UFT District 11 Representative Dana Falciglia (2nd from right) is given her flowers by PS 106 Chapter Leader Marla Smith, PS 175 Chapter Leader Danielle Minor, education liaison Christine O’Callaghan and Alice Cooper-Jackson, past District 11 representative.
UFT District 11 Representative Dana Falciglia, organizer of the annual District 11 Scholarship Dinner, saved the best for last. The eighth annual gala event on April 24 drew a record 550 members and guests to a banquet hall in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx, said Falciglia, who will retire at the end of this school year. She came up with the idea to bring the event to her district after attending a similar dinner in Queens. “Seeing and feeling the love in the room is a testament to how I define myself as a teacher and a leader in this district,” she said. “Our community really enjoys coming together to celebrate our successes.” Five students, three veteran teachers, two school secretaries, two rookie teachers and four assistant principals were honored, while the PS 21 student dance team provided entertainment. Veteran teacher honoree Marla Smith, chapter leader at PS 106, said the recognition “reflects the combined efforts and wisdom of the many colleagues, mentors and students I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years.”
