2024 People of the Year awards ceremony: in their words
Riverhead News-Review’s 2024 People of the Year awards were handed out in a ceremony Thursday night at Southold American Legion. As honorees received their awards, they took to the mic telling inspiring stories, thanking all their supporters, sharing how they heard the news of their honors — many via text — and vowed to keep up the work they were recognized for.
Once again, the editorial board who made these selections was proud to present the awards and spend time with so many who make Riverhead a wonderful community to live and work.
Photos by Ana Borruto
Community Leader of the Year
Starting with the 2024 Community Leader of the Year, Mark MK McLaughlin, who has been referred to as “an exemplary employee” by his boss Jodi Giglio and an “amazing guy” by Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard and who even won Riverhead Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year last year, Mr. McLaughlin said he has put his all into everything he does since he recovered from a medical event in 2020.
Educator of the Year
For being a morale-booster and advocate for his Riverhead Charter School students in the face of adversity, his hands-on approach, innovation and achievements made without a blueprint, Patrick McKinney was named Riverhead News-Review 2024 Educator of the Year. He said he plays just a small role in Riverhead Charter School’s success, highlighting the work by the teachers, staff, students, parents and administrators.
Sportspeople of the Year
Being a PAL coach is selfless. It takes time out of your life. Results are earned only through hard work and dedication. Building a football program from the ground up isn’t for everybody but Riverhead has the right people in place leading the way. For their efforts in and dedication toward the PAL football program, Rasheen Moore and Mike Heigh have earned the nod as 2024’s Riverhead News-Review Sportspeople of the Year. In their speeches they assured us that what they’ve accomplished is only the beginning.
Public Servants of the Year
Town Councilman Ken Rothwell was thrilled to hear that Riverhead Highway Department Superintendent Mike Zaleski and his staff were being honored with the Public Servants of the Year award for 2024.
“He loves where he works and lives, and he wholeheartedly deserves this recognition but I know that Mike would not accept this alone.”
In his remarks, Mr. Zaleski shared what his 31 years working in the department have meant to him.
2024 Businessperson of the Year Gabriella Volpe of Caruso’s was unable to attend the ceremony. Executive editor Brendan O’Connor accepted on her behalf.
People of the Year
The resumption of Riverhead’s annual Polish Fair was in large part thanks to the hard work of two community leaders: Polish Town Civic Association president Kevin Davis and Tom Najdzion, president of the Riverhead Polish Independent Club, which runs Polish Hall. For working together to revive the long running festival, the duo was honored as the News-Review’s 2024 People of the Year.
Click here for the Suffolk Times 2024 People of the Year speeches.
