Curran honors Women of Distinction

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Assemblyman Brian Curran hosted his annual Women of Distinction event to recognize women from the community who have gone above and beyond the call of civic engagement and outreach. These women make Nassau County and the 21 Assembly District a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Also in attendance were 23 former Women of Distinction honorees who received Curran’s recognition over the past six years. This year Curran recognized Dr. Beth Zirogiannis of Oceanside.

Zirogiannis grew up in Levittown, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from Adelphi University in English Literature followed by a Master of Science in Journalism from New York University.

At first she worked for Stan Fischler of the New York Islanders and then as Copy Chief for Fox Sports.

She changed her career path to education and earned a Master’s Degree from Saint John’s University and went on to complete her PhD. at Concordia University, with an emphasis on instructional leadership.

She is now the director of English and reading K-12 at the Oceanside School District.

Prior to her current position, she taught English at I.S. 145 in Queens and Oceanside Middle School.

Zirogiannis is passionate about literacy practices, and wants to foster a love of reading in all students.

She was recently named 2016 Educator of Excellence from the New York State English Council.

Her husband, Rich, is a retired NYPD officer, and her daughter Zoie, just turned 11.

“The selflessness these women have shown to our community is an uplifting example of devotion to our area and residents. It is my honor to show them this small token of recognition for the hard work and dedication they have shown to our community,” said Curran. “We are very lucky to have them as our friends and neighbors. My special thanks go to the families of our honorees, who have allowed their loved ones to spend so much time caring for others.”

Others honored included:

Alicemarie Bresnihan and Dr. Patricia Sympson from Lynbrook, Marie Burns, Jennifer Scarduzio, Rita Cavanagh and Renee Salmon all from Baldwin, Sherry Durnan from Rockville Centre, Regina Feeney from Freeport, Dorothy Guiheen from Malverne, Catherine Quinn from East Rockaway, Elizabeth Stevens from Valley Stream and Laura Szenczewski from South Hempstead.