About Us
Our Zone is made up of members living and/or working in Suffolk county. We host monthly meetings from September through June and a local conference in the November. We invite you to join us and become a part of a diverse and robust organization that continually works to enhance our members knowledge and skills, ensuring their students have the highest quality health and physical education programs possible.
If you have questions or want to get involved, we encourage you to reach out to the Zone President.
suffolk Zone Executive Leadership
Past President
Lori Hewlett
President-elect
Leslie Sewell
Clodagh Harte
Secretary
Treasurer
Lois Kahl
Member-at-large
TBD
Member-at-large
TBD
President
Jared Rago
suffolk Zone Conference
Save the Date for the 2026 Suffolk Zone Conference
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Riverhead High School
Click here
for more details and the link to submit your Call for Programs Application.
Thank you to all who attended our past conferences.
Click here for our Conference History.
Zone meetings
Suffolk Zone meetings are planned monthly (September - June) with limited exceptions. Meeting will be held virtually and a Zoom link will be emailed to all current Suffolk Zone members prior to each meeting.
Awards
Suffolk Zone recognizes excellence among our dedicated professionals with our Teacher of the Year, Director Recognition Award & Amazing Person. We celebrate an outstanding future professional with the Future Professionals Award and recognize our outstanding elementary, middle school, and secondary students with our Physical Education Leadership Awards.
Zone Grants
Suffolk Zone offers mini-grants to association members who teach health and/or physical education in an effort to promote new innovative program ideas. Mini-grant recipients are required to offer a workshop at the Suffolk Zone Conference in November. Mini-grant funds of up to $1500 can be requested for program equipment, supplies or materials, guest speakers, workshops, etc.
suffolk Zone
Photo Gallery
The Suffolk Zone Fit Club is one of the best days of the school year!
4th and 5th grade students compete in a variety of elements.
Additional information
Meeting Details
Suffolk Zone Meetings:
Details will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.
Conference History
Suffolk Zone Conference History
- 2025 - No Conference
- 11/5/24-Samoset Middle School, Sachem SD "Zoning In"
- 11/7/23 - Sachem East High School - Making Strides Toward Mental Well-being
- 11/8/22 - Ward Melville High School - R.I.S.E (Resilient, Innovative, Strength, Educate) to the challenges of today's students and educators.
- 11/3/20 - Virtual
- 11/5/19 - Half Hollow Hills West High School - "The Power of Positivity"
- 11/6/2018 - Sachem North High School - "Contagious Energy"
- 11/7/2017 - Sachem North High School - "Get In The Zone With Quality Health And Physical Education"
- 11/8/2016 Sachem North High School - "Every Student Succeeds Through Health And Physical Education"
- 11/3/2015 - Sachem North High School - "A.I.M. to Leave Your Footprint ~ Advocate, Integrate and Motivate"
- 11/4/2014 - Sachem North High School - "Change the SHAPE of Health and Physical Education"
- 11/5/2013 - Sachem North High School - "Teaching To The Core"
- 11/6/2012 - Sachem North High School - "Making a Difference -- One Class at a Time"
- 11/8/2011 - Half Hollow Hills High School West - "Partners for a Healthier Community"
- 11/2/2010 - Half Hollow Hills High School - "Fitness, Fun and Good Health"
Awards
Student Leadership Awards
Senior High School Awards
Suffolk Zone is proud to honor two individuals from each submitting school district's current graduating class who meet the following selection criteria for Outstanding Health & Physical Education Achievement.
Elementary/Middle School Awards
The Suffolk Zone is proud to recognize two individuals from each elementary (Grade 5) and middle school (Grade 8) in Suffolk County for his/her outstanding performance in the physical education program. Additionally, two individuals who are physically challenged or special needs may also be recognized..
Nominations are open to all elementary and middle schools in Suffolk County. Award certificates are presented during an award ceremony each spring.
The nominating teacher and Physical Education Director must be current members of NYS AHPERD.
Selection Criteria and Award Application
suffolk Zone Professional awards
Suffolk Zone is proud to sponsor an Awards Program to recognize the professional contributions of our colleagues. To be eligible for one of these Awards, nominees must be a current member of NYS AHPERD and either live or work in Suffolk County.
