Dr. Richard Limato Named Administrator of the Year

The Westchester County School Music Association recently honored Dr. Richard Limato, director of Elementary Education at the Hutchinson School, with the Administrator of the Year award.

The yearly award is given to an administrator who has excelled in forwarding art education of all types, both in vision and in practice. Teachers nominate an administrator, sending in letters of recommendation, and then the executive board votes on more than one hundred qualified candidates throughout the county. 

Dr. Limato said he was surprised to receive the award.

“I had been at a town meeting when the music teachers approached me. They explained that I had been selected for the award and at first I was shocked, then delighted.”

Despite tough economic times, Dr. Limato said that he and his colleagues have worked hard to ensure the quality of the arts program at the school.

“We instituted early morning rehearsals where students from different schools come together to rehearse, but more importantly to play together as ensemble, which provides a different quality of experience, education, and practice otherwise unavailable to these students,” he said.  

Maria Abeshouse, a music coordinator and teacher at the school, said the elementary music faculty nominated Dr. Richard Limato because of his constant support of the programs at the elementary level. In their letters of nomination, teachers not only mentioned his support in expanding the instrumental music scheduling and early rehearsals and his coordination of he NYSSMA festival, but also his open-door policy and his willingness to meet with teachers to further develop all programs. 

 “It is not only about providing more opportunities, but better opportunities, opportunities that align with our developed vision of what this excellent music and arts program can be so that it reflects not only the excellence of our teachers, but the values of our community,” Dr. Limato said about his efforts at the school.

He said the award is not only a recognition of his work, but also that of his colleagues.

“Personally, the award is nice to receive, but it is less about me and more about what we’ve been able to accomplish,” he said. “This award both reinforces and encourages our work to provide the best type of arts education possible, one that allows students access to explore their talents and express their creativity, an essential aspect of all education. This reward, for me, let’s us know that Pelham values the hard work we do, and for that I am thankful.” 

He said that even with budget constraints, it’s important for the arts to be funded.

"All students need the ability to express themselves, and not all students connect to education through math or science, or even English. Art provides the forum for expression, but also allows students to see different perspectives, both essential tools for the global community we live.”

He said he’s dedicated to ensuring students in Pelham receive a great arts education.

“I understand that in these different economic times, we must be more responsible and efficient with our allocation of money. Therefore, besides creating higher quality and more efficient arts program, we are looking for alternative ways to fund our arts department, including a grant that is in the works with the Pelham Education Foundation."

"Hopefully, this award will allow us to further the excellent work we’ve been able to accomplish up until now.”