Celebrating the people behind Lakeland’s UPK program

There are few things more rewarding as an educator than watching a young child discover something for the very first time.

A question. A new friendship. A book they cannot put down. The confidence to raise their hand and share an idea. These seemingly small moments are the building blocks of a child’s educational journey, and they are why we are so proud of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program at Lakeland Central School District.

Recently, that pride became even more meaningful when Mary Anne Russo, Lakeland’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten Director, was selected as a 2026 Early Education Hall of Heroes honoree by the Child Care Council of Westchester. Mary Anne was selected from a large pool of nominees and will be recognized alongside 14 other leaders from across Westchester County who are making an extraordinary difference for young children, families and educators.

While this recognition is a tremendous honor for Mary Anne, we believe it also represents something larger: a celebration of the incredible work taking place every day across Lakeland’s UPK program.

Mary Anne oversees four UPK sites within our district, working alongside dedicated educators and staff to create welcoming environments where our youngest learners feel safe, valued and excited to come to school. She also works closely with families, understanding that a child’s first educational experience is a partnership between school and home.

One YMCA family described Mary Anne and her team as exceeding their already high expectations, particularly praising their professionalism, experience and communication. That kind of feedback means so much because relationships are at the heart of early childhood education.

Our UPK program is about much more than preparing children for kindergarten. It is about giving children opportunities to explore, wonder, ask questions, build relationships and develop the confidence to see themselves as learners. It is about recognizing that every child arrives with unique strengths, interests and experiences — and creating an environment where those strengths can grow.

We also know that high-quality early learning can have an impact that reaches far beyond the classroom. When children begin school feeling connected, supported and confident, they are better positioned to embrace the opportunities that follow. When families feel welcomed and heard, they become important partners in their children's education. And when educators have the support and resources they need, they can focus on what matters most: helping children learn and thrive.

That is why investments in our youngest learners are investments in the future of our entire school community.

At Lakeland, our vision of Success for All begins with ensuring that every student has a strong foundation. Our commitment to that vision does not begin when a child enters kindergarten — it begins with their very first experiences as a member of our school community.

We are fortunate to have educators and leaders who understand that responsibility and embrace it every day.

Mary Anne’s Hall of Heroes recognition is a wonderful reminder of that. It shines a light on her leadership, but it also gives us an opportunity to recognize the many teachers, staff members and families who make our UPK program what it is.

To our UPK educators: thank you for the patience, creativity, enthusiasm and care you bring to your classrooms each day. Thank you for celebrating the questions, encouraging the curiosity and making every child feel that they belong.

To our families: thank you for trusting us with such an important part of your child’s beginning. We know that choosing an early learning program is a significant decision, and we are honored to be part of your child's first steps into their educational journey.

And to Mary Anne: congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your leadership reflects exactly what we hope every child experiences when they walk through our doors — a place where they are known, supported, encouraged and inspired to grow.

At Lakeland, we often talk about reimagining learning and preparing students for their future. That work starts earlier than many people realize.

It starts with a child who is encouraged to wonder.

It starts with a teacher who takes the time to listen.

It starts with a family who knows their child is valued.

And it starts with a school community that believes every child deserves a strong beginning.

We could not be more proud of the beginning we are providing our youngest learners — and of the people who make it possible every day.

Congratulations, Mary Anne, and congratulations to our entire Lakeland UPK community. This recognition is yours to celebrate.

Dr. Karen Gagliardi is Superintendent of the Lakeland Central School District.