On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Legislator Bergin honored Debra A. Cavanagh, for being this year’s Champion of Diversity Honoree.
Debra A. Cavanagh is a retired Mathematics Teacher of 38 years. Her career in teaching incudes 22 years in Central Islip School District, 11 years in Roosevelt School District and five years in a Long-Term sub position at Levittown School District, as well as, in several Catholic Schools. With over 38 years of experience in academia, she provided the highest educational values to her students.
Debra A. Cavanagh earned her Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Nassau Community College (1979), her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education (1981) and her Master of Science Degree in Special Education from Long Island University (1987). She also attainted a 7-12 Certification in Mathematics Education. Ms. Cavanagh is a member of the Central Islip Board of Education. Her vast experience in coaching includes the Central Islip Cheerleading Team for 18 years, Catholic Youth Organization Basketball and Cheerleading, Syosset Middle School Lacrosse and Volleyball, Softball at Roosevelt High School and Cheerleading in the Long Island Midget Football Association.
Debra A. Cavanagh has served her community as a Civic Leader for more than 25 years. Ms. Cavanagh currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Community Development Agency in the Town of Islip, is the President of the Central Islip Coalition of Good Neighbors, a Zone Leader for the Islip Republican Committee and the Suffolk County Police Ambassador for the 3rd Precinct. She also sits on the Northwell Health Community and Family Advisory Board, was a former Board Member of the Central Islip Civic Council and served on the Central Islip Downtown Revitalization Committee. Motivated by her desire to serve her community, Ms. Cavanagh is a recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award by the Town of Islip, Central Islip High School Woman to Woman Award, I AM CI Foundation Award, the Central Islip Good Neighbor Award presented by the Central Islip Civic Council, and a 2022 Honoree Award from the Islip Arts Council- highly praised by her peers and students, she is a pioneer in her field.