E. Meadow’s Alu named 'Distinguished Teacher'

Robert Alu, who has taught social studies at East Meadow High School for 24 years, received the “Distinguished Teacher of 2010” award from the Harvard Club of Long Island on April 18.   
   
The Harvard Club is a network of graduates of the Cambridge, Mass., university. The club’s goal is to promote Harvard’s ideals throughout Long Island.
   
This is Alu’s second time receiving the distinguished teacher award. The Harvard Club recognized Alu in 2005, its inaugural year, for his work teaching youths at the Nassau County Correctional Center.

   
The “Distinguished Teacher” award has been given annually to 12 teachers from all school districts on the island since.
   
“These awards seek to recognize extraordinary people,” said board member Judith Esterquest in a statement discussing the Sunday’s annual university relations lunch.
  
Thus teachers are nominated by the students who can best speak to their merit. Alu was nominated by former student and soon-to-be Harvard graduate, Zachary Katz. Katz, East Meadow High School’s 2006 valedictorian, graduates from Harvard next month.
   
The distinguished teachers to be recognized will also receive partial scholarships to Harvard University. Past winners have attended programs in the graduate education school, while others have relished museums and art, according to a release issued last month.