Huntington Foundation to Honor John Finello
The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education will honor district Superintendent John J. Finello with the Spirit Award at the 17th Annual Reach for the Stars fundraising gala on Friday, January 22, 2010 at the elegant Woodlands in Woodbury.
Mr. Finello graduated from Huntington High School in 1968 and went on to obtain a bachelor of science in education at St. John’s University in 1972 and then a master of arts in education at Adelphi University in 1975. He received a professional diploma in educational administration at Long Island University – C.W. Post in 1985.
Following his college graduation, Mr. Finello joined Huntington’s faculty in 1972 and was a classroom teacher at Huntington Elementary School through June 1986 when he was named the district’s elementary science and computer coordinator. In 1988 he assumed new responsibilities as assistant principal of Huntington Elementary and remained in that position until 1991 when he became principal of Washington Elementary School.
While serving as Washington principal, Mr. Finello developed and implemented a variety of curriculum changes and innovations aimed at strengthening and enhancing instruction and learning in all academic areas. He also initiated and coordinated a student conduct committee, developed and directed the child study team and coordinated the shared decision making team.
In May 2000, Mr. Finello was elevated to assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. In the post he supervised district directors and chairpersons and their programs, directed staff development activities, coordinated curriculum alignment with state standards, assessments and planning mandates and monitored instruction in all buildings.
Mr. Finello assumed his current position in July 2001 and has worked to improve all facets of the district, including classroom instruction and academic offerings, facilities, and extracurricular activities. He has initiated long term budget priorities and planning along with the active pursuit of available financial grants.
Known for his constant presence in and around the school community, Mr. Finello enjoys attending events, including plays, concerts and games. A former Huntington High School baseball player, he is an avid sports fan and also enjoys the arts.
A member of local, state and national superintendent associations, Mr. Finello h served as on the executive board of Section XI of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. During his free time he can be found engaged in carpentry and yard projects or spending time near the water.
The Huntington Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of the district’s schools. Since parents created it in 1993, the Foundation has funded about $750,000 worth of educator-generated grants.
Planning for the winter gala is already well underway. The evening will feature cocktails, music, dancing, dinner, raffles, silent and live auctions and much more. Tickets will go on sale in the fall. Seating will be limited.
The Foundation is inviting individuals and companies to participate in the evening by purchasing journal ads, donating goods or services to be auctioned off or by making monetary contributions. For more information about the opportunities that exist call Karen Dwyer at (631) 421-4037.
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