Golf outing for late former Lynbrook superintendent raises money for students

About 145 local residents came out to the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club on July 24 to participate in a golf event honoring Dr. Santo Barbarino, the former Superintendent of Lynbrook schools who died suddenly in August 2012 at age 67.

“It was really a beautiful turnout and people were very up,” said Al Barbarino, Santo’s brother. “There was really a good feeling.” He added that his 100-year-old mother, Sadie, was also at the event.

The golf outing cost $100 for dinner and $250 for those who wanted to hit the links and eat dinner. The money raised will go toward scholarships for three or four Lynbrook students graduating in 2018. Part of the proceeds will also go to Holy Cross High School in Bayside — a place where Santo was also heavily involved during his life. Al said they were not sure how much money was raised as of press time.

Lynbrook school officials will help narrow down the candidates for the scholarship based on excellence in academics, the arts and athletics, Al said. They will then provide Al with the finalists and he will help them decide which students the scholarship money will be awarded to. Each student is given $3,000, and if there is any money left over, it remains in the scholarship fund for future graduates.

Santo was born in Brooklyn and graduated from St. Francis College in 1967. He received his doctorate from New York University in 1987 and became superintendent of Lynbrook schools in 2008. He was beloved by many in the position.

Al said they base the criteria for scholarship winners on aspects and traits that meant the most to Santo. “My brother was very big on the helping aspect,” he said. “Students helping each other. … This is how the legacy of his name continues on.”