29 Long Island School 'Heroes' Honored For Going Above And Beyond

SMITHTOWN, NY — Twenty-nine educators, administrators and school staff members from across Nassau and Suffolk counties were honored for their efforts to support students and create safer, more inclusive school communities.

The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying recognized the honorees at its third annual Long Island School Hero Awards, held Oct. 19 at The Watermill in Smithtown.

Many of the recipients were nominated by their students, according to the organization.

The awards recognized individuals who went beyond their everyday responsibilities to help students overcome challenges, build confidence, develop relationships and feel valued within their school communities.

"Every student deserves to have someone in their corner who believes in them, supports them and helps them navigate the challenges of growing up," said Joe Salamone, founder and executive director of LICAB. "These 29 individuals demonstrated that being a hero doesn't require a cape or a grand gesture. Sometimes, it's simply recognizing when a student needs help, taking the time to listen or making sure a child knows they are not alone. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom."

Established in 2024, the Long Island School Hero Awards recognize the contributions of individuals working in public and private schools across Long Island. Recipients are nominated by students, parents and colleagues who have witnessed their dedication to making a difference in children's lives.

The 29 honorees and their respective schools or districts are:

• Tiffany Belferder — Fusion Academy of Long Island
• Dr. Stacy Calcanes — East Meadow School District
• Michelle Champlin — Deer Park School District
• Kristin Corso — Commack School District
• Maria Corso — Smithtown School District
• Carla DeVito — Deer Park School District
• Kelly Fitzpatrick — B.E.S.T. Learning Center
• Michael Florence — Hauppauge School District
• Stephen Goldberg — Great Neck School District
• Christina Helbock — Brentwood School District
• Gloria Jaramillo — Brentwood School District
• Jonathan Kaplan — Woodward Children's Center
• Dr. Jillian Kelly — Carle Place School District
• Jamie Keuthen — Lynbrook School District
• Kathryn Miedl — Seaford School District
• Josseline Morales — Farmingdale School District
• Lori Neazer — Harmony Heights School
• Ancy Paulose — Lindenhurst School District
• Emma Peppe — Smithtown School District
• Dr. Joanne Pisani — Connetquot School District
• Kayla Pollenz — Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District
• Paul Reilly — Great Neck School District
• William Riedel — Elwood School District
• Dr. Christopher Smalley — Hauppauge School District
• Jennifer Thearle — Plainedge School District
• Dr. Benedict Tieniber — Lynbrook School District
• Lauren Timoney — Seaford School District
• Lauren Vega — Farmingdale School District
• Brooke Yonick — Bayport-Blue Point School District

The awards highlight the role school personnel play in preventing bullying, addressing student mental health challenges and fostering kindness and acceptance.

The ceremony brought together members of Long Island's educational community to recognize the honorees and emphasize the importance of compassion, mentorship and positive relationships in schools.

Proceeds from the event supported LICAB's anti-bullying school partnership programs, which provide educational resources, presentations and support to students, educators and families across Long Island.

The organization works with schools, families and communities to raise awareness about bullying and promote kindness, inclusion and respect.

"Kids need to feel valued and connected to their school community," said Dr. Joanne Pisani, director of mental health services in the Connetquot School District. "They need to feel that people see them as important and that they have people to go to if they're struggling especially if somebody is bullying them."