Albert G. Prodell

I was proud to be a teacher at the Albert G Prodell Middle School. Al dedicated his life to education and was the guiding force behind the merger of two communities (Shoreham and Wading River) to create a nationally recognized school district. But Al went far beyond anyone's expectations representing the community as President of the Board of Education. During his almost thirty year long tenure, Al attended every parent's night, every concert and every play at all five of the district's schools. I taught at the Middle School for 30 years myself, and I can't remember an Open House when Al did not pop into my classroom. During that time I directed 25 plays and Al saw 24 of them (he had surgery just before the one he missed and wrote me a note of apology.) He loved to address the district's assembled faculty on our first day back each year with words of inspiration. He was a true educator in the best sense of the word and our community was blessed to have him.

Al was one of the gentlest, most understanding people I know. He enriched my life and I am a better person for having known him. It was a privilege to have served on the SWR school board with him for 12 years. My family and I have wonderful memories of him which we will treasure. It was an honor to have him as a friend.

Al Prodell was a man of great dignity and character. He was unfailingly courteous, generous with time and help, and understood the value of education as well as any board member I have ever known. It was my good fortune to serve as an administrator in S-WR for 21 years during Al's tenure. My first two years were, in part, devoted to building a high school. The board was filled with men and women of high intelligence and great devotion to the newly-combined Shoreham and Wading River school district. Al was first among equals.