PTA Council Honors Laurent Caballero

With more than 150 district parents, staff, family and distinguished guests in attendance, the Glen Cove Council of Parent Teacher Associations hosted its annual Community Scholarship Fundraiser on March 14 at the New York Institute of Technology's de Seversky Mansion of Old Westbury. 

Laurent Caballero, the district's kindergarten through second grade teacher's aide, was this year's honoree during the Sunday Brunch event.  

"Today we recognize a woman with deep devotion to her community," said Mayor Ralph Suozzi. "Laurent has committed her life to volunteering, serving the children and families of Glen Cove."

Caballero, who has lived in the city for more than 45 years, first served the district as a volunteer when her own children entered into kindergarten at Landing Elementary School. She is also a graduate of the district.

Caballero's daughter, Sandra Buehre, said, "If you know her very well, she's always had a tremendous amount of energy, I always aspire to be just a little bit like her."

And Caballero's dedication to education has even inspired Sandra to pursue a career in education. She currently teaches third grade at Connolly Elementary School.

"As you all know, [Laurent] exemplifies generosity and selflessness. Everyone knows Laurent Caballero is blessed, but I am truly blessed because she's my mom," said her daughter, Cynthia Caballero. "I thought all mothers love and cared for their daughters the way you always did for me, but the more I see of this world, the more I know that our relationship is exceptional."

In addition to her daughters, Caballero's husband, Albert, parents Eduardo and Nora Rodgers, sister Liz Bouza and in-laws Frank and Rosa Caballero also attended the brunch in support of her achievements. Dozens of friends, peers and community members also helped in honoring Caballero's work in the district.

While the council hosted raffle ticket sales and other tasks to ensure the event was seamless, student volunteers from Glen Cove High School assisted with awarding the raffle prizes.

More than 80 gift baskets were up for grabs. Local businesses that generously donated toward the fund were: All American Car Wash, Bagel Café, Bernard's Antiques, Capobianco Flowers, Dr. Maxine Cappel Mayreis, Epiphany Restaurant, Forest Pizzeria, Glenco Liquors, and Stango's Restaurant.

Some of the eight grand prizes included Atlantis Marine World tickets, an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn, a signed case of Nuvo Sparkling Liquor from "The Wendy Williams Show," and a birthday package for ten at United Skates of America. Under the direction of James Reardon, members of the high school's Jazz Ensemble also provided guests with musical entertainment for the afternoon. 

The council coordinates the district's seven PTA units and raises funds for the annual scholarship, which is awarded to Glen Cove High School graduates. For more information about the council, go to glencove.k12.ny.us/pta.