In addition, McDonough recognized two local women in the field of education –– Kilfoyle and Levy. Kilfoyle commutes from Bellmore to Oceanside, where she has been a teacher for the past 25 years. McDonough said she has taught social studies at Oceanside High School for 16 years, recently receiving National Board Teacher Certification in the subject. Less than 2 percent of educators nationwide have earned the distinction, McDonough said. Kilfoyle has also coached varsity track and field for 15 years.

McDonough said that, like Kilfoyle, Levy has gone above and beyond her duties as an educator. At Grand Avenue, Levy coordinates annual plays in addition to teaching English. She does theatrical work with the Bellmore Players and the Bellmore Jewish Center, which, along with the Chron’s Disease and Colitis Research Foundation, Levy has done fundraising for.

Anne Barracca of East Meadow, Sue Nicola of Seaford, Polly Dwyer of Levittown and Sharyn O’Mara, an adjunct professor at Adelphi University, were also named Women of Distinction by McDonough.