Nassau BOCES Principal Honored for Leadership in Education

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Picarello

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2010)(readMedia)-- John Picarello, principal at the Rosemary Kennedy Center in Wantagh, NY, has been selected as the recipient for the 2010 Leadership and Support Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

The SAANYS Leadership and Support Award was established to recognize the outstanding leadership efforts of those members whose responsibilities require leadership through support services to educators and students across and between buildings and districts.

Picarello has served in the field of education in several capacities for 33 years, 20 as an administrator and seven in his present position. The Rosemary Kennedy School of Nassau BOCES provides a creative and diverse curriculum for students from 8 to 21 who have moderate to severe developmental disabilities. Nassau BOCES serves the 56 school districts of Nassau County, Long Island; it is the largest of the 37 BOCES in New York State.

Picarello's dedication to students is evidenced by statements of support received from several colleagues and by James Cappadona, Nassau BOCES supervisor. Cappadona stated that "John is a child-centered administrator that will always put his time and personal needs secondary to his students, staff, and unit members."

Said colleague Mary Miller, "Because he always stands for the best interests of the children and the mission of BOCES as an educational organization, his sincerity, logic, and knowledge are embraced by those with whom he works and interacts."

Picarello is active in SAANYS and the Nassau BOCES Education Administrators Association where he has served as treasurer and president. He has been a Parish tee ball coach for more than 20 years and is currently a volunteer for Metropolitan Jewish Hospice. Picarello holds a bachelor's degree in special education from City College, a master's in special education from Hunter College, and his administrator's certificate from Fordam University.

Picarello will be recognized for his achievements at the SAANYS annual awards ceremony on May 7, 2010 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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