The 2018 school and community members who were recognized for their exemplary service to Sayville School District by SCOPE Education Services were honored at the Seventeenth Annual School District Awards Dinner held on Monday, March 19, 2018:

Thomas Cooley – BOE Service

Maureen Foster –Teacher Service

Dr. Michele LeBlanc – Administrative Service

Justin Lite – Community Service

Kathy Whitehurst – Teacher Service 

Mr. Thomas Cooley is a dedicated and compassionate board trustee who has served the students and community of Sayville for ten years.  A life-long resident, Mr. Cooley is himself a graduate of Sayville High School.  This background combined with an earnest commitment to representing the needs of students and the interests of the community make Mr. Cooley a valued member of Sayville’s leadership team.  In particular Mr. Cooley’s thoughtful leadership contributed to the completion of a new, state of the art, athletic field named in honor of Officer Timothy Henck.

Maureen Foster is a passionate and dedicated special education teacher, child advocate, and friend in the Sayville Public School District.  She began working at Sunrise Drive Elementary school in September of 2000.  Over her career, she has worked tirelessly to provide all children with the opportunity to succeed.  Maureen is more than just a teacher of children, she also serves as a coach and advisor to her colleagues.  Her creativity and devotion are evident in the countless lives she has helped for the better with a calm and consistent demeanor.  Maureen demonstrates professionalism even in the toughest of times.  She continuously displays a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and compassion for others.  Maureen lives by the motto, “Live in the Moment.”  To this end she runs annual blood drives and scholarship drives in memory of her late husband. Maureen has been an active participant and member of Sayville SEPTA.  Maureen has touched the lives of so many and has made her classroom, school, and community a better place.  

Dr. Michele LeBlanc is the exemplary school leader of Lincoln Elementary School in Sayville.  Her leadership has positively impacted the learning environment of thousands of students during her tenure as principal. She has modeled the importance of being a life-long learner and has proven to be an inspirational leader. Dr. LeBlanc was instrumental in supporting the district’s decision to adopt the Teachers College Reading Writing program for students in grades K through 5.  Her resourceful work on Sayville’s elementary science program is punctuated by the very popular annual Sayville Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Symposium for elementary school students.  Dr. LeBlanc is an energetic advocate for students.  She works hard to provide a warm and supportive school environment for students, families and staff.

Justin Lite is an attorney and parent who resides in Sayville.  He is the epitome of a Sayville School advocate.  Justin has supported the Sayville community for many years by unselfishly donating his time and services to various school organizations.  He was instrumental in assisting the Sayville Charitable Foundation and the Friends of Sayville Education Foundation obtain their not-for-profit status. His efforts have led the way to provide many educational opportunities for our students. Mr. Lite has provided professional support to various Sayville PTA's. He is a trustworthy, caring and dedicated individual that always lends a helping hand to those in need and is an integral part of our Sayville community.

Kathy Whitehurst is an expert teacher with over three decades of experience in Sayville Schools. A reflective professional, she continuously seeks out new and creative ways to improve her instruction.  Kathy has served as a kindergarten, third grade, and fifth grade teacher. Most recently she has developed Sayville Schools elementary enrichment program.  The Academic Challenge and Enrichment serves Sayville’s fourth and fifth grade students.  Kathy provides innumerable engaging lessons, STEM experiences, advanced technology applications, and critical thinking opportunities.  The success of this program is due in no small part to her work ethic and dedication to our students.  Kathy’s enthusiasm and love for her students, her colleagues, and her community are evident on a daily basis. Her dedication and commitment will be long remembered.

Photos from 2018 SCOPE AWARDS DINNER