On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Dr. Samuel Thompson, the Assistant to the Superintendent for Administration at Farmingdale School District, received the esteemed Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award from the Town of Oyster Bay.

"The Town’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is presented to noteworthy recipients in recognition of their outstanding leadership and achievement, adherence to the principles of a just society, and continued involvement in support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Dream," Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said in a news release. "Dr. Thompson represents the 'Gold Standard' of community service, guiding our Town’s youth on the right path and thus helping to shape a better future for all. His ability to lead with resilience and compassion through the global pandemic and the unimaginable Farmingdale bus tragedy has been inspirational, and he continues to show us what it means to be a True Daler."

The ceremony occurred before the monthly Town Hall Meeting in Oyster Bay. Dr. Thompson was accompanied by his family, friends, and colleagues. The Farmingdale Superintendent of Schools approached the podium to speak about Dr. Thompson.

“I am truly honored to celebrate Dr. Thompson for being an exceptional individual, and I believe our planet greatly needs more of this kind of leadership,” said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “Congratulations, Dr. Thompson, on this remarkable achievement; you deserve it! You are exceptional, and I couldn't be prouder of you.”

Dr. Samuel Thompson has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education. He spent eight years as the assistant principal and then six years as the principal at Farmingdale High School. Additionally, Thompson has experience working in the Island Trees, Baldwin, and Herricks school districts and serving as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University, where he earned his Doctorate. Currently, Dr. Thompson is the Assistant to the Superintendent of Administration in the Farmingdale School District.

Farmingdale School District Concludes Vibrant Winter Concert Season

It's a wrap! The winter concerts in the Farmingdale School District have drawn its final curtain. This season, brimming with anticipation, kicked off with a parade down Main Street, then dazzled us with a medley of daytime and evening concerts, punctuated by festive tree lightings, heartfelt performances at local nursing homes, and a memorable journey to the iconic Rockefeller Center for Tuba Christmas.

Count them all, and you'd have more than twenty performances. Not to mention the spontaneous morning melodies that filled the district as students treated early birds to a musical serenade on the days leading up to the holiday recess. These impromptu performances became cherished moments, bringing unexpected joy and a festive spirit to hallways and classrooms. The dedication of the students and their teachers was evident not only in the scheduled concerts but also in these delightful surprises that brightened the winter days.

"There's truly nothing that compares to the winter concert season in Farmingdale," remarked Greg Warnokowski, Director of Fine and Performing Arts. "Each performance is a culmination of hard work and passion, and it's rewarding to see how it all comes together to create something magical. The joy and pride on the faces of our students as they take the stage is something to behold."

The arrival of the new year heralds fresh musical experiences. As January ushers in the new year, the Tri-M Senior Recital is set to mesmerize audiences with various gifted student musicians. February is equally exciting, featuring the All-District Band Concert and the Mid Winter Concert, both ready to highlight the remarkable talents and dedication of our students and staff.

In Farmingdale, the music program is more than just performances; they are a vital part of the community's fabric, enriching lives and inspiring future generations of Dalers. As the school district continues to support its ever-growing music program, the future shines brightly with promise and potential.