Saturday, November 8, 2025
Four women with Bellmore-Merrick ties were among 17 honored for their leadership, dedication and service on Sept. 18 at the third annual Women of Distinction ceremony, hosted by State Sen. Steve Rhoads at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library.
North Bellmore Superintendent of Schools Marie Testa, Bellmore School District Board of Education Vice President Janet Goller, North Bellmore Board of Education Trustee Nina Lanci, and Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Vice President and Merrick School District Trustee Dr. Nancy Kaplan were recognized for contributions that have shaped communities across Rhoads’ Senate district.
Testa, now in her 13th year as North Bellmore’s superintendent, was recently named president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents. She said she was grateful for the recognition and emphasized the community’s collective commitment to nurturing both academic and personal growth in students.
“I am truly humbled to be named a Woman of Distinction by Senator Rhoads,” she said. “As superintendent of North Bellmore, I am fortunate to work alongside a dedicated school community in supporting our students’ growth — not only as learners, but as kind and compassionate people. Standing among such extraordinary women, whose stories were deeply inspiring, was both grounding and uplifting.”
Goller, a past president of the board and a lifelong Bellmore resident, has dedicated 31 years to the Bellmore School District as a trustee. She has previously been honored with the New York State PTA Honorary Life Distinguished Service Award, the National PTA Life Achievement Award and the Nassau County Women Trailblazers of the New Millennium Award.
“Janet’s passion for the Bellmore community is unwavering,” said Bellmore Union Free School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Famularo. “Her tireless dedication to the students of Bellmore schools has shaped countless Stars into lifelong leaders.”
Lanci, now in her 21st year on the North Bellmore Board of Education, is the longest-tenured member of the board and also serves as a trustee on the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Board of Education. She is a past president of the Martin Avenue PTA.
“To be recognized alongside so many other remarkable women for doing the work I love most — helping my community in whatever way I can — is a tremendous honor,” she said.
Kaplan serves as a trustee on both the Merrick Union Free School District and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District boards of education. She is also a member of the Merrick Kiwanis Club and has coached basketball and baseball in her community.
Each honoree’s biography was read aloud, highlighting their contributions in volunteerism, advocacy, education, business and the arts. Rhoads personally presented the awards, expressing gratitude for their efforts to improve life on Long Island.
“These extraordinary women show us every day that one person’s courage, vision and dedication can transform a community,” Rhoads said. “Their achievements inspire all of us to work harder, dream bigger and leave a lasting mark on the world.”
