Sayville Principal Honored for? Outstanding Contributions to Education

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Castello, T. Walsh McQuillan Award

ALBANY, NY (04/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Albany, NY – Rose Castello, principal of Sunrise Drive Elementary School in the Sayville Union Free School District, has been selected as the 2013 recipient of the T. Walsh McQuillan Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

T. Walsh McQuillan served the children and educational leaders of New York State throughout his life. He was the fist person to serve in joint capacity as executive secretary to the predecessors of SAANYS and was an outstanding contributor to elementary education throughout his career. This award is given annually to a SAANYS member and administrator who has strong leadership skills and has made exceptional contributions to elementary education.

In accordance with the qualifications for this award, Castello is noted as an "exemplary instructional leader," implementing a strong and effective RTI model and using data to inform curriculum decisions, all the while keeping a close eye on any students at risk. Colleague John Stimmel, principal at Cherry Avenue Elementary School in Sayville, noted, "Her (Castello's) selfless devotion to the students of Sunrise Drive Elementary School warrants the respect of her colleagues and community." Deputy Superintendent Geraldine Sullivan Keck agrees in a letter of recommendation stating, "Rose constantly and consistently seeks to improve learning and teaching. Her focus is steered by a true north compass which points, without fail, toward student achievement and a community of committed learners. She constantly raises the bar for herself as a professional and for all of her staff members. She leads by example."

Castello has served as an educator for 21 years, 12 as an administrator, 10 in her current position. Sunrise Drive Elementary is a suburban school of approximately 420 K-5 students.

Castello will be recognized for her achievements at an awards ceremony on May 10, 2013 at the Century House in Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing 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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