Francine M. Kosiczky
The Officers and Trustees of the Patchogue-Medford Hall of Fame Booster Club are proud to honor Fran Kosiczky as its 2019 Person of the Year. Fran joined the Patchogue-Medford school district in 1985 as a Biology teacher at Saxton Middle School. After a year she moved up to the high school and taught a variety of science courses over the next 29 years including Living Environment, Living World, Applied Chemistry, Regents Chemistry, Mammalogy, Environmental Science, and ESL Science.
During her career she has served as yearbook advisor, advisor to both the Key Club and Interact Club, class advisor, chaperone to both athletic and nonathletic events and proctor for SAT, ACT and PSAT tests. She also became a champion of many students who may have fallen through the cracks. Non-academic, special education, and ESL students all flourished under Fran’s inspiration and guidance. Before it was “the thing to do,” Fran kept her classroom supplied with breakfast food for those who needed it. Her classroom was a sanctuary for many. Students who were otherwise turned off to school found their educational motivation and confidence because of Fran. She was also the head cheerleading coach for 13 years, taking her girls and boys to perform at colleges and universities throughout the country, many receiving college scholarships. Her 1997 team was selected as the UCA Northeast Regional Champions.
In the Fall of 2012, Fran became one of the chairpersons of the Patchogue-Medford Congress of Teachers’ Community Outreach, and a year later received the New York State United Teachers’ Community Service Award. She had begun to volunteer at a community soup kitchen based at St. Francis de Sales Church in Patchogue, and soon, many district teachers, staff and students were following her example, joining in the generous effort to fight hunger in the Patchogue-Medford community. Fran now serves as lead community coordinator of the St. Francis kitchen, which has grown to be part of the expanded Patchogue Neighbors Soup Kitchens, serving breakfast to nearly 100 community members each week. It is for these great passions and dedicated community service and charity that the Patchogue-Medford Hall of Fame proudly honors Fran Kosiczky as its 2019 Person of the Year.