Held annually since 1918, Founders’ Day is a cherished Lynbrook community event that recognizes and honors dedicated individuals who play a fundamental role in the improvement of the school district. Residents, teachers, and faculty members gathered in the LHS auditorium on the evening of Monday, Feb. 10 for the ceremony. Organized and facilitated by the Council of PTAs, a parent and teacher from each Lynbrook school was presented with a Honorary Life Membership Award. This year’s honorees on behalf of LHS were science teacher Amy Ezagui and parent Tricia Carroll.
Ezagui has taught at LHS for nearly 22 years; she currently teaches physics and marine science. Presenter Diana Giarriputo shared, “As an exemplary teacher, Amy demands the best from her students, motivating them to achieve, develop a stronger work ethic, and experience a greater sense of accomplishment upon succeeding.” Students also cite her passion for her teaching as an indelible part of her dedication. Senior Katie Torres expressed how glad she is to have taken Ezagui’s marine science class. “I take her class and love learning about different types of marine animals and their way of life. The best aspect of the class is the projects, since I find them fun and helpful for learning,” Torres explained. “Ms Ezagui is deserving of the Founders’ Day award because she is a passionate and outstanding teacher,” added Torres. Apart from her role in the classroom, Ezagui has been involved in the PTA since 2016 and assumed many positions throughout the years such as spirit wear chairperson, fourth vice president, and co-president. She actively participates in the local baseball community and was honored by the Lynbrook East Rockaway Little League in May 2023.
Presenter Emily Van Ingen described Carroll as “a dedicated advocate who champions driving progress.” Van Ingen added, “Her contributions, big and small, have had a profound impact.” Carroll has two children, Jack (currently a junior at SUNY Cortland) and Ella (currently a junior at LHS). She fulfills the role of co-president at North Middle School, serves on the Compact Committee and the Curriculum Committee at LHS, and is on the Board of the Lynbrook Soccer Booster Club. When asked how she got involved in the PTA, Carroll responded, “Initially, it was a way to get to know other parents in the community, a great way to do that when your kids are little. Then you start to see the impact it has on the students and community, so it is easy to continue.” Ella expressed her reaction to hearing her mother was chosen for this award: “I was so excited for her. She has always been a contributing member of the PTA, but she has always helped without hope of recognition for it, so it makes me happy for her that she is receiving something so well-deserved.”
The Council of PTAs’ recipients included Joanna Santoli and Meghan Ceglie. Santoli is currently corresponding secretary for the Council of PTAs. She shared that it was an honor to receive this recognition, and further explained, “I have not been a volunteer for the past 14-plus years for any recognition. I have done it to be a greater part of my own children’s journey and to help create the kind of school and community where all our children can flourish.” Ceglie joined the district as the Waverly Park librarian and is currently an instructional technology staff developer. She learned about her selection for this award when she was called to Barry Wyner’s music room about a technology issue and was surprised with a rendition of “Have It All” by Jason Mraz, performed by the concert choir. It was at that moment when three PTA Council members —Danielle Longo, Sharmin Hakim, and Allison Byrne—announced that she received this incredible honor. Ceglie shared, “Being recognized for my involvement in Lynbrook Schools is truly humbling, but what makes this honor even more special is that it comes from the very people who dedicate so much of their time and energy to making our school community thrive.” Both individuals were presented with their awards by their children, seniors Kate Santoli and Jack Ceglie.
Apart from LHS and Council of PTAs’ recipients, other honorees included Michael Caputo and Eva Buonavita (South Middle School), Meredith Koenderman and Alexandra Etra (North Middle School), Regina Fasullo and Richard Brunswick (Marion Street), Ginger Fuentes and Chelsea Gundrum (West End), Nicole DiCarlo and Carrie Edwards Wolkoff (Waverly Park), Laura Tucker (Lynbrook SEPTA), and Kathleen Freehill and Lisa Genicoff (Kindergarten Center Foundations Award).
After closing remarks, the ceremony concluded in the cafeteria where each honoree had a table set up dedicated to his/her recognition. Many laughs and hugs were exchanged, making the evening memorable for the Founders’ Day recipients.
