Shown in photo (right) is Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John R. Williams with Executive Director of the United North Amityville Youth Organization (UNAYO), Sonji Crawford-Clark, who presented him with the organization’s Educator of the Year Award. The United North Amityville Youth Organization (UNAYO), a stalwart in the community for almost two decades, has awarded Superintendent of the Amityville Public School District Dr. John R. Williams the Educator of the Year Award. “Dr. Williams shares a common goal with us here at UNAYO,” stated Executive Director Sonji Crawford-Clark as she presented Dr. Williams with the award. “That goal is to serve the community, and make a difference in the lives of Amityville’s young people.” Ms. Crawford-Clark explained that Dr. Williams possesses the type of spirit that is a criteria when UNAYO selects an educator to honor for his or her work in the community. “Even as the district’s Interim Superintendent, Dr. Williams never did the job halfway,” she commented. “He immediately made sure he connected personally with so many groups in the community and stepped out to bring everyone in.” Dr. Williams described his reaction upon learning he would be honored as Educator of the Year. “I was very gratified,” he stated. “I have received many commendations during my career, but it is always particularly exciting to receive recognition from organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of young people, so receiving this honor from UNAYO made it really special.” Dr. Williams was presented with the award at a dinner sponsored by UNAYO and attended by more than two-dozen district employees who turned out to congratulate Dr. Williams and thank him for the work he does in the district.