Two South High School educators have been honored through the Harvard Club of Long Island (HCLI) Distinguished Teacher program. English teacher Michael Moran is recognized as a Distinguished Teacher, and history teacher Joseph Ko is one of eight recipients of the HCLI Distinguished Teacher Award for 2026.

The Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education celebrated both educators during the March 11 public meeting. Additionally, as a 2026 Distinguished Teacher Award recipient, Mr. Ko was honored at the Harvard Club of Long Island University Relations Brunch on March 15.

Distinguished Teachers are nominated by Harvard undergraduates and then selected by Harvard Club of Long Island board members. The nomination letters for Mr. Ko and Mr. Moran, submitted by a South High graduate currently attending Harvard, speak to their profound impact as educators and how they inspire students to pursue their passions beyond the classroom.

“This award honors teachers who transform student lives,” explained Dr. Judith Esterquest, Chair of the Distinguished Teacher Selection Committee. “The dedicated teachers we honor with these awards have created riveting academic challenges that encourage critical thinking, offered research and extra-curricular opportunities to help students find their passions, and inspired students to learn the joy of serving others.”