Three dedicated staff members from the Brentwood Union Free School District have been named recipients of the Scott J. Beigel Enduring Impact Award, part of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying’s Long Island School Heroes program. They are among just 26 honorees from across Long Island to receive this distinction, which recognizes school professionals who have made a lasting difference in the lives of students.

The honorees are Steven Davis, coordinator of health, physical education and athletics, Dr. Stephanie Weeks, assistant principal of North Middle School, and SMSgt. Wayne Hanna, senior aerospace science instructor at Brentwood High School and an advisor for the AFJROTC NY-773.

The Long Island School Heroes initiative invites nominations from parents, students, colleagues, and community members, celebrating those whose compassion, leadership, and day-to-day commitment create safer, more inclusive school environments. This year’s honorees from Brentwood exemplify that spirit through their unwavering support of students and their efforts to foster respect and belonging.

Our honorees will be recognized at a banquet in mid-October, joining educators and staff from across the region who share in the mission of building stronger, kinder school communities.

Steven Davis: “It is truly an honor to be recognized. I take great pride in creating an environment where every student feels safe and has a true sense of belonging. This has always been, and will continue to be, one of my top priorities as both an educator and administrator, and I look forward to building on this work to make an even greater impact for our students.”

Dr. Stephanie Weeks: “I am honored to be recognized as a Long Island Coalition Against Bullying School Hero, most importantly because this celebrates the teamwork of our schools and community partners in helping our Brentwood students grow, thrive, and lead with compassion. I am proud to represent our district, and I look forward to the many opportunities we will continue to provide our scholars in developing genuinely caring, respectful relationships with one another. This is the special plus in our Graduation PLUS+ vision for every one of our future graduates.”

SMSgt. Wayne Hanna: “There is a saying that, ‘You’ll end up where you started.’ I can say that I fit that description. In 1979, the second year of BUFSD’s new elective – AFJROTC – Wayne Hanna enrolled. No way did I think I would become Lt Col. Bennet or SMSgt. Waide, my NY773 JROTC instructors. But after serving 33 years in the United States Air Force Reserve – flying for almost 32 of them – it is truly a privilege and honor to have served this nation and to continue to serve as Brentwood NY773 Fighting Falcons Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI). Simply, home. Being selected to Long Island School Heroes by the LI Coalition Against Bullying was never on my radar. I give all the credit to my parents and the love of my life, Margaret. My parents taught me four basic rules: (1) Treat others the way you want to be treated (2) Know right from wrong (3) If you make a mistake, own up to it (4) Don’t lie. I’m not saying that I never deviated off that course, I say, that’s life. The most important lesson was how to recapture the course. If you ask any cadet my quote is, ‘Life is an Equation.’ Known quantities and variables, which they have to change to get the answer they want.”