Deer Park School District

Deer Park Honors Board of Ed and President Donna Marie Elliott

The Deer Park School District celebrated its hardworking Board of Education for School Board Recognition Week at the Oct. 22 board meeting. A highlight of the meeting was well-deserved recognition of Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott for being named a 2024 Woman of Distinction. Elliott had received this accolade at the Women of Distinction fall brunch sponsored by New York State Assemblyman Keith Brown, held on Oct. 20 at The View Restaurant at Crab Meadow Golf Course in Northport.

“I can't think of anybody more deserving,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “Everyone sees Donna as the current president of the board, but since I got here in 1997, she’s been involved in so many things and always advocated for our special education program. What makes tonight so special is that she has spent the past 25 years making sure that everybody who does something gets credit. It’s about time Donna gets the credit for everything she’s done for the children of Deer Park. On behalf of the entire school community, I want to thank her.”

“There’s nothing she wouldn't do for this community,” Board trustee Al Centamore said. “She's incredible. I’ve been involved in this district since 1980, and this award is very special.”

“Thank you for everything that you do,” Board trustee Jerry Jean-Pierre said. “Donna, you give so much to the community, so this is just a little something that we can give back to you.”

“Thank you, all of you, for this amazing award and for recognizing me tonight,” Elliott said. “I have to say that from the bottom of my heart, I think that the greatest gift we can give anybody is to make them feel valued, special and loved, and tonight you gave me that gift. I will be forever grateful for your words. I love this community. I love everything about it. I love all of you and I am honored and proud to stand here amongst these people. This is a special place.”

In a special presentation for School Board Recognition Week, third graders from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School’s new dual language program presented a bilingual tribute to the Board, speaking in both English and Spanish.

“Seeing you all here tonight reminds us of why we do what we do,” Cummings told the students.

“We want you to know how proud we are of you,” Elliott added. “We think you were phenomenal, and we can’t wait to hear more of your wonderful speaking.”