The Patrick F. Daly Award was established shortly after Mr. Daly’s death to honor his legacy of service to the community, a steadfast commitment to his students, and his leadership. The award has not been given in several years, but at the urging of the Daly family, Borough President Oddo decided to reinstate it to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mr. Daly’s death. After carefully considering all the nominations of exemplary educators submitted by the public, members of the Daly family and Borough President Oddo’s staff selected Mr. Martuccio and Mr. Mohr to receive the award.
“This award gives us as Staten Islanders an opportunity to honor Mr. Daly, his legacy, and sacrifice, as well as recognize outstanding educators in our community,” said BP Oddo. “I believe that Paul Martuccio and Wilson Mohr exemplify many of the exceptional qualities Mr. Daly had as an educator. Both have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their students and a love of education. As the Daly family members noted when we selected them, both Mr. Martuccio and Mr. Mohr are following in the footsteps of Mr. Daly through their inspiring work inside and outside the classroom.”
Paul Martuccio has 18 years of experience in the field of education. He began as a Special Education teacher at P.S. 18 before becoming an Assistant Principal at P.S. 21. He currently serves as principal of P.S. 13. Mr. Martuccio’s emphasis on teamwork has been a positive influence on staff as well as students. He has instituted numerous programs to support students and staff, including a mindfulness program that teaches staff and students how to relieve stress and calm themselves. In addition, he has created visual and performing arts programs, as well as a physical education program and a before-school morning academy at no cost to families. Mr. Martuccio’s commitment also extends to the students’ parents and families. He has built a community where parents feel welcome by encouraging open communication between parents and their child’s teacher, ensuring there are capable translators on hand to engage families who are non-English speaking. In addition to his work at P.S. 13, Mr. Martuccio was selected by the Superintendent of District 31 to facilitate a principal’s professional learning group.
A devoted teacher, Wilson Mohr has spent 37 years in the school system as a teacher and supervisor at I.S. 49, as a summer school teacher at I.S. 51, and as a camp teacher at P.S. 5, P.S. 6, and P.S. 42. Currently, Mr. Mohr is teaching TASC level classes at Pathways to Graduation at the St. George Hub. He has assisted in the pilot for a new TASC programming and scheduling model, affording the students even more testing opportunities. Though his immediate aim is to help his students pass the TASC exam, he teaches with the ultimate goal of inspiring a love of mathematics in all his students. As a companion to student advocacy, he has worked diligently to expand educational experiences inside and outside the classroom. To this end, he has undertaken the task of organizing field trips and experiences that are both informative and entertaining. Mr. Mohr has an enthusiasm for personal and professional growth and development, which helps his students figure out what their next steps are and what they can achieve.
“As we approach the 25th Anniversary of my father’s death, we are honored and most appreciative to Borough President James Oddo for reinstituting the Patrick F. Daly Award. This award will ensure my father's dedication and sacrifice will be remembered and the work of a new generation of dedicated educators will be recognized,” said Patrick Daly, son of the fallen educator.
The award ceremony will be followed by a reception with light fare in the main hall of the building.