Ron Gimondo, principal of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Great Neck, is a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Education Award from St. John’s University. Mr. Gimondo was presented with his award at the 12th annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD) on April 23, 2023.

LEAD award honorees are distinguished alumni from the St. John’s University School of Education who are recognized for their positive impact on school communities. Mr. Gimondo was first announced by the Dean’s Advisory Board as a LEAD Award recipient in 2019, but pandemic precautions delayed the awards ceremony until this year.

Mr. Gimondo is a 30-year educator who has served as an instructional leader in Great Neck for 17 years. Prior to arriving in Great Neck, he was an ENL teacher, dean of students, and assistant principal with the New York City Department of Education. Mr. Gimondo was hired as assistant principal of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in 2016, and he has served as principal for the past 12 years.

Mr. Gimondo is the Past Co-President of the Nassau County Elementary Schools Principals’ Association and Past President of the Gold Coast-Lake Success Rotary Club. His commitment to a collaborative leadership approach in education and his service to the community have been recognized by several organizations; Mr. Gimondo was named Elementary Administrator of the Year by the Council of Administrators and Supervisors in 2017, and he was an Honoree at the Town of North Hempstead Hispanic Heritage Celebration in 2016.