Susan Kennedy, a teacher at St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy, Flushing, was recently honored as one of 11 Hometown Heroes in Education in New York City. The annual award, sponsored by the New York Daily News, is given to educators who show compassion and dedication to their students and the communities where they work. She was selected from among 200 nominated principals, teachers and counselors citywide.

Kennedy, 77, has been teaching second grade at St. Andrew’s since 1970, and has prepared hundreds of children to receive First Holy Communion. She has watched former students become parents and send their own children back to her class. She enjoys the constant challenge of trying to capture students’ attention with projects and lessons that showcase her love of art. She also tutors children after school and volunteers in her community. She is pictured above with some of the children she has taught through the years.