The South Huntington Teacher of the Year Presentation was held on Wednesday, January 22nd at Walt Whitman’s Performing Arts Center. Family, friends, students and community members were thrilled to join in acknowledging this year’s outstanding teachers.

It gives us great pleasure year after year to recognize those teachers who are to be considered the best and the brightest, hardest working and most dedicated of our wonderful faculty. The South Huntington School District has been recognizing Teachers of the Year since 1987. In his congratulatory remarks, Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia said, “We have the privilege of honoring the teachers who have gone above and beyond to ignite a love of learning and a passion for tackling the unknown by creating an environment where every child feels valued and capable of achieving greatness. As we reflect on our centennial and look towards the future, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting and celebrating our teachers.”

Opening the evening of celebration was the singing of the National Anthem by Walt Whitman High School Junior Sarah Bruzual and a beautiful bass performance by Whitman Senior and Ex-Officio Student Member of the Board of Education, Gracie DeMarinis. Led by Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Mr. Eddie Smith, this was a memorable and meaningful evening as the South Huntington Board of Education and the district’s administrators gave well-deserved recognition and praise to their top teachers. Joining the Board of Education and administration in honoring our Teachers of the Year were Suffolk County Legislators Stephanie Bontempi and Rebecca Sanin. 

Congratulations to each of our building’s 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year!

Henry L. Stimson Middle School and South Huntington Teacher of the Year - Eileen Damato
A dedicated special education teacher at Stimson Middle School since 2008, Eileen has positively impacted the lives of many students and staff members. Known for her compassionate demeanor, kind spirit and boundless enthusiasm, Eileen creates a nurtur­ing environment where students feel supported and empowered to thrive. The warmth and com­passion that Eileen brings to the classroom is evident as soon as you enter. Her unwavering focus on her students, coupled with her collaborative teaching strategies, inspires both her col­leagues and her classroom. This well-deserved honor highlights her exceptional contributions to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning within the South Huntington community. 

Eileen is highly respected by her colleagues, administration, students and families due to her commitment to students inside and outside of the classroom. She brings an air of positivity each and every day to Stimson and our community, where she has lived with her husband Peter and their children Kristen and Michael, for the past 30 years. 

Eileen's path to education was inspired by her transition from the corporate world, where she excelled as an HR manager, to her passion for teaching and helping students thrive. Her early years in education began with substitute positions and leave replacements before joining the Stimson Special Education Department. It was here that Eileen began to flourish. 

Throughout her career, her favorite moments come from empowering students to discover their confidence and reach their potential. Her unwavering commitment to her students and the com­munity exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator. The staff, students and fami­lies of Stimson Middle School are delighted to announce Mrs. Damato as the Stimson and South Huntington District Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Eileen, on this well-deserved honor! 

Countrywood Primary Center Teacher of the Year - Rena Sanicola
Rena joined the Countrywood Family 26 years ago and has been well loved and respected by staff, students, and parents. Over her career Ms. Sanicola has been involved in MANY building and district initiatives. In her classroom she works tirelessly to create a structured, supportive, and engaging learn­ing environment where all students feel safe and ready to learn. She works with her peers and collaborates with them to develop challenging instructional lessons that meet the diverse needs of all learners. She not only focuses on the academic needs of her students but also focuses on educating the whole child, knowing that their social and emotional needs are equally as important as their academic needs. She provides individual support and guid­ance to help them each grow and meet their personal goals and see in themselves their own unique strengths and skills. 
 

Outside of school, Ms. Sanicola participates in fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, has been a Girl Scout Leader, co-organized our Countrywood Breast Cancer Fundraiser and enjoys playing guitar and singing to nursing home patients. Most recently Ms. Sanicola has written and published her very own children's book inspired by her students, a truly amazing accomplishment! We are proud to have Rena Sanicola for being honored as Countrywood’s Teacher of the Year! 

Oakwood Primary Center Teacher of the Year - Christine Le Claire
Christine has been an asset to South Huntington since 2016. Oakwood is home to Ms. Le Claire, as she shares her incredible talent, knowledge, and enthusiasm as Oakwood's Library Media Specialist. Ms. Le Claire is a proud resident of South Huntington and has raised her three daughters in the District's schools. 

