February 18, 2026
Alicia Calabrese ’94SJC, Principal of Floral Park Memorial High School, will be among several alumni honored by The School of Education (TSOE) at the 15th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD) on April 16 at the Stewart Manor Country Club, Stewart Manor, NY.
Congratulations! What does it feel like to receive this award?
It is a great honor to be recognized by St. John’s University, and I am humbled that I was selected for this distinction.
Can you please tell us a little about yourself and your current profession?
Currently, I am the proud Principal of Floral Park Memorial High School, one of the five schools of the Sewanhaka Central High School District. I have had the privilege of working in the Sewanhaka District for almost 30 years and have held different roles over the course of my career, all of which have been very educational and rewarding.
How has a degree from St. John's University impacted your career path?
St. John’s University and The School of Education are very respected in our field. I have worked alongside many other graduates over the course of my career, and know that being an alumna has opened doors for me.
Were there any professors at St. John's University who influenced your life?
I do remember one professor who was working with me on building my resume. He told me not to “put my light under a barrel,” and we had a very thought-provoking conversation about it. I always took that advice to heart to mean that as educators, our first responsibility is to be a light for our students and an example to others in our profession. I have tried to live up to that ideal over my years in education. Being educated at St. John's with a focus on Vincentian values, especially service, has guided me to keep my light shining to make a positive difference with the students and colleagues with whom I have worked.
What are your most cherished memories from your days as a student at St. John's University?
I don't really have a specific memory that stands out, but I learned from St. John's to be very student-centered and student-focused. That philosophy of students first is conveyed through the model of the School of Education itself. Students are cared for in a personal way and helped to develop into wonderful educators for the next generation.
What wisdom would you like to share with the next generation of alumni?
In an age of influencers, social media stars, and fast fame, people often look to make a big impact in their careers. So, what impact can a career in education have? Education today is complex, and we must grapple with many challenges due to our rapidly changing world. It is important to remember that what we do each day as educators does impact the world in big ways. A career in education is first and foremost about service to others and, therefore, accepting that we have the responsibility to create good in the schools and communities in which we live and work. This puts us all in a unique position to make a tangible difference in the lives of people each day. In sum, education is more than a profession– it is a true vocation whereby helping young people see the potential in themselves and guiding them to become the best versions of themselves, you have a true impact on the entire world