Lindenhurst High Teacher Michael Castellano to Receive Distinguished Teacher Award

Lindenhurst High school teacher Michael Castellano has been invited to receive a Distinguished Teacher Award from the Harvard Club of Long Island. 

Castellano has been a part of the Lindenhurst teaching community for 16 years. He is one of only 14 teachers selected from the 125 school districts on Long Island to be honored at the Harvard Club’s annual University Relations Lunch on March 29. 

During the ceremony, four of the Distinguished Teachers of 2014 will receive scholarships for a “Harvard experience” at the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Mass. Winners will enjoy a customized visit centered on the subject matter closest to their hearts. The distinguished guests will be welcomed to the bounty of resources available to Harvard students, including rare book archives, specialty museums, research laboratories and faculty, in an effort to enhance their own teaching.  

Former Lindenhurst student, and last year’s valedictorian Caroline Rakus Wojciechowski, nominated Mr. Castellano for the recognition. Rakus Wojciechowski audited his honors chemistry class as well as his AP chemistry class. She was Castellano’s first lab technician in the chemical supply room.

“It is an honor to be recognized in this fashion,” Castellano said. “Especially knowing that the honor came from a student. It was a pleasure to teach Caroline and I am grateful for her nomination.”            

Superintendent Richard Nathan said: “Mr. Castellano is a committed educator, who is always willing and able to assist students and colleagues. Letters from students have described the positive fashion in which he has shaped their motivation and work ethic. He is truly a master teacher, and deserving of such recognition.”

Info/photo courtesy of the Lindenhurst School District