Q&A with Samuel M. Thompson ’14Ed.D., Recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award

Samuel M. Thompson ’14Ed.D., Assistant to the Superintendent for Administration in the Farmingdale School District and alumnus of The School of Education at St. John’s University, received the esteemed Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award from the Town of Oyster Bay on January 7.

How does it feel to receive this service award, and what does it mean to you personally?

Receiving the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award is a profound honor because of the ideals and legacy it represents. Dr. King’s commitment to dignity, discipline, humility, and service has shaped leadership principles across generations. To be recognized as a leader who embodies these values is both humbling and deeply meaningful. This award reaffirms my dedication to fostering positive change through service and leadership.

As a graduate of The School of Education, what key aspects of your teaching philosophy contributed to this recognition?

My educational philosophy was shaped by foundational principles I embraced at St. John’s University—service leadership, collaborative learning, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential. These values serve as a compass, guiding me through the challenges of education, while keeping the focus on what matters most: student success. By fostering a culture of support and empowerment, I strive to make a lasting impact on both students and colleagues.

Can you share an example of a community outreach initiative you spearheaded that positively impacted your students and community?

One of the most challenging periods in my career was during the pandemic when I served as a building principal. During this time, I prioritized resilience, compassion, and connection, ensuring our school community remained united. We implemented weekly video updates; district-wide, drive-through events; and personal home visits to support students and families.

More recently, when the Farmingdale community faced the tragedy of a bus accident, our focus on outreach became even more critical. We opened our doors to provide resources, comfort, and direct support to those affected. These experiences reinforced the power of leadership through service, demonstrating how community strength can help navigate adversity.

As an educator for more than 20 years, have you mentored other students and teachers? If so, what key insights have you shared?

Over my 29 years in education, I have had the privilege of mentoring both students and teachers in various capacities—as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, department supervisor, building principal, assistant to the superintendent, and adjunct professor for graduate students in education administration. Each role has offered unique opportunities to inspire and guide the next generation of educators. The most valuable insight I share is the profound responsibility and privilege of education. Every student and teacher brings unique challenges and perspectives to the table, and our role as educators is to embrace that diversity with patience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.