|
News
Karen Nicolino of the South Huntington School District Named Dowling College/News 12 Educator of the Month
 Karen Nicolino, a second grade teacher in the South Huntington School District, has been named a 2005/2006 Dowling College/News 12 Long Island Educator of the Month. Nominations were accepted from schools throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, and a committee of distinguished educators selected the winners.
In 1989, Mrs. Nicolino began her professional career in South Huntington as a substitute teacher and was hired as a first grade teacher in 1990. In 1993, Mrs. Nicolino served on the district committee that established South Huntington's mutli-age program, and in 2000 she was hired as a second grade teacher at Countrywood Elementary School, a position she's held since that time.
"Devoting so much time to fellow teachers and community projects marks extraordinary dedication that should be acknowledged," commented Dr. Clyde Payne, Dean of Dowling's School of Education upon presenting the award. "We are pleased to honor Mrs. Nicolino's considerable efforts."
Mrs. Nicolino is commended for her involvement in the district's multi-age program, where she is credited for establishing a learning environment that enables young children to become independent, self-confident, accomplished citizens. She continues to be called upon to share her expertise with colleagues and has acted as a new teacher mentor for several years.
"Karen is one of the most generous, altruistic individuals I know. On a regular basis, she volunteers her time to work on school and district-wide projects, so many of which are aimed at assisting those less fortunate," said James M. Sullivan, Ed.D., in his nomination letter. "This concern for others, this selflessness transfers to Karen's students who also give their time and energy to these efforts," he added.
Since 2001, Mrs. Nicolino has served as Chairperson for the Countrywood Kids Helping Kids fundraiser that raises money for children with cancer at Winthrop University Hospital. She engages her students in meaningful outreach efforts, including the Foster Grandparent Program, which connects at-risk children with senior volunteers, and coordinates annual holiday visits to the Atria Adult Home in Huntington.
A special feature announcing Mrs. Nicolino's award will air during December on News 12. In June the award winners and their guests will be honored at a special dinner.
About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at
its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre
Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk
border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor′s, Master′s, and Doctoral degrees in several
disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education.
|
