CORRECTED: O'Brien Named High School Principal of the Year

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Thomas O'Brien

ALBANY, NY (03/26/2009)(readMedia)-- Thomas P. O'Brien, principal of Brentwood High School in the Brentwood UFSD, has been selected as the 2009 New York State High School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the children in his or her school. Nominees are administrators who are committed to students, parents, and the community and have shown exceptional contributions to the educational process.

O'Brien has served as an educator for 38 years including 25 years as a school administrator, 14 in his current position – all within the Brentwood District. Brentwood High is a grade 10-12 suburban school, the largest on Long Island with a total enrollment of approximately 3,800.

In a statement summarizing his educational experience, O'Brien said, "I believe that public education is the greatest 'equal opportunity' institution in history. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in such an honorable endeavor." Obrien's dedication, commitment, and ability as a school leader were cited in many letters of reference. Recommendations were received from Brentwood faculty and staff members, fellow administrators, community members, Assemblyman PHILIP RAMOS, and students.

Joan K. Lange, Brentwood's assistant superintendent for secondary education, summed up what many noted of working with O'Brien: "Sometimes if we are very lucky, the paths we travel as educators include partners who share our vision, rival our passion, equal or exceed our work ethic and who, with us, agree to devote entire careers to making a difference in the lives of students who need us. Such has been my lucky fate."

Karen Smith, president of the Brentwood High School PTSA, said in a letter of recommendation: "I know of no other man who could take on this enormous high school with its many unique characteristics. He will go to bat with anyone who tries to stand in the way of Brentwood High School's success. He is an inspiration to all of us and I cannot imagine Brentwood High School without Principal Thomas O'Brien."

O'Brien will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 1, 2009 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York. As New York's High School Principal of the Year, O'Brien is now a candidate for the award of National High School Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. A principals institute and awards ceremony sponsored by NASSP and MetLife will be held in Washington, DC on October 16-18, 2009.

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SAANYS represents more than 7,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to its members 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 and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.