Shown in the photo are Assistant Principal Terese Steinhauer, Dolores Esposito, Acting Superintendent Charles Sulc, Principal Jason Esposito and his two sons Jared and Brandon, and Esposito's mother. Fairfield Elementary School Principal Jason Esposito received the New York State PTA Honorary Life Award, which is given to individuals in recognition of their contributions to the welfare of children and youth. Funds from this award are used to support the Jenkins Memorial Scholarship, which assists outstanding students preparing for the teaching profession and teacher fellowship for graduate study, which encourages teachers to stay in the classroom by providing an opportunity for them to improve their teaching skills, update their professional knowledge and expand their professional horizons. Recipients of this year's New York State PTA Honorary Life Award not only exemplify the meaning of commitment and dedication to children in our local community but also support the welfare of children throughout the entire state.

"Mr. Esposito is the driving force behind Fairfield's success. It is under his exemplary leadership that the school maintains its level of excellence," said Caren Catinella, PTA Awards Committee chairperson.

Esposito received the award at the school's PTA annual end-of-the-year dinner held at Hemingway's in Wantagh. Parents and teachers attended the annual event and Esposito's family surprised him by joining the celebration as he received the award.

"I am so proud and humbled to be the recipient of the Honorary Life Award. It is such a special honor," said Esposito. "I am so fortunate that my wife, sons and mother were there to share this moment, along with parents, teachers and the superintendent. Their presence made the night one that I will always remember.

"Working closely with parents and PTA for the benefit of our children is a large part of what makes Fairfield such a special place," said Esposito, who acknowledged the attendance at the event of Massapequa School District's Acting Superintendent, Charles Sulc.

"In the short time that Jason has been with us, he has had a profound influence on the Fairfield community," said Sulc. "His love for his students and staff is recognized in the way he speaks about them, and in the passion and commitment he demonstrates each and every day. We are so proud that Jason is a member of our administrative team."

Three other Honorary Awards were given out during the evening. Susan Miller has been a teacher at Fairfield for many years and has been the teacher representative to the PTA for many years as well. Miller is always visible at community events supporting the welfare of children.

Fairfield PTA also presented Lori Bonetti with the Honorary Life Award as well. For countless years, Bonetti has been a consistent and diligent volunteer at Fairfield and throughout Massapequa.

Bonetti always makes herself available to support community events that promote family unity, said event organizers. She will serve as the Massapequa SEPTA second vice president during the next school year.

Grace Hussey is Fairfield PTA's past president and spends the majority of her time volunteering for the children of Massapequa . Next year she will serve as Massapequa PTA Council first vice president. "It was a great honor to present Mr. Esposito with the PTA Honorary Life Award," said Hussey. "He was most deserving of this recognition. His unwavering dedication to our students and families for the past five years at Fairfield has served to define it as a school of excellence. His broad academic vision coupled with his outstanding leadership abilities has enabled our students to benefit in countless ways. The entire Fairfield family congratulates him and looks forward to many more years of his leadership."

The event was filled with people who have made connections to Esposito throughout his life and career. Among those in attendance was Terese Steinhauer who has been Esposito's assistant principal at Fairfield for the past five years.

"Mr. Esposito is truly deserving of this Honorary Life PTA recognition. He has brought many programs to Fairfield to strengthen the connection between the PTA and the faculty and students at Fairfield," said Steinhauer. "I have been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him over these five years and see many of the initiatives that he has advocated for Fairfield on behalf of the students become realities."