In an annual tradition that goes back nearly six decades, Ardsley’s PTA recognized four community members for dedication above and beyond the line of duty at a special ceremony last week. Each honoree received a lifetime membership to the New York State PTA, as well as a donation in his or her honor to support scholarships in teaching.

According to the nomination form, the Jenkins Award is given to “someone who has given outstanding or diverse service to our young people, making a significant impact on their lives."

The 2011 honorees, who exemplified those qualities, are:

*Lori Eiler Hunter-- Ardsley parent, former school district special education classroom aide, community volunteer for various Ardsley village boards and commissions, AYSO leader, and the founder of Ardsley Day, among other roles

* Mark Montague—Ardsley parent, active with the district PPLT and citizens budget advisory committee, coach for AYSO and Little League, Scoutmaster, and as a patent attorney, pivotal in helping student inventors

* Frances Zuchetto—Concord Road science teacher, advisor for “Young Inventors’ Club and “Math Olympiad, coordinator of health fair and science fair, and co-developer, with Concord Road school counselor, Vikki Krebs, of the “pearls of wisdom” character education program

* Dr. Jim Haubner—Ardsley High School principal, for championing diversity and individualism, building community, a strong and positive educational culture, and overall leadership

“He quietly goes about doing wonderful things,” said Jodi Monkovic, who nominated Haubner for the Jenkins Award. Monkovic, the mother of an Ardsley High School junior and sophomore, as well as Ardsley Middle School students in the seventh and fifth grades, added, “I see him all over the high school. He deserves a lot of credit for the sense of acceptance and satisfaction that people have at the high school. I just wanted to give him credit. I see the fruits of his labor.”