This year, we celebrate our very own SMSgt. Hanna for being named a 2025 Long Island School Hero Award honoree. This award is a prestigious recognition given to select educators across Long Island who dedicate their careers to educating and fostering the next generation of leaders. It is a special way of honoring individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to provide comfort and support to their students.
SMSgt. Hanna, along with the other honorees, was celebrated at a cocktail reception held at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club in Smithtown on Monday, Oct. 20. Along with SMSgt. Hanna were six cadets, four of which, C/Maj Chelsea Guevara, C/Capt Melissa Saravia, C/Capt Jalline Guevara, and C/1st Lt Victor Rosario, participated in the Presentation of the Colors, with the help and supervision of the NCOIC of Color Guard, C/TSgt Crystal Sanabria. C/TSgt Giselle Calderon beautifully sang the National Anthem for the event.
“It is a privilege and honor to represent Brentwood and especially the NY773 Fighting Falcons Corps,” said SMSgt. Hanna.
“The atmosphere of the event was absolutely beautiful,” said C/Capt Melissa Saravia. “Everywhere you looked, people were laughing, hugging, and congratulating one another. It was a night full of cheers, joy, and pride. It was so inspiring to see so many teachers from all over Long Island being recognized for their incredible dedication to their students’ success, growth, and well-being. Watching everyone come together to celebrate their loved ones’ achievements was very touching and an unforgettable experience.”
Her position as Deputy Group Commander has given her a deeper appreciation and interpretation of the award’s significance.
“As a member of Key Staff, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how Sgt. Hanna never fails to support his cadets and sees the best in each of us,” Saravia said. “Sgt. Hanna is always so quick to give us credit for our service but never takes any for himself which reflects the kind of person he is. That night, he told me that he hadn’t earned the award but that it was all of us who did. Although he would probably say otherwise, no one deserves more than Sgt. Hanna to receive the 2025 Long Island School Hero Award.”