Christine has a genuine love for children. Her passion to teach and grow the knowledge of her students in research, technology, and of course, the magic of reading diverse genres of books- is quite inspiring! Ms. Le Claire is authentic in her approach with students and that is exactly why her students never forget the feeling of loving to read in Oakwood's library! Her dynamic style, creativity, and caring approach keeps her students engaged at Oakwood and in our community. 

Ms. Le Claire has served on numerous build­ing and district committees, such as the Oakwood Technology and Professional Develop­ment Committee, 100th Anniversary, Instructional Rounds, SHEF, and Smart Start. This dedication proves that she is part of the fabric of what makes South Huntington so special. Her unwavering commitment to the students, families, and staff of the South Huntington family is truly admirable and speaks volumes of her tremendous impact on the District. Oakwood is so proud of you, Ms. Christine Le Claire! Congratulations on your well deserved honor of being Oakwood's Teacher of the Year! 

Birchwood Intermediate School Teacher of the Year - Carolyn Crofton
Mrs. Crofton has been teaching in South Huntington since 2007. In that time she has made quite an impact on the Birchwood community, both in and out of the classroom. Carolyn has de­veloped an incredible understanding for every type of student in the building and every teaching role, as she has taught our English Language Learners across the grade levels and has been a lead collaborator in sharing best practices in all classrooms. In true master teacher form, Mrs. Crofton reinvents herself based on the academic levels of her students. She does not ask the students to adapt to her teaching style in order to learn, she adapts her instruction to meet their individual needs which enables them to learn. 

Carolyn's exceptional teaching abilities are complemented by her ability to build student confidence. She celebrates their strengths and provides consistent support to help them overcome chal­lenges, instilling a sense of pride in their accomplishments. She helps her students to see that the ability to speak multiple languages as a superpower. 

Mrs. Crofton is a huge part of the Birchwood family, as she consistently fosters strong and long lasting connections with the Birchwood and South Huntington families. She can always be counted on to give guidance and support to her colleagues and the community. Mrs. Crofton's passion for teaching, coupled with her unwavering belief in the students and the South Huntington community, makes her a truly exceptional educator and a worthy recipient of this prestigious honor. Congratulations Mrs. Crofton! Birchwood could not be prouder of you. 

Maplewood Intermediate School Teacher of the Year - Anissa Rasdall
Ms. Anissa Rasdall has been a dedicated 5th Grade teacher at Maplewood Intermediate School since 2001, but became a member of the South Huntington Family in 2000, when she was a student teacher. Ms. Rasdall is currently an Integrated Co-Teacher, working in partnership with a Special Education teacher. She is a team player and always willing to help in and outside of the classroom. Ms. Rasdall is a PTA Liaison, a SEPTA Member, the Maplewood Project Excel Coordinator, a SBM Team Member, a Summer Literacy Program Teacher, a South Huntington Teachers' Association Union Representative and a profes­sional who keeps her door open to support teachers with their craft. 

Ms. Rasdall's consistent and warm presence at Maplewood has allowed her to be an es­sential member of the Maplewood Family. Every day, Ms. Rasdall fosters positive relation­ships with her students by taking the necessary steps to encourage students to be their very best. She is seasoned in being a supportive role model and engages her class in car­ing conversations. For years, Ms. Rasdall has worked to foster not only student academic success, but also, in making connections to support students well after the time that they have been a member of her classroom. She allows and wants students to shine, even when they struggle to see how special they really are. She works with a style that is all her own and always for the benefit of students. For these and so many more reasons, it is with great pleasure that Ms. Anissa Rasdall is Maplewood's Teacher of the Year. 

Silas Wood 6th Grade Center Teacher of the Year - Elaine McEntee
Ms. Elaine McEntee has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering both the academic growth and personal development of our students. Her passion for teaching, combined with her innovative and engaging instructional methods, creates a dynamic classroom environment that encourages learning and sparks curiosity. 

