The district proudly congratulates Center Street teacher Ms. Janine Gentile on being named a Woman of Distinction by New York State Senator Jack M. Martins. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding women who make a profound impact on their communities.

Ms. Gentile has spent the past 28 years proudly teaching at Center Street, dedicating her career to the growth, education and well-being of Herricks students.

Spreading Compassion and Community Service

As the longtime advisor to Center Street’s Community Service Club, Ms. Gentile works tirelessly with students to promote empathy, kindness and civic responsibility. Under her guidance, our students have supported numerous vital local and national organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, North Shore Animal League, St. Mary’s Hospital, SIBS Place, St. Aidan’s Food Pantry, Island Harvest, the Mary Brennan INN and the Winthrop Hospital Child Life Program. The club also hosts annual in-school Kindness Weeks to spread compassion throughout the building.

Bringing the Community Together

One of the club's most beloved initiatives under Ms. Gentile's leadership is building connections with local senior citizens. Students regularly spend time with seniors at the Herricks Community Center, sharing music, playing games and teaching them about technology. This beautiful partnership inspired a heartwarming Center Street tradition: the annual “Senior Citizen Prom,” held at the school each June.

As a teacher, advisor, parent and community member, Ms. Gentile strives to carry forward the values of service and pass those same ideals on to her students and the broader Herricks community.

Thank you, Ms. Gentile, for nearly three decades of extraordinary dedication to our schools and community, and congratulations on this well-deserved honor!