The district is proud to announce that former Board of Education President Keith Gamache will be honored in April after earning the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award last year. He is among 15 honorees and one organization to receive this prestigious recognition.
The Education Partner Award recognizes individuals who have made a substantial impact on public education in Nassau County. After postponing its celebratory Education Partner Awards Gala several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nassau BOCES officially canceled the event but will host a virtual celebration on April 13. Members of the East Rockaway School District’s Board of Education and administration held their own closed recognition ceremony prior to its March 9 board work session, where Nassau BOCES board member Robert "BA" Schoen presented the award to Mr. Gamache.
From 2020-2021, Mr. Gamache served on the East Rockaway Board of Education and was named president in July 2018. He worked tirelessly for East Rockaway students, school district and community for the past six years, supporting “de-tracking” and the new middle school philosophy that allows every student an equal opportunity to participate in the best programs. He has been teaching at Rockville Centre’s South Side High School for more than 25 years, sharing his passion for art with students.
Mr. Gamache said he is honored to be a Nassau BOCES Education Partner, as his work as a teacher influenced his service as an East Rockaway board member. “Increasing opportunities is the key to achieving academic success and personal fulfillment,” he said. “My success as a board member relied upon the talent, expertise and passion of those in our schools.”
Superintendent of Schools Lisa Ruiz said that Mr. Gamache has been a tremendous advocate for East Rockaway students. “He has been a true leader for our district and has helped the progression of many successful initiatives,” she added. “We are so thankful for his dedication and years of service to our community and he is certainly deserving of this important recognition.”
Mr. Gamache earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in art education from New York University and a Masters of Fine Arts degree from Johnson State College in Vermont. He also earned his school administrative certification from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams. He is also the school’s art department facilitator. While splitting his time between his career and helping improve East Rockaway’s schools, Mr. Gamache also finds time to be a diligent member of Boy Scouts with his sons and continues to pursue his own craft within the arts.