Hard work and a passion for education doesn’t go unnoticed in Massapequa. Three Massapequa School District staff members and a longtime district volunteer were recently honored for their outstanding contributions to educational excellence during SCOPE Education Service’s 14th Annual School District Awards Dinner.
The nonprofit organization, which provides educational support services to school districts, presented a SCOPE 2015 Award of Excellence to the district’s Deputy Superintendent Alan Adcock, MHS special education teacher Elizabeth Morelli, MHS head cook Maria Piantanida and longtime Budget and Finance Committee member, Sam Astrof.
“These members of our Massapequa family are truly dedicated and talented individuals who shine brilliantly as models of educational excellence,” said Superintendent Lucille F. Iconis.
Adcock has led the Massapequa Public Schools through challenging economic times since 1999, by sculpting fiscally sound budgets while preserving a solid educational program. He is credited with implementing financial procedures and policies that have maintained the highest level of security and accountability.
“With a smile on his face, he leads by example; setting the stage for excellence. Whether facilitating the Budget and Finance Committee or building a well-balanced budget, Mr. Adcock sets the gold star standard,” his nominator wrote to the SCOPE selection committee.
Morelli has served as a special education teacher in the Massapequa Public Schools for more than a decade. Among her many accomplishments is the development of the Berner Middle School Buddies Club, a student organization that promotes kindness, respect and acceptance. She has been central to the development and implementation of a variety of programs that support students with disabilities, and encourages good character and tolerance among the general education student population. She is also a proud supporter of the Massapequa SEPTA and often serves as a trusted liaison to parents who are dealing with highly challenging parenting issues and concerns.
Maria Piantanida quickly moved up from food service worker to head cook after being hired in 2002. Her kitchen is well known for its organization and cleanliness; she keeps detailed records for all production and financial matters, and is conscientious in dealing with each and every student that comes through her cafeteria. Putting nutrition first, she consistently offers up fresh fruits and vegetables and is an integral part of a new “Breakfast & Lunch Delivery” program, which enlists the help of the Special Education Department, and runs a successful Thanksgiving pie sale at the high school.
Described as one of the hardest working, most dedicated volunteers in the community, Astrof has served as a valued member of the Board of Education’s Budget and Finance Committee for the past 24 years, and serves on the Audit Committee as well as other district-focused committees. He is known for continuously seeking creative approaches to solve complex issues. As a former partner of the financial services firm, Ernst & Young, LLP and Chief Financial Officer of two prominent not-for-profit organizations, his vast financial experience and dedication has greatly assisted the Massapequa Schools in implementing a successful financial plan. Congratulations to all the honorees!
-Massapequa Public Schools
