Amityville resident Sharon Carrio, shown above, has received the March of Dime's prestigious Golden Apple Award. The annual honor recognizes outstanding educators who have made a difference through their commitment to children and to their local communities.

As dean of students at Katharine Gibbs School, Carrio oversees all student affairs, counseling and retention efforts while bringing many of her personal volunteer projects to Gibbs' Melville campus. Under her direction, the school has sponsored events to benefit the American Diabetes Association, March of Dimes, and PBS affiliate WLIW Channel 21.

"This award is not only a remarkable milestone in Sharon's education career, but also in her personal, ongoing volunteer efforts," says Steve Kashkin, the school's president. "She is an invaluable member of Gibbs family who continually gives back to our students, staff and members of our surrounding community."

Carrio notes: "Working with Gibbs students and getting them involved with local organizations has been a rewarding experience. This award has only strengthened my commitment to my current volunteer projects and to recruiting others to participate."

Carrio earned her MBA from Dowling College, Oakdale. She graduated from Audrey Cohen College, now Metropolitan College of New York with a bachelor's degree in business studies.