By Nicole Falco
Margaret Daugherty, superintendent of District 13 schools, believes that educating the "whole" child is paramount, according to Ed Chiarello, the district's music coordinator.
"Right now it's a tough time for music [programs] in general. Peg [Daugherty] has made sure this music program has gotten what it needs," he said.
Daugherty was recognized for her support of music education with the "Administrator of the Year" award, presented by the Nassau County Music Educators Association, which was founded 66 years ago.
"The 'Superintendent of the Year' award is not given out every year because it's rare to have a superintendent that in touch at the ground level," Chiarello said.
The award was presented to Daugherty on Nov. 14 in front of approximately 25 music teachers, administrators, parents and board members from the district at the Westbury Manor.
According to Daugherty, receiving the award was a complete surprise. Daugherty was under the assumption that one of the district's music teachers was to receive an award
Daugherty was nominated for the award by music staff, parents and school administrators. In all, nine letters were submitted to NCMEA on Daugherty's behalf, but Chiarello said that number could have been higher if he had asked more people to write.
"We received quite a few applications. Hers really stood out...we usually get two to four letters in support of an application, but with her application we received nine letters, which was really impressive," said Alan Kunins, President of NCMEA.
Kunins said NCMEA was also impressed by the details included in the letters about what Daugherty has done for the district. Chiarello and Mary Ann Fithian, principal of Wheeler Avenue School, were just two of the many who offered praise of Daugherty.
Fithian wrote, "She truly appreciates that for an individual, especially a child, to grow and experience life, their mind must be challenged intellectually, and their soul must soar on a crescendo of harmony and spirit."
Fithian also praised Daugherty for her presence at concerts, plays and special events that highlight the district's musical accomplishments as well as her role in replacing Lorraine Hoskin, co-director of Wheeler's vocal and instrumental music program, once she retired.
"We needed to find someone with vocal expertise, high expectations, a love of children and a musical heart. Mrs. Daugherty took whatever steps necessary to secure the employment of Gary Hart in total understanding and support for Wheeler's musical program," Fithian wrote.
Daugherty, who is in her third year as superintendent, is modest when accepting the praise heaped upon her.
"It's not so much what one person does, it's what we are all doing," Daugherty said. "The performances at all of the district's schools, particularly Wheeler or [James A.] Dever are just so remarkable...you can't believe they are students."
While honored, Daugherty said she simply nurtured the already outstanding music programs in the district.
Since assuming her position, Daugherty has created two new music staff positions and was instrumental in persuading the Board of Education to expand the kindergarten music program from a one-half-hour class to a one-half-hour class twice per week. She also helped create new budget codes to fund the music department's field trips to perform at the EAB Holiday Atrium, the lighting of holiday trees in Malverne and North Valley Stream and the Franklin Nursing Home.
"With the current testing mandates in the fourth grade, and the national emphasis on raising academic standards, Peg Daugherty has continually come to the aid and rescue of the music program...she understands the full dimension and benefit of a strong music program," Chiarello said.
