By Dana Williams
The event, which took place inside of the Conference Center at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale, was held to give recognition to the educators and leaders in the Lakeview and Malverne community. Phyllis Wright was presented with the Distinguished Service Award. As a former principal and teacher at Davison Avenue Elementary in Lynbrook, part of the Malverne School District, Wright was honored for distinguishing herself as a dedicated educator, advocate for children and Lakeview community activist, among her other achievements.
Educator Meredyth Martini, was honored with the Education Award for working 10 years in the Malverne School District. Martini has worked as a school psychologist in Howard T. Herber Middle School and Malverne High School. She is currently the Director of Special Education at Malverne High School.
Martini shared her award with Eddie Corbett, an assistant pastor at New Life Ministries in West Hempstead who has devoted 34 years to being an educator. Corbett was also recognized for serving as the Dean of Students at Howard T. Herber Middle School in Malverne last school year. The educators in the Malverne School District were also given support by Malverne school officials such as Maurice W. Downing Elementary School Principal Margaret McDaid and Malverne High School Assistant Principal Steven Benfante who attended the gala.
Many of the honorees, who accepted their awards with smiles on their faces, said that being involved in their community is a fulfilling experience.
"I'm truly honored tonight and this organization continues to grow in many positive ways," said Phyllis Tinsley, this year's co-recipient of the Branch Recognition Award. Members of the organization paid tribute to Tinsley's community activism as a member of three Parent Teacher Associations, and board member of the Malverne After School Center, among other activities. "The NAACP is a family of caring people," Tinsley said, "and our organization is very proud to say that we will keep on growing."
Tinsley shared her award with lifelong Lakeview resident Darrol Lopez. The Malverne High School graduate was honored for his success as coach and youth mentor at Malverne High School. Under Lopez's leadership, the Malverne High School boys basketball team won the New York State and Federation titles last season.
The branch's president, Bea Bayley, also took a moment to tell attendees all about the admirable qualities of honoree Joseph Martin, who received the branch's Community Service Award. Bayley called Martin "a giver" for his many years working with local churches and community groups. Martin, who shared the award with honoree Aida Ortiz Berry, is a longtime correction officer for Nassau County's Sheriff's Department.
Martin also helped to provide entertainment for the guests at the gala. New York radio station 98.7 KISS FM's morning show personality Shaila was the guest host for the evening, who many called the Mistress of Ceremonies. "I've been in radio now for 23 years, and I think community events like this one tonight help to keep me grounded," Shaila told the Herald. "It's a blessing to see people accomplish great things in their community ... and I hope tonight encourages more people to become a member of the NAACP."
Those in attendance were also entertained by a host of anecdotes and jokes by stand-up comedian Freddie Ricks. "This community event is incredible and I am very happy to just be a part of it," Ricks told the Herald. "This is a very positive event and it's important to always support efforts that bring people together like this."
Ricks, who has appeared on shows such as BET's "Comic View" and the legendary "Showtime at the Apollo," gave audience members back-to-back laughs with his skits that incorporated characters of European, Indian and South American decent.
For many, the event was about not only honoring the achievements of a select few, but also to emphasize the organization's importance in society today. The branch represents a chapter of a national organization that aims to ensure "the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons," according to the NAACP's Web site.
"This organization is very important and it is needed in the world we live in today," said Rener Reed, a lifetime member of the NAACP Lakeview Branch. "I think tonight was a success and we plan to continue our branch's success in the community."
Comments about this story? DWilliams@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
