Suffolk Reporter

Floyd Academy Principal John DeBenedetto has been selected to receive a Long Island School Hero Award presented by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying. This award recognizes educators from K-12 and beyond who have demonstrated exceptional qualities such as empathy, patience, creativity, dedication, leadership, compassion, inclusivity, and respectfulness. Mr. DeBenedetto is one of 22 educators honored this year.

Mr. DeBenedetto was nominated by Floyd Academy/William Floyd High School chemistry teacher Terri Randall and Floyd Academy social worker Gayle Lambert.

“Mr. DeBenedetto’s deep compassion, commitment, innovative approach and humanitarian spirit are only a few of the reasons why we believe that he is so deserving of this award,” wrote Ms. Randall and Ms. Lambert in their nomination submission. “He is constantly looking for new opportunities to support the students and families of the Floyd Academy. He is truly a Long Island school hero.”

Mr. DeBenedetto began his career at William Floyd in 2005 as an assistant principal at William Floyd High School. In 2008, he became the alternative high school principal and has served as the principal of the Floyd Academy since its inception in 2016.

“As a building principal, I focus on providing an environment where students are safe, respected and feel comfortable to attend school,” said Mr. DeBenedetto. "This vision would not be possible without the hard work and support of the faculty and staff.”

Success stories abound with students working hard each year to graduate – overcoming various difficulties along the way including homelessness, severe trauma, social anxiety and more.

In addition to helping students achieve their graduation goals, Mr. DeBenedetto, along with Floyd Academy faculty and staff, hosts a Thanksgiving feast each year prepared by them, providing students with the opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal together as an extended school family. During the pandemic when gathering was not possible, Mr. DeBenedetto led efforts to deliver turkeys with all the trimmings to each student and their families.

The Floyd Academy is an alternative education program designed to help students succeed in a non-traditional school setting while providing innovative and enriching learning experiences. The creative faculty teaches using multiple instructional models tailored to meet individual needs with individualized graduation plans for each student.

With the motto “Everyone Succeeds,” Floyd Academy serves approximately 80 students in grades 10 through 12 aiming to reduce suspension rates, provide individualized support, develop a safe environment, foster positive relationships, and increase overall graduation rates.

Participation in Floyd Academy is considered a privilege due to overwhelming interest and limited capacity; there is currently a waiting list for acceptance into the program which has received strong community support.

The Long Island School Hero Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, October 21 at 6 pm at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club in Smithtown.

Congratulations were extended to Mr. DeBenedetto on his achievement.

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