The votes are in — Syosset High School Principal Dr. Giovanni Durante has been named Best School Principal on Long Island. Sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the Best of Long Island poll identifies the best of the best on Long Island covering 14 different categories, including arts and entertainment, education, food and drink, health and wellness, and much more.
Every year from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15, voting is open for the Best of Long Island program on bestof.longislandpress.com. During this 75-day window, everyone can vote for the person, local store or restaurant, business or service they feel should hold a Best of Long Island title in a designated category.
“I am humbled and honored to receive such a prestigious award, and graciously accept it on behalf of my many colleagues, both inside and outside of the classroom, who work tirelessly to make a positive impact and difference in our school community,” said Dr. Durante. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me. I feel blessed to work in a supportive and cohesive school district like Syosset, where we are given the freedom to explore multiple perspectives and make a difference in our students’ lives.”
Dr. Durante began his career at Syosset High School in September 1994 as a teacher of world languages. After six years, he became the dean of discipline, and two years later was promoted to assistant principal, a role in which he served for eight years before being appointed as principal. He is currently in his sixth year as principal.
Since graduating from Stony Brook University in 1994 with a B.A. in Italian and concentration in Spanish, Dr. Durante has earned his M.A. and Advanced Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from CUNY Brooklyn College and his Doctor of Education from St. John’s University. He has also been an evaluating professor for the University of Scranton Education Online Program, helping graduate students obtain their administrative licenses.
Dr. Durante was honored with the St. John’s University’s Award for Outstanding Achievement as an Educational Leader in 2012 and was chosen as the keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony of Stony Brook University’s department of European languages in 2014. He is also a past recipient of the Syosset High School PTSA Founder’s Day Award, as well as the PTA Jenkins Award as a faculty member. “It is obvious to everyone that Dr. Durante has a genuine appreciation for the students, staff and parents of the community. He is an enthusiastic, dedicated and progressive leader who takes the time to really know people and support them in any way he can,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers. “Dr. Durante is a institution at Syosset High School and we value his leadership in all things large and small. On behalf of the Board of Education, I congratulate him for receiving this well-deserved recognition.”
The official Best of Long Island 2016 guide is widely distributed across Nassau and Suffolk counties, including at every Bethpage Federal Credit Union location. Dr. Durante shares this honor with Glen Zakian, principal of Farmingdale High School. The District extends its congratulations to Mr. Zakian and the Farmingdale School District.
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