Farmingdale Educator Receives Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award

OYSTER BAY, NY — Samuel Thompson, assistant for superintendent of administration for the Farmingdale School District, received the Town of Oyster Bay Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award for his "exemplary service as an educator" for more than 20 years, the township announced.

"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 principals 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 both 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."

Thompson served as Farmingdale High School’s assistant principal for eight years, followed by another six years as principal. Thompson has also worked within the Island Trees, Baldwin and Herricks school districts, in addition to teaching as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University, where he received his doctor of education degree.