Former Board of Education President Debra McQuillan was honored for her nearly two decades of service to the community and the school district at the September action meeting of the Freeport Board of Education.
"Debra McQuillan has been a gift to us and our community. Her actions and thinking brought our organization to greater heights," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "Debra, you have made an extraordinary and phenomenal impact. I thank you for everything you have done for the schools."
"We dedicate this evening to you and we're making numerous presentations. You are deserving of all of them," announced Board of Education President Debra Mulé to Ms. McQuillan and all who had gathered for the meeting held at Atkinson Intermediate School.
One by one, the school board members recognized Ms. McQuillan for her devotion to the betterment of the Freeport School District. Her legacy includes PTA leadership positions, an active role in establishing the "Friends of Freeport School Children" group, and a six-year stint as school board president. "We had complete faith and confidence in her leadership," said school board member Michael Pomerico. "She always puts the children first without forgetting the taxpayer."
As testimony to her longstanding involvement and impact in the community, Ms. McQuillan received a commemorative plaque from the Freeport Board of Education, as well as honorable citations from Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Hempstead Town Councilwoman Angie M. Cullin, Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg, New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. and New York State Assemblyman David G. McDonough. There were also words of praise from Freeport Teacher Association President Stuart Napier, a presentation of a flower basket from the Central Council PTA, and a song of tribute from Atkinson School Mariachi Band member Valentina Vinasco.
Ms. McQuillan responded to the current school board and administration with heartfelt words of appreciation. She also gave special thanks to her parents and family for sacrificing their own time so that she could devote her time to serving the community.
