On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Dr. Samuel Thompson, the Assistant to the Superintendent for Administration at Farmingdale School District, received the esteemed Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award from the Town of Oyster Bay.
"The Town’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is presented to noteworthy recipients in recognition of their outstanding leadership and achievement, adherence to the principles of a just society, and continued involvement in support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Dream," Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said in a news release. "Dr. Thompson represents the 'Gold Standard' of community service, guiding our Town’s youth on the right path and thus helping to shape a better future for all. His ability to lead with resilience and compassion through the global pandemic and the unimaginable Farmingdale bus tragedy has been inspirational, and he continues to show us what it means to be a True Daler."
The ceremony occurred before the monthly Town Hall Meeting in Oyster Bay. Dr. Thompson was accompanied by his family, friends, and colleagues. The Farmingdale Superintendent of Schools approached the podium to speak about Dr. Thompson.
“I am truly honored to celebrate Dr. Thompson for being an exceptional individual, and I believe our planet greatly needs more of this kind of leadership,” said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “Congratulations, Dr. Thompson, on this remarkable achievement; you deserve it! You are exceptional, and I couldn't be prouder of you.”
Dr. Samuel Thompson has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education. He spent eight years as the assistant principal and then six years as the principal at Farmingdale High School. Additionally, Thompson has experience working in the Island Trees, Baldwin, and Herricks school districts and serving as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University, where he earned his Doctorate. Currently, Dr. Thompson is the Assistant to the Superintendent of Administration in the Farmingdale School District.