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Town Honors Sixteen Outstanding Women at Annual Pathfinder Awards Ceremony

The Island Now

Supervisor Laura Gillen and members of the Hempstead Town Board honored sixteen extraordinary women who live or work in the Town of Hempstead for their outstanding contributions to the community in a variety of endeavors at the town’s annual Pathfinder Awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 27, 2019. “The 2019 Pathfinder Award honorees are truly deserving of the recognition for their outstanding contributions and indelible impact they each have on their communities,” noted Laura Gillen.These women go above and beyond in their efforts to improve the community and the lives of others,” said Gillen.

“Each of our exceptional honorees help make our township a better place to live and work, and they continue to inspire future generations of women to lead by example and become pathfinders of their own,” said Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney. “It’s an honor to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of these women in the Town of Hempstead, and to acknowledge their commitment to helping others,” said Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby.

“Congratulations to the Pathfinder Award honorees for their valuable contributions which help make our town so distinctive,” said Councilman Bruce Blakeman. “All of the women celebrated at the Pathfinder Awards are the finest role models from our township, and we are thrilled to celebrate their great contributions to our community,” shared Councilman Anthony D’Esposito.

“It is such a pleasure to recognize the distinguished women in our town for their admirable dedication and unwavering commitment to give back to others in their community,” said Councilman Dennis Dunne.

The winners of the prestigious award are as follows:

Arts & Entertainment: Elizabeth Calandra, a senior at Floral Park High School who has been a pivotal part of elevating the music and art departments at the high school while also making contributions to her community. Ms. Calandra mentors younger students interested in the arts, and her passion for theater and music is greatly appreciated by her peers and the faculty at the school.

Business: Sandra McCarty, owner of Caribbean Business Connections in Freeport, has ensured that small businesses in the Caribbean business community have a forum that can help them strengthen their business and better serve their communities.

Community Service: Christine Mooney, owner of “Tender Tales Nursery School” a child care center in East Meadow, has implemented numerous charitable initiatives that have positively impacted numerous people in the community.

Education: Kesha Bascombe is an Assistant Principal at Malverne High School, and has been an educator for the past twenty years. Ms. Bascombe champions for the success of each and every student and inspires the very best from all of the students of Malverne High School.

Health Services: Kate Zummo, MS, RN, CEN, is currently the Director, Community Education at South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside. Ms. Zummo ensures that the community is provided with the latest health education and resources that encourage them to be proactive about their health.

High School Seniors: These exceptional young women have shown outstanding leadership qualities, and serve as an inspiration to others:

Jennifer Daly, Clarke High School in East Meadow; Gabriela Daza, Mepham High School, Bellmore; Madison Gillis, Division Avenue High School, Levittown; Leah Hochman, Freeport High School; Elizabeth Sardes, H. Frank Carey High School, Franklin Square; Safiyyah Savage, Valley Stream High School; Isabel Schwagerl, South Side High School, Rockville Center, and Hallelyah Yisrael, Roosevelt High School.

Humanitarian: Cathy Powell, is the president of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, and has continuously made an impact on her community through a variety of selfless volunteer activities over the last twenty years. Recently, she organized Wantagh’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade, which was attended by over 50,000 local residents.

Volunteer: Robin Fitzpatrick is the president of the East Meadow PTA Council and an EMT with the East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department. Ms. Fitzpatrick has been volunteering in her community since 2002 and most recently initiated an emergency medical training to all staff in the East Meadow School District.

Angie Cullin Town Employee: Ramona Malloy has worked in the Town’s Building Department for the past thirty-two years, and her dedication and consistent positive attitude is greatly appreciated by the residents of the Town of Hempstead as well as her peers.

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