Maybe it's an elected official, a parent, a teacher, a Scout leader, a business owner, a coach. Maybe it's a civic association leader, a school board trustee, a local volunteer, or other community leader.
In a community such as Riverhead there are undoubtedly plenty of people across town to look up to and admire, and who dedicate their time and hearts toward the betterment of Riverhead.
We'd like to recognize those individuals by asking you to nominate them for our "Greatest Person" honor.
In the coming weeks we'll accept your nominations to name Riverhead's Greatest Person. Community members will later have the chance to vote on the final result.
Submit your nominations as a comment below or email editor Lisa Finn at Lisa.Finn@patch.com to participate. Please include your full name and the reason why you have chosen the person you are nominating.
The individual named Greatest Person will be featured in an upcoming Patch story.
I would like to nominate my wife Yolanda Thompson. In the 2011 - 2012 School year we had experienced some issues in Pulaski Street School which involved our son. He was diagnosed with ADHD. Basically my son was being sent to in school suspension many times without our knowledge. It was my wife who had found out that proper protocol wasn't being followed according to the schools code of conduct. This had involved other students with special needs not just my son. She had brought this to the State department of Education where upon investigation they had found the the school was in violation of code. Since this had come to light there had been many changes and more to come. . . I believe she has made a difference within Riverhead Schools.
Thanks Bob Milford
There are a lot of us who complain about the animal shelter in Riverhead (me included) but few people who actually go out and work to make a difference. Denise has done that this year. She's raised money and made a difference for animals in our town that can already be seen at the dog park at EPCAL. The animal shelter is one of the biggest issues facing our town and Denise is a person who is really challenging the issue head on and making a difference. Ashley Wilbourn Pinciaro
Lisa Pickersgill: I hope and wish for Denise Lucas to be recognized as an exceptional Greatest person of Riverhead. Denise works so hard at all of her fund raising benefits and it has been so wonderful to see that the dog park came to be.It is also so great to see how the town and the people who live here support her.The support and respect for her selfless actions have changed the peoples outlook on the future of our town shelter and its importance for it to be upgraded to a condition of humane.All of these tireless efforts , which has also had a huge effect on the general outlook and care of animals in the town and beyond our town. I did just recently as well as last year enjoy many of her benefits and my salon will continue to support her holiday party as long as Denise will continue to organize such a wonderful event.
Sincerely, Desiree Passantino Wading River
Despite many personal issues including the longtime caregiving of her mother and the loss of her son, Patty continues to march on doing what she does best, helping others quietly but effectively. Thank You. Mike Lennon, formerly of Flanders (40 years) and Aquebogue (6 years).
WHO REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE?????? DENISE LUCAS IS RIVERHEADS GREATEST PERSON AND SHE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
She also is a devout animal advocate who selflessly gives of her time to ensure that the dogs at the shelter are cared for. She's raised wonderful kids who have this air about them that is enviable. They, like her carry themselves with dignity and respect. They also respect other people, which just shows that active parents shape their children. She's done an admirable person of this town, and more than deserved of this nomination. Sincerely, Anne Marie Grossman
Mark Linnen