Trio Captures Steve Tribus Scholarship Awards

When word reached Huntington School District teachers and administrators that retired Assistant Superintendent Steven Tribus had suddenly passed away on January 28, 2013, his former colleagues were saddened.

The ultimate professional and proud educator, Mr. Tribus thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Huntington School District, enthusiastically interacting with teachers, students and parents and making significant contributions toward new initiatives designed to enhance the quality of classroom instruction.

Mr. Tribus was only 69 years old at the time of his passing. His family quickly created a scholarship in his honor and designated the award for a graduating Huntington senior planning to pursue a career as a teacher.

This year, three members of Huntington’s Class of 2024 fit the requirements in Deanna Elvir (Adelphi University), Natalia Hernandez (LIU Post) and Kayla Murillo (Adelphi University). All three plan to study to become English teachers. The three seniors were presented with $300 Tribus Award stipends by English teacher Michael Schwendemann at the high school’s academic awards ceremony in the auditorium.

Ms. Elvir credits her success to the support she’s received from her family, friends and teachers throughout high school. Ms. Hernandez cites her “persistent dedication” to her goals and “perseverance to overcome challenges” and having the “invaluable support” of her family during stressful times as the basis of her success. Ms. Murillo believes her success can be traced to the strong support system she has had over the past four years.

Steve Tribus was a longtime educator

Steven Tribus earned a BA in history at Hofstra University and a master’s degree in administration and supervision at St. John’s University. He came to Huntington in January 1995 and retired June 30, 2000. The final months of his career in the district were spent serving as interim superintendent, following the departure of Kevin Colpoys.

At the time of his passing, Mr. Tribus was residing with his wife, Marilyn in Henderson, Nevada, near Las Vegas. A member of Far Rockaway High School’s Class of 1961, he participated in the school’s 119th commencement exercises on Thursday, June 29, 1961. He received the Henry Koslan Memorial Medal for excellence in health education.

Steven Charles Tribus began his career in 1965 as an English teacher at Canarsie High School in Brooklyn. In 1973 he moved to Grover Cleveland High School in Queens, where he worked as an assistant principal and English department faculty member.

In 1982, Mr. Tribus was promoted to director of English, K-12 for the New York City public schools, a post he served in until 1991 when he was named director of curriculum and program development for New York City.

A talented high school pitcher at Far Rockway and a baseball fan his entire life, Mr. Tribus was given tryouts by the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies organizations. The retired educator also enjoyed playing golf and was a wine enthusiast. Traveling was another favorite pastime, as Mr. Tribus and his wife of 45 years traveled throughout the world, thoroughly enjoying the experience of learning about new cultures.

A funeral service was held for Mr. Tribus on January 31, 2013 at King David Chapel in Las Vegas with interment immediately following. In addition to his wife, he was survived by sons Craig (Melissa) Tribus of Henderson, NV and Evan (Alison) Tribus of Montclair NJ; and grandchildren Jaelyn and Jordyn Tribus of Henderson.

A nurturing educator who was known for encouraging young people to pursue their dreams, there is little doubt that Mr. Tribus would have been quite pleased to meet with Ms. Elvir, Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Murillo and hear all about their goals and career interests.