Professional Awards include; Teacher of the Year, Physical Education Director Recognition Award and Amazing People Awards.
Suffolk Zone award recipients are recognized at the Suffolk Zone Conference and the Zone Awards Dinner.
Award History
2024 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- High School Health Education TOY - Christina Driscoll Three Village
- Middle School Health Education TOY - Cortney Echevarria Bay Shore
- Elementary School Physical Education TOY - Gina Paolantonio Bay Shore
- High School Physical Education TOY - Mary Drago Bay Shore
- Future Professional Award - Health Education - Allison R. Montes De Oca SUNY Cortland
- Future Professional Award - Physical Education - Madison Hall - Adelphi University
- Amazing Person - Lori Hewlett, retired Sachem SD
2023 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Tim Mullins, Bayport-Blue Point ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- Anthony T. Scibelli, SUNY Cortland ~ Future Professional
- Kristen Fieger, Sachem ~ Middle School Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Clodagh Harte, Sachem ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- John Selvaggio, Bayport-Blue Point ~ Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Tim Schreck, Southampton ~ High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Bonnie MacConnell, South Huntington ~ Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Dinarae Camarda, Port Jefferson ~ Exercise & Sport Science Recognition Award
- Kerry Hogan, South Country ~ Amazing Person
2022 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Jeanne LaLima, Three Villages ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Peter Cafiso, Sachem ~ Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Suzanne Goumba, Brentwood ~ High School Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Jennifer Dobbs, Bay Shore ~ Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Kerry Diana, three Villages ~ Elementary Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Jodi Maurici, Sayville ~ Middle School Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Siobhan Cully, Sachem ~ High School Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Mara Manson, Adelphi University ~ Higher Education Teacher of the Year
- Ryan Cox, Patchogue-Medford ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- Jared Rago, SUNY Cortland ~ Future Professional Award
- Kevin Scott, Center Moriches ~ Exercise & Sport Science Recognition Award
- Justin Hertz, Connetquot ~ Amazing Person Award
2021 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Carrie Miller, Harborfields ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Colleen McKillop, Smithtown ~ Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Alaina Bennett, Connetquot ~ High School Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Nicole Alesi, William Floyd ~ Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Jennifer Champagne, Suffolk CC & Nassau CC ~ Higher Education Teacher of the Year
- Darren Phillips, Southampton ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- Stephanie Peragall, Adelphi University ~ Future Professional Award
2020 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Ed Noll, William Floyd ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Jill Pickus, Bay Shore ~ Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Kathleen M. Peterson, Bay Shore ~ High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Patricia Gremillion-Burdge , Adelphi U, Western Suffolk BOCES ~ Higher Education Teacher of the Year
- Bob Panariello, Bay Shore ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- Doug Iadanza , Cortland ~ Future Professional Award
- Matthew "Dezy" DiStefano, (posthumously), Sachem ~ Amazing Person
2019 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Michael Oldis, Connetquot ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Tara West, Connetquot ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Ted Nagengast, Bay Shore ~ Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Leslie Sewell, Connetquot ~ Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Lea Bryant, East Hampton ~ Elementary/Middle School Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Joseph Mercado, Middle Country ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- Vincenzo Battaglia, Adelphi ~ Future Professional Award
- Dr. Jim Wright, South Huntington ~ Amazing Person
2018 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Kerry Hogan, South Country ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Mariuz Borkowski, Bay Shore ~ Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Jefferson Cipp, Longwood ~ Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Lois Kahl, Suffolk CC, Adelphi U., St. John's U. ~ Higher Education Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Patrick Murphy, Half Hollow Hills ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- Patricia Broderick ~ Secondary Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Desi Yordanova, Huntington/Adelphi U. ~ Future Professional Award
- Vincent Altebrando, South Huntington ~ Amazing Person
- Shawn Dillon, Longwood ~ Recreation/Adventure Amazing Person
