Working in a department that celebrates teamwork, administrative assistant Fran Mauceri is an essential member of the team in the Massapequa School District’s department of physical education, health, athletics and recreation. She recently received a regional award for her hard work and commitment.
Ms. Mauceri, who has been in the position for 16 years, has earned the Todd Heimer Award, which is presented annually to an administrative assistant within Section VIII who had demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to athletics at the local level. It recognizes an individual who provides steadfast support to an athletic administrator for a minimum of five years.
Matt McLees, interim director of physical education, health, athletics and recreation, nominated Ms. Mauceri for the award. Athletic directors from Nassau County made the final selection.
She takes on many roles within the department, including issuing permits for outside organizations using the district’s gymnasiums and fields, drafting athletic communications for the community, working with the high school and middle school athletic coordinators, and assisting with the annual senior athlete awards nights. One of her biggest responsibilities is supporting the summer recreation program and summer sports camps, with tasks ranging from student registration to payroll to ordering supplies.
“I’m very honored because there are so many athletic assistants in Nassau County, so to receive this award is truly humbling,” she said. “It’s become a major part of my life. I’m not just a clerical worker. I’m a part of a team. I put my all into it and I don’t just look at it as a job. We have great student athletes and great coaches, and I love to be part of that greatness.”
Ms. Mauceri, who has a background in finance, took the job to be closer to home when her sons were in school. Joseph graduated from Massapequa in 2016 and was an announcer for the baseball team, and John Michael, a 2019 a graduate, played high school football and baseball.
The Tood Heimer Award is named after the beloved executive director of interscholastic athletics for Nassau County, who died in 2012 at age 56. The honor celebrates the behind-the-scenes contributions that help athletic programs thrive.
“Fran has been an invaluable asset to my arrival at Massapequa,” said Mr. McLees, who joined the district this past summer. “Her knowledge of Massapequa athletics, coupled with her patience and the advice she provides on a daily basis, has enabled me to be a more effective leader in my role as athletic director. Simply put, she is the heartbeat of the athletic department. Her relationships with coaches, parents and community members has established the core values we must meet in our department. It is our pleasure to join in the celebration of Fran and the most-deserving honor of the Todd Heimer Award.”