Dr. Mary Koslap-Petraco is presented her award by Town Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Councilwoman Laura Maier Courtesy of the Town of Oyster Bay

Four deserving women from Massapequa – Gaetina Hodnett, Kelly Palfi, Lisa Fiebert and Dr. Mary Koslap-Petraco—were among the twelve women named by the Town of Oyster Bay as “Women of Distinction” for 2026 at a special ceremony held at the Hicksville Community Center on May 20.

In his remarks prior to introducing this year’s winners, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino gave a thank you to all of the honorees for sharing their stories, their commitment to excellence, and for making our communities a better place. “While the background of all of our honorees tonight will sound a little different, there is a common thread of inspiration, and passion for what they do, and—perhaps most impressively—of true modesty,” he said. “None of you look for accolades, you go above and beyond simply because it’s the right thing to do.”

This is the 27th year that the Town has presented these awards.

Gaetina Hodnett is an educator with more than 32 years of service in special education, early intervention and community based learning. As a special education teacher, she is known for her compassionate approach to education. She excels at designing adaptive learning environments and advocating for students whose voices can often go unheard. Her work spans classroom teaching, developmental assessment and early childhood intervention, where she has guided families through individualized strategies to support children during their most formative years.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Councilwoman Laura Maier present the award to Kelly Palfi

Hodnett is also an active participant in the Breezy Point Civic Association, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and created a Black History Library at her local Hollywood Full Baptist Cathedral.

Kelly Palfi has dedicated her life to ensuring that those who may be differently abled can continue to play the sports they love.

Palfi currently serves as the vice president of the Long Island RoughRiders Sled hockey organization. This organization provides inclusive, competitive and recreational opportunities for individuals with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities. Palfi has helped RoughRiders participants break barriers and redefine what is possible in recreational and competitive sled hockey. Kelly also currently serves as the treasurer of the Warriors Veteran Hockey Club.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Councilwoman Laura Maier present Gaetina Hodnett with her award as a woman of distinction

Source: Massapequa Post