Amityville

The Amityville School District is proud to announce that Amityville Memorial High School Assistant Principal Dr. Maria Vineyard was among this year’s distinguished honorees recognized by State Sen. Monica Martinez during her annual Black History Month Celebration held on Feb. 20. 

The annual celebration marked 100 years of organized efforts to recognize, study, and honor Black history and its enduring influence on American society. The 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invited the community to reflect on the transformative role Black history has played in shaping the modern world. Each year, the event recognizes individuals from the Fourth Senatorial District whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact in their communities. 

Dr. Vineyard was honored in the field of Education for her outstanding leadership, commitment to equity, and dedication to student success. An accomplished educator and school leader, Dr. Vineyard has taught English in grades 8-12 across Hawaii, Texas, and New York. She previously served as interim Assistant Principal and lead teacher, specializing in AP Research and African American literature. In her leadership roles, she strengthened English curricula and expanded access to culturally relevant texts and instructional practices to better serve all students. 

Dr. Vineyard also brought her expertise to higher education, teaching at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology and serving as an adjunct professor at Molloy University. A passionate advocate for educational equity, she facilitated professional development workshops on Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Restorative Justice, mentored new educators, and served on doctoral dissertation committees. 

A two-time Starmaker Teacher Award recipient, Dr. Vineyard has contributed scholarly work to “Critical Praxis Leadership: Grassroots Narratives for Justice-Driven Leaders for a Democratic Future.” She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s in English Education, an Advanced Certificate in School Building Leadership, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Molloy University. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Vineyard remains deeply committed to her school and faith communities. She has coordinated Black History Month programs, served on leadership committees, and contributed to her district’s successful exit from receivership in New York State. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, serves on her church’s Chaplains Council, and is a Deaconess in Training and youth choir director. 

Dr. Vineyard’s recognition at this year’s celebration highlighted her unwavering dedication to educational excellence and her enduring impact on students and the broader community.