CORRECTED: Local Educator Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Secondary Education

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Laurie Levy

ALBANY, NY (03/26/2009)(readMedia)-- Laurie Levy, supervisor of guidance and student support services for South Side High School in the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the James E. Allen Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

James E. Allen, a pillar of educational leadership who served as commissioner of education in New York State, was known for his strong support of secondary school administrators. This award is given annually to a SAANYS member who is a secondary school administrator, supervisor, or coordinator who has given significant contributions to education and leadership at the secondary school level and service to the community and professional organizations including SAANYS.

Levy has served the educational community for nearly 10 years, five as an administrator in her present position. South Side High School is a grades 9-12 suburban school on Long Island with an enrollment of 1,110 students.

In a letter of recommendation, South Side's Dean of Students Brett Rosenthal noted the inspiration he received from Levy: "Mrs. Levy always thinks about what is right and best for children. She has reminded me to have hope and keep faith in children." Carol Burris, principal at South Side agrees. She states: "I have known Laurie for ten years, since she began as a counselor at South Side. She is an outstanding supervisor of guidance and student support services. Laurie combines all of the finest qualities that an educator can possess – she is bright, student-centered, kind, collegial, and tireless in her efforts to help all students achieve their educational goals. Laurie's devotion to the mission of our school – to give all students access to educational excellence –is without equal. She is always there for me, her colleagues and most of all, our students."

When asked about her educational philosophy, Levy stated: "A school administrator has both the responsibility and privilege of ensuring that all students are provided the education, opportunities, and experiences to enrich their lives and enable them to become positive, contributing members of society. "

Levy will be recognized for her achievements at an awards ceremony on May 1, 2009 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York.

SAANYS represents more than 7,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to provide direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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