Huntington UFSD’s Special Education PTA recently held its annual luncheon at Red Restaurant in the village and recognized four faculty members with its Distinguished Service Award.
SEPTA honored J. Taylor Finley Middle School band director Frank Battista, Huntington High School chorus director Victoria Garbarino and high school teachers and JV boys’ lacrosse coaches Anthony Troffa and Timothy Witt.
“What’s special about this year’s recipients is that they all created inclusive environments by not only allowing students with disabilities to join after school activities, but including them in every rehearsal, solo performance practice and game, just like every other child,” SEPTA co-President Tonya Guandique said.
All four faculty members were at the luncheon along with several district officials, including Superintendent James W. Polansky and Assistant Superintendent Beth McCoy.
“They are great role models for other children to be accepting and inclusive of others,” Mrs. Guandique said. “They took the time and put extra effort into giving each child the confidence to be the best they can be. They are teachers and coaches that make our district extra proud.”
SEPTA also honored its outgoing slate of officers, including co-President Tonya Guandique and Liz Lopez, co-Vice Presidents Denise Murtagh and Lisa Hanna, Treasurer Jennifer LaVertu, Corresponding Secretary Jennifer DiBenedetto, Recording Secretary Cori Heffernan and PTA Council delegate Rene Dumes Babich and Meaghan Buffa.
The incoming slate of officers for the 2019/20 school year includes co-Presidents Denise Murtagh and Rene Dumas Babich, co-Vice Presidents Cori Heffernan and Kerri Brandine, Treasurer Charlene Fehrenbacher, Corresponding Secretary Kristin Peters, Recording Secretary Miho Verfenstein and PTA Council delegates Meaghan Buffa and Tonya Guandique.