IN MEMORIAM Great Neck Schools Announces Superintendent Of Schools Dr. Teresa Prendergast Passed Away

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

On Sunday evening of June 11, the Great Neck Public School District announced the passing of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Teresa Prendergast at age 60. Dr. Prendergast had been the superintendent at the Great Neck Schools for eight years and was set to leave the position next month to become Sacred Heart Academy’s new principal.

According to the Finch and Bruns Funeral Home obituary for Dr. Prendergast, “Teresa grew up in Bronx, NY where she met the love of her life, her husband James. They were married for 34 years, and had three children: Stephen, Kaitlin Gammel (Billy), and Megan. Soon to be Grandmother, cherished daughter to Teresa Haugh, sister to Eileen and Joanne, and predeceased by her father, Tony. Teresa was a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Ireland for a better life.”

The funeral home obituary shared that Dr. Prendergast passed from a ruptured brain aneurysm on Saturday, June 10.

“Dr. Prendergast faithfully served our school community for the past eight years as superintendent, always putting the needs of Great Neck students and staff first,” the Great Neck School District’s Board of Education said in a letter to the community. “We are confident that our entire community will join us in remembering her strong commitment to all the children of the District.”

As superintendent of one of the top school districts in New York, Dr. Prendergast was responsible for over 6,800 children K-12. She oversaw curriculum, professional development, recruitment and supported students. She received a Doctorate of Education and a Professional Diploma in educational supervision and Administration, both from St. John’s University, a Master of Science from CUNY Lehman College, and a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University. Dr. Prendergast has been working in education since 1987 and her roles included assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, dean, and classroom teacher. She is formerly the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Garden City Public Schools.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Dr. Prendergast was stepping down as superintendent to become Sacred Heart Academy’s 11th principal. The change in roles would allow her more time to spend with her family.

On Feb. 1, Sacred Heart Academy published a statement announcing its new principal. “Dr. Prendergast’s passion for working with students will instantly connect her to the girls. She’s a role model who leads with heart and someone who will undoubtedly inspire the girls to take the lead,” wrote Sacred Heart Academy.

The Academy’s praise of Dr. Prendergast is well deserved. As many are offering condolences to her family and friends, it is obvious how appreciated she was by the community.

In the district’s Board of Education letter to the community, the board detailed some of the incredible qualities that made Dr. Prendergast an amazing superintendent and strong-willed person.

“Dr. Prendergast always led with grace and dignity, attention to detail and a caring attitude. These attributes not only made her an outstanding superintendent but were the qualities that endeared Dr. Prendergast to those who knew her well,” wrote the Board of Education. “She guided our staff, students and greater school community through several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, with patience, understanding and a commitment to working with all community stakeholders.”

New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti wrote on her Facebook account about her most recent conversation with Dr. Prendergast at Great Neck North High School, where Dr. Prendergast shared how excited she was for the next chapter in her life at her new job.

“Dr. Prendergast had a kind way about her that always made you feel welcome and comfortable in her presence. At the same time, she had the toughness to lead arguably one of the best school districts in the country,” wrote Assemblywoman Sillitti. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. I hope you take comfort in the thousands of people that her life has touched over the years that are sending love and prayers your way.”

The Great Neck Chinese Association (GNCA) offered its condolences to Dr. Prendergast’s family and friends on Facebook to detail the organization’s experiences working with her as superintendent.

“Dr. Prendergast consistently prioritized the best interests of our students in every decision she made,” wrote the Great Neck Chinese Association. “Dr. Prendergast held a special place in the hearts of the Chinese community in Great Neck. Within days of assuming her role, she met with the GNCA board to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of our children and families. Her initiatives, such as establishing Lunar New Year as a school holiday—the first of its kind on Long Island—and spearheading the inclusion of AAPI history in our curriculum, demonstrated her commitment to embracing diversity and promoting cultural awareness.”

“Teresa Prendergast was an outstanding superintendent, and I feel lucky to have been given the chance to know her and work with her on shared goals,” said Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey. “She approached every engagement with curiosity and an open heart. Her untimely passing leaves a void in our hearts, but her legacy of compassion and leadership will continue to inspire us.”

Dr. Prendergast’s family hosted a wake at Flinch and Bruns Funeral Home on Thursday, June 15 and Friday, June 16 followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, June 17.

According to the Finch and Bruns Funeral Home obituary for Dr. Prendergast, “The Prendergast family would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for all the love and prayers through this difficult time. Please know every gesture of kindness and sympathy has been a great source of comfort to our family.”

In addition, the funeral home’s obituary shared that Dr. Prendergast’s family has started The Dr. Teresa Prendergast Foundation for Children. The obituary says, “The Foundation will perpetuate the legacy and continue the commendable work of the late Dr. Teresa Prendergast, a revered figure in New York’s educational community. The establishment and operation of the Foundation have been entrusted to her family to ensure that her enduring legacy continues to positively impact the lives of children for many more years to come.” Donations to the foundation can be made to the GoFundMe page.

The school district has organized its crisis management team and has been providing grief counseling for students and staff in need at each school building.

At a special Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 12, the Board of Education appointed acting superintendent Dr. Stephen C. Lando to serve as interim superintendent of the Great Neck Public School District until the appointment of an incoming superintendent of schools.

AAPI festival to share various Asian American cultures and promote acceptance.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE foster more interest in learning about the AAPI cultures and contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of our society as the youngest generation.”

“As a new immigrant myself, I think our achievements and beautiful cultures should be seen and heard,” Wu shared with the Great Neck Record. “Meanwhile, I’m proud to be a member of our community, which is getting increasingly diverse in the past few years. Therefore, through organizing and hosting this festival, Sophia and I hope to

“One of our goals was to gain a cultural experience with our fellow community. We wanted to demonstrate the pride in AAPI heritage by sharing music, dances, and food,” said Long.

Students like Wu and Long are eager to have the opportunity to share their culture with the community to help promote accep- tance. The town and advisory committee is exploring the possibility of launching an AAPI-themed art show in the future to “celebrate the rich cultural rituals within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. This exhibition would provide a platform for artists to depict the beauty and significance of various customs and rituals, promoting understanding, appreciation, and unity among residents,” wrote the Town of North Hempstead.

“This initiative, although it’s in the begin- ning stages, I think we see all the different ways that it would be a positive because it would involve students. It would give them artistic freedom to express who they are, their culture and what they love about their culture,” said Councilwoman Lurvey. thebristal.com

The passion behind the Asian American Advisory Committee remains strong outside of AAPI month. For more information on the Asian American Advisory Committee and future initiatives, please call 311 or 516-869-6311.

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