Beyond her classroom, Ms. McEntee's leadership has had a lasting impact on our school community. She actively shares her expertise, fosters a collaborative spirit, and contributes to the broader growth of our school. Her involvement extends throughout the district, where she serves on the Technology and Professional Development Commit­tees, and is a key member of the Instructional Rounds Team. 

Ms. McEntee's dedication to the South Huntington and Silas Wood communities is also reflected in her role as the Silas Wood STEAM Fair Coordinator. Additionally, she has been a proud member of the Wildcat Booster Club for 12 years and is a committed member of both the SBM team and PT A. We are grateful for her continued contributions and leadership, and we celebrate her well-deserved recognition as Silas’ Teacher of the Year. 

Walt Whitman High School Teacher of the Year - Carrie Eastwood
A beloved member of our faculty for the past 22 years, Ms. Eastwood's connection to South Huntington runs deep, rooted in a legacy that began even before her birth. Her father, a proud graduate of Walt Whitman, set the foundation for what would become a lifelong bond with our community. 

Raised within the South Huntington school system, Ms. Eastwood exemplifies what it means to grow and give back. A graduate of Walt Whitman's Class of '97, she pursued her passion for education at St. Joseph's College and CW Post, earning her degree in Elementary and Special Education. This solid educational foundation, paired with her unwavering dedication, has made her an extraordinary Special Education Teacher in our district. 

Ms. Eastwood has been a cornerstone of Walt Whitman High School, focusing on help­ing students thrive within ICT Earth Science classrooms. Her work is marked by her ability to inspire and uplift, ensuring that each student discovers their potential and achieves success. Her impact goes beyond the classroom door. As a mother of three incredible sons who also attend South Huntington schools, Ms. Eastwood's investment in our district is both personal and profound. 

Colleagues, students, and parents all recognize Carrie as a beacon of selflessness, always putting others before herself and striving to make a difference. She is described by colleagues as "one of the most selfless people you will ever meet," a sentiment that resonates deeply with all who have had the privilege of knowing her. Ms. Eastwood's contributions to Whitman and the South Huntington School District ex­emplify the very best of what we strive to be as educators and as a community. Her unwavering dedication, kindness, and passion for her work inspire us all. 

See more photos from the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Recognition here. 

Watch the recording of the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Recognition here.

Whitman Junior Sarah Bruzual performed the National Anthem to begin the evening festivities.

High School Senior and Ex-Officio Student Member of the BOE, Gracie DeMarinis, performed a classical piece on the bass before the teacher recognition. 

South Huntington Teachers Association President, Robert Morris, joined members of our Board of Education in congratulating this year’s honorees.

The district-wide Teacher of the Year, Eileen Damato, with Suffolk County Legislators Stephanie Bontempi (left) and Rebecca Sanin (right) who joined us for the celebration to share a few words on the impact educators have on students both in the classroom and beyond.

Principal Mitch Levy presented Countrywood’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Rena Sanicola, who has recently written and published her very own children's book inspired by her students.

Principal Dr. Michaelian presented Christine Le Claire as Oakwood’s Teacher of the Year. This year’s honorees received a beautiful engraved glass apple as a token of appreciation.

Principal John Murphy presented Walt Whitman’s Teacher of the Year, Carrie Eastwood, in the most spirited way!

Maplewood principal Ms. Maria Colon presented Ms. Anissa Rasdall as the intermediate school’s Teacher of the Year.

Maplewood students showed their support with a spark of creativity at the special evening of recognition in honor of their “teaching Queen,” Ms. Anissa Rasdall.

Birchwood’s Teacher of the Year, Carolyn Crofton, was congratulated by her family alongside principal Dimitri Berndel, South Huntington Teachers Association President Robert Morris, Superintendent Vito D’Elia, BOE President Nick Ciappetta and Vice President Linda LaCara.

Silas Wood principal, Mr. Stephen Toto, shared some sentiments while applauding the sixth-grade center’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Elaine McEntee.

Stimson’s and South Huntington’s Teacher of the Year, Eileen Damato, was joined by her family as the district administration and Board Members congratulated her on this special recognition.

Congratulations to each of South Huntington’s Teacher of the Year recipients on this monumental celebration!