Each year the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund bestows the Ed Habermann award on an outstanding individual in the community. This year’s recipient, Lyndall Boal, was chosen for her dedication to improving the lives of young people, following the principles of the consummate volunteer, Ed Habermann. Boal is the social worker for both Bell and Seven Bridges middle schools.
The room at the Kittle House was full of good cheer on the evening of March 15 as Boal was feted during the HGSF’s annual fundraiser. Accolades from colleagues and students flowed continuously throughout the night.
Assemblyman Bob Castelli came to honor Boal and presented her with a citation in recognition of her many contributions. A proclamation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators, designating March 16 Lyndall Boal Day, was read by HGSF President David Perlmutter. The cry, “Everyday is Lyndall Boal day,” rose from the crowd.
Michael Abemayor, a graduate of the class of 2009 at Greeley highlighted Boal’s attitude toward her position. “It wasn’t just a job to you, it was family,” he observed. He then went on to relate a humorous anecdote. “Remember the time I put the phone in the ceiling?” Abemayor appreciated the fact that even when questions were posed at the time as to the nature and perpetrator of the prank, Boal remained mum. This sentiment expressed precisely the strength of the alliance forged by Boal with young adults in the community.
Perlmutter discussed the role the HGSF plays in Chappaqua. “We’re not a homogenous wealthy community. Many can’t afford tuition,” he said. The fund provided scholarships for 29 students last year. Perlmutter extolled Boal’s praises and expressed the hope that the award would inspire “other teachers to reach out to the kids in a way that’s meaningful.”
A full feature length article on Lyndall Boal will appear in the Mother’s Day print edition of the magazine.
