Patricia Martin Farrell was born in Queens, NY and moved to Babylon in the third grade. After high school, she attended St. John’s University, University College in Brooklyn graduating with a BA in English in 1964. Pat next attended Hofstra University, graduating with a MS in Elementary Education in 1969 and also receiving a CAS in Educational Administration in 1985. She finally was granted a PD in Educational Administration in 1992.

After teaching in a private school for one year, Mr. Petersen hired Pat to teach fourth grade at Santapogue School in 1965. In the next 18 years, Pat taught first through fifth grades at Santapogue. Her final classroom responsibility was at Tooker Avenue School, teaching a self-contained class of Gifted and Talented third, fourth and fifth graders. Throughout these years, Pat actively participated in school and community events in addition to her classroom responsibilities.

In September 1986, Pat was appointed Principal of South Bay School, involving herself in all aspects of the school and community. Pat always focused on student achievement and the many ways to have students and their families become a part of the learning process. With the assistance of staff and parents, Pat developed varied activities and events to help students learn and grow in all aspects. Pat retired from South Bay in 2002 after serving 35 years in West Babylon School District.

Pat now resides in Bay Shore and her son, Mark, a Long Island chef, resides in Babylon. She continues as a teacher in an ESL program for immigrant women of all nationalities. As a life-long learner, Pat is still trying to learn the game of golf.