Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham PTA Council. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

Farid Johnson, Siwanoy School Principal, and David Sparano, longtime volunteer at Siwanoy School and PTA Council Delegate, are among the honorees of this year’s Westchester-East Putnam PTA “Heroes in Education” Award.

In a ceremony on November 16th recognizing the outstanding contributions made by teachers, administrators, parents and volunteers, and local community members, NY State Senator and Senate Education Chair, Shelley Mayer, presented the awards. The Heroes in Education Awards recognize those who honor through their service the goals of PTA, which include making every child’s potential a reality, and engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Appointed as Siwanoy’s Principal in 2020, Farid Johnson has been a true partner to the school’s PTA, helping them successfully build out new and existing programming for children and families. Some highlights include adding curricular chess and language classes, growing numerous family- and student-oriented events, expanding Siwanoy’s diversity committee, and advancing plans to add a new mural and sustainable rain garden this year. Most recently, Principal Johnson established “Siwanoy University,” a series of parent education seminars on topics like executive functioning.

David Sparano’s many years of service as a PTA volunteer at Siwanoy include leading the Siwanoy Dads Club, organizing festivals and family movie nights, Siwanoy’s outdoor garden classroom, and representing Siwanoy on the PTA Council. Mr. Sparano also serves as a member of the Citizen’s Nominating Committee, a nonpartisan group that helps identify and interview highly qualified candidates for the Pelham Board of Education.

Please join the PTA Council in congratulating Farid Johnson and David Sparano for all they do for Siwanoy School and the Pelham School District’s families and children!

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