The South Huntington School District honored its 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year at a special Board of Education meeting at Walt Whitman High School on Wednesday night, January 21st. The district also celebrated the educators chosen as Teacher of the Year from each one of South Huntington’s seven schools before applauding the one exceptional educator selected as the districtwide Teacher of the Year - special education teacher Mr. Justin Gravina from Stimson Middle School.

 

The Performing Arts Center auditorium at Walt Whitman High School was filled with faculty and staff from the district’s seven schools cheering for their colleagues as each winner was presented with a crystal apple by School Board President Nicholas Ciappetta, South Huntington Teacher Association President Rob Morris, and Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia. “Year after year, this community has been built on a foundation of learning, growth, and opportunity, and at the heart of it all are our teachers. They open doors for students and help them see a world filled with possibility of what could be. Tonight, we honor educators who represent the very best of what it means to teach. Individuals who were identified within their own school community as educators who stand out, inspire others, and exemplify the qualities that make this honor so meaningful. These teachers were recognized not only for what they do, but for who they are,” said Dr. D’Elia. 

 

Topping the list as South Huntington’s Teacher of the Year is Mr. Justin Gravina. Mr. Gravina has been a special education teacher at Stimson Middle School for 13 years. He teaches math and science to students with learning, hearing, and speech disabilities. He is also the vocational teacher for children with learning disabilities in the sixth to eighth grade Life Skills program. Mr. Gravina was also honored as Stimson’s Teacher of the Year. Stimson principal Mr. Michael Duggan said, “Mr. Gravina’s ability to connect with students–academically, socially, and emotionally–sets him apart as a truly transformative educator.”

 

Mr. Gravina knew he wanted to become a teacher since high school, and he credits one of his teachers as his inspiration. Her lasting impact on him sparked his ambition to make that same kind of difference in the lives of others. Today, his inspiration comes from his students. “Through my students, I have learned that hard work and determination can overcome any learning disability. I have seen how perseverance, resilience, and belief in oneself can turn challenges into achievements. Their dedication reminds me that progress is not defined by limitations, but by effort, commitment, and the courage to keep trying,” said Mr. Gravina.

 
The South Huntington School District has been recognizing Teachers of the Year since 1987 honoring the exceptional educators who inspire and support their students every day, and the lasting impact they have on their students, their schools and the South Huntington community.

 

The district’s individual school Teachers of the Year for 2025-2026 are Jessica Escalante-Rodriguez, Countrywood Primary Center (Social Worker); Courtney Galano, Oakwood Primary Center (Special Education); Kristen Tohill, Birchwood Intermediate School (Special Education); Laura Zuhoski, Maplewood Intermediate School (Literary Specialist); Michelle Berger, Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center (Special Education); Justin Gravina, Stimson Middle School & Districtwide Teacher of the Year (Special Education); and Tina Abbondandelo, Walt Whitman High School (Science).

 

**Photo Gallery**

 

Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Mr. Edwin Smith, emceed the annual event celebrating the district’s exceptional teachers. 

 

 

WWHS Senior and Ex-Officio Student Member of the Board, Lucy Maniatis, started the celebretory evening with the singing of our National Anthem. 

 

 

School Board President Nicholas Ciappetta (top), South Huntington Teacher Association President Rob Morris (bottom left), and Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia (bottom right) addressing those in attendance.

 

 

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin attended the presentation to acknowledge the educators who strive to create positive impacts on their students and community. 

 

 

Special Education teacher Justin Gravina was presented as South Huntington School District’s and Stimson Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-26.

 

 

Tina Abbondandelo was presented as Walt Whitman High School’s Teacher of the Year alongside principal Dr. Murphy.

 

 

 

Michelle Berger was presented as Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-26.

 

 

Birchwood’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, Kristen Tohill, was joined by her students during her recognition at the special presentation.

 

 

Maplewood principal Maria Colon presented her building’s Teacher of the Year, Laura Zuhoski. 

 

 

Oakwood Primary Center’s Teacher of the Year, Courtney Galano, was presented alongside principal Dr. Annie Michaelian.

 

 

 

Countrywood Primary Center’s Teacher of the Year, Jessica Escalante-Rodriguez, presented alongside principal Mitch Levy.

 

 

Justin Gravina was joined by his Stimson Middle School colleagues to celebrate this milestone recognition.