By Dana Klosner-Wehner
The award is given to women who live or work in the Town of Hempstead, and recognizes outstanding contributions to their community.
“[Dr. Pleta] is a true leader,” Town Supervisor Kate Murray said as she presented her with the award. “She guides her school to success by motivating her staff and students. Recognizing the strengths of Covert Elementary School’s talented teaching staff, she encourages them to use these strengths to improve student performance.”
Pleta began her career as a teacher in New York City. After making the move to Elmont, she taught reading at the Clara H. Carlson and Dutch Broadway elementary schools. She became principal at Covert Avenue in 1988.
“The most rewarding part of my job is being with the children,” Pleta said. “As the curriculum educator and instructional leader, I have the ability to work toward and coordinate all the programs and help each child become all they are capable of being. I can’t describe the feeling of seeing a child come into pre-K and then give that child a diploma at the end of sixth grade.”
“The district is extremely proud of Dr. Pleta,” said Elmont schools Superintendent Al Harper. “She is an outstanding educator who is dedicated to her career and to the education of the children of Elmont. We congratulate her on her accomplishment as an educator, and especially on her accomplishment in receiving the Town of Hempstead Pathfinder Award.”
Board of Education President Frank Ragona noted that Pleta has worked in the Elmont Union Free School District for more than 30 years. “She is a phenomenal person and a huge asset to the entire district,” Ragona said. “As a parent whose children attended Covert Avenue School, I can say she is one of the finest educators and one of the nicest people I have ever met.”
Murray said that the award is near and dear to her heart. “As the first woman to be elected supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, National Women’s History Month is particularly important to me because it is dedicated to recognizing the advancement and outstanding accomplishments of women,” she said in a statement. “Through the years, women have successfully attained well-deserved positions of leadership within our community, reaching to their fullest potential as they continue to progress professionally. The role of women in our community and the numerous contributions they have made deserve our highest praise. Each March, in honor of Women’s History Month, Hempstead Town recognizes women whose daily activities strengthen the community and encourage its positive development for our young women and everyone who calls our township home.”
Pleta said she was pleased to receive the award. “I am honored to have been presented with the Pathfinder Award for Education during Women’s History Month,” she said. “I am one of many women who have dedicated her life to working with children and their families. As principal of the Covert Avenue School, I have the opportunity to work with a conscientious staff who shares my philosophy of children first by providing the best possible education for every child.”
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