2017 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Elizabeth Bolger, Sayville ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Steve Meyers, Bridgehampton ~ Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Christian Pisano, Central Islip ~ Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Brian Tenety, Southampton ~ Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Dr. Allecia McLeod, Central Islip ~ Secondary Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Drew Walker, Hampton Bays ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- David O'Keefe, Dowling College ~ Future Professional Award
2016 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Robert Defichy, Patchogue-Medford ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Gina Antonelli, West Babylon ~ Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Larry Phillips, Central Islip ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- Erin Kelly, Dowling College ~ Future Professional Award
2015 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Lynn Hefele, Huntington ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year & NYS AHPERD Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Nancy O'Donnell, Babylon ~ Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Andrea Drost, Amityville ~ Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Mike Gibbons, Half Hollow Hills ~ Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year & NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Jennifer Champagne, SUNY Stony Brook/St. Joseph.s College/Half Hollow Hills ~Aquatics Teacher of the Year
- Kristina Bittner, Lindenhurst ~ Elementary Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Diane Miller, Sachem ~ Secondary Health Education Teacher of the Year
- Bill Groth, Riverhead ~ Physical Education and Health Director Recognition Award
- Maryann Hamilton, The College at Brockport & Adelphi ~ Higher Education Award
- Alexandra Marshall, The College at Brockport ~ Future Professional Award
2013 Suffolk Zone Award Recipients
- Frank Mancuso, Hampton Bays ~ Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Janine Wagner, Smithtown ~ Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Helen Flynn, Smithtown ~ Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Peter McNeill, Sachem ~ Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- Lori Hewlett, Sachem ~ Secondary Health Education Teacher of the Year
- John Valente, Harborfields ~ Physical Education Director Recognition Award
- Elizabeth Tomlet, Suffolk County Community College ~ Higher Education Award
- James Cundari, SUNY Cortland ~ Future Professional Award
Suffolk Zone Amazing People Award Recipients
Amazing People award recipients are selected by the Zone President with input from the Zone Board. The award is presented at the NYS AHPERD Conference in November.
- 2025 Drew Walker
- 2024 Lori Hewlett
- 2023 Kerry Hogan
- 2022 Justin Hertz
- 2020 Matthew "Dezy" DiStefano (posthumous)
- 2019 James Wright, Ed.D
- 2018 Vincent Altebrando (posthumous)
- 2017 Jeremy Thode
- 2016 Finola Schmidt
- 2015 Rollin Haffer
- 2014 Ed Shivokevich
- 2013 Dan Robinson
- 2012 Lynn Hefele
- 2011 Maryann Hamilton
- 2010 Peter Leis
- 2009 Laura Zavatto
- 2008 Carol Powers
- 2007 Denise Marie Kiernan
- 2006 Jack Foley
- 2005 Dr. Leah Holland Fiorentino
- 2004 Joanne Hamilton
- 2003 Robert Christenson
- 2002 Mike Schwenk
- 2001 Diana Boryk
- 2001 Michele Dougherty
- 2000 Martin Albert
- 2000 Robert DelRosso
- 1999 Barbara Degree
- 1999 Steven Esposito
- 1999 Jean Guyer
- 1998 Marvin Minshki
The contact person for Suffolk Zone Amazing Person award is Joanne Hamilton at: kittycat1024@aol.com
Grants & Scholarships
Suffolk Zone offers mini-grants to association members who teach health and/or physical education in an effort to promote new innovative program ideas. Mini-grant recipients are required to offer a workshop at the Suffolk Zone Conference in November. Mini-grant funds of up to $1500 can be requested for program equipment, supplies or materials, guest speakers, workshops, etc.
Application details will be distributed via email to current Suffolk Zone members during the winter/spring of each year.
Suffolk Zone Fit Club
Each year the Executive Board of Suffolk Zone hosts a fit club competition for elementary students in 4th and 5th grade. The team competition was created to offer students and Health and Physical Education professionals across Suffolk County an opportunity to promote Health and PE.
Click here for information about this event.
Click here to watch our 2021 video.
Beginning in 2024 we found it necessary to charge each participating District a small fee to help support the need for more equipment, supplies, etc.
There is a fee of $100 per District regardless of how many schools participate from the District.
MEMBER BENEFITS
We provide valuable services, guidance, and encouragement to our members.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
"We need to honor what we know, by sharing the best of what we do teacher to teacher."
Dr. Art Costa and Dr. Bena Kallick
GIVING
The goal of giving to NYS AHPERD and to our Foundation is to leave a strong and secure legacy for the generation of educators to come.