Two Local Leaders Honored

By Bob Driscoll

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci honors Alvin White (left) and Dr. Veronica Henry (right) during the Suffolk County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Inc. 23^rd Annual Award Luncheon.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) recently honored Alvin White and Dr. Veronica Henry as part of the 23^rd Annual Award Luncheon held by the Suffolk County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Inc. Mr. White is the Director of Facilities for Huntington Union Free School District and Dr. Henry is the Executive Assistant to the President of Farmingdale State College (SUNY) and a member of the president’s cabinet.

“Alvin is a tremendous asset to the Huntington School District,” said Lupinacci. “But even more importantly, he is an inspiration because of his deep commitment to the Huntington community as a whole. His service in numerous local community and civic organizations has helped make our community a better place for generations.”

Alvin White began his career working part-time at Robert L. Simpson Junior High School in 1974. He is deeply involved in community and civic organizations, including the Porter-Trejo Action Network, Take Back the Block Advisory Board, NAACP-Huntington Chapter and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 318, along with numerous other local groups. Alvin is the father of seven Huntington High School graduates and is a proud grandfather of seven.

Dr. Veronica Henry serves as the Executive Assistant to the President of Farmingdale State College (SUNY) and is a member of the president’s cabinet. She previously served as the dean/executive director of the Long Island Education Opportunity Center. In addition to her work with the college, she is also a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Long Island Chapter, The Links, Inc-Eastern Shore Chapter, the Melville Rotary Club (Vice-President) and Partners of the Americas.

“Dr. Henry is a devoted professional who has spent her life working to better the educational opportunities for underserved youth,” said Lupinacci. “Her work to improve the partnerships between the college and local agencies has helped provide students with numerous educational experiences and helped students excel both in and outside the classroom. Without the time and sacrifice made by Dr. Henry, Farmingdale State College would not be the tremendous institution that it is today, and I want to thank her for her efforts.”

The Suffolk County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Inc. is a unique organization dedicated to achieving social justice through education, advocacy and training in King-ian Nonviolence to address the social ills of racism, poverty, militarism and all forms of violence to achieve Dr. King’s vision of the “Beloved Community.” The organization works to promote the five principals of vision, effective communication, willingness to learn, willingness to lead and conflict resolution.