator.”

Gravina said he knew he wanted to become a teacher while he was still in high school, inspired by one of his own teachers whose influence stayed with him. Today, he said, his motivation comes directly from his students.

“Through my students, I have learned that hard work and determination can overcome any learning disability,” Gravina said. “I have seen how perseverance, resilience and belief in oneself can turn challenges into achievements.”