LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Don Sternberg upon the occasion of
being named the 2009 New York State Elementary School Principal of the
Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of outstanding character and remarkable integrity who
enhance the quality of education of the young people of New York State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Don Sternberg upon the occasion of being named the 2009 New York State
Elementary School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators
Association of New York State; and
WHEREAS, The Principal of the Wantagh Elementary School in the Wantagh
Union Free School District, Dr. Don Sternberg has been an administrator
on the elementary school level for 28 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition to serving as Principal of the Wantagh Elementary
School for the last 26 years, Dr. Don Sternberg served two years as
Assistant Principal, seven years as an art teacher and four years as an
adjunct professor at SUNY Stony Brook; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Dr. Don Sternberg, Wantagh Elementary
School has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the New York
State Education Department and a School of Excellence by the United
States Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, An active member of the School Administrators Association of
New York State and the National Association of Elementary School Princi-
pals, Dr. Don Sternberg serves as co-president of the Nassau County
Elementary School Principals Association, is a member of Phi Delta Kappa
and the Long Island School Leadership Advisory Board, and has served on
the advisory board for the New York State School Music Association; he
has also been the recipient of an Award for Overall Excellence from
REDBOOK; and
WHEREAS, As the New York State Elementary School Principal of the
Year, Dr. Don Sternberg will also be recognized as a National Distin-
guished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Prin-
cipals; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Don Sternberg received a bachelor's degree in art educa-
tion from Ball State University, a master's degree in fine arts from
Adelphi University, and a professional diploma from Long Island Univer-
sity and a doctorate from Columbia University in educational adminis-
tration; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. Don Sternberg provide a tremendous service
to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Don Sternberg has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth at Wantagh Elementary School, as well as on the community-at-
large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impres-
sive dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Dr. Don Sternberg and to wish him
continued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Don Sternberg upon the occasion of being named the 2009 New
York State Elementary School Principal of the Year by the School Admin-
istrators Association of New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Don Sternberg.