Top-10 People of 2011

Some are West Islip residents, some are employees; either way, they helped shape West Islip in a big way this past year.  

Editor's note: We asked for the in deciding the top people, but failed to receive any responses.  This list was comprised soley by the Patch editorial staff. 

10.  

Hillier, along with Bob Christiansen, set up one of the biggest fundraisers of the year with their Big Shot Concert this past October.  The event raised money for numerous HS booster clubs and put a brand spankin' new digital scoreboard in the gym for multiple sports teams to use.  He was also responsible for several dozen money-raising events throughout the year.  

9.  

His story of perseverance was one of the most inspirational of 2011.  Dylan came back from three ACL tears to play on the football team this year.  And don’t be surprised if you see him on other teams too. 

8.  

If there's a new business opening up, you can guarentee Diane will be there to welcome them to West Islip.  She runs the WI Chamber of Commerce, her own business, a family, yet still makes time to be present at nearly every community function.   Not to mention she .  

7.  

Gellar does not have an easy job.  As the president of the Board of Education, he's responsible for making some of the most important educational decisions within the district.  It's a role that makes it impossible to please everyone, but Gellar handled it with class and confidence in 2011.  

6.

Like Ilario, Emily had to battle back from an injury of her own.  Except hers was life threatening.  The doctors diagnosed Emily with Arteriovenous malformation, and said she probably wouldn't be able to play soccer this year (or again).  How wrong they were.   

5.  

Gallozzi volunteers more time in a year than many people do in a lifetime.  The founder of Helping Hands of West Islip, Inc. held several clothing, toy and food drives throughout the year that benefited thousands of underprivileged people around Long Island. 

4.  

What Craig has done over the course of his career is mind-blowing.  This past year, he led the boys on a 40-game winning streak along with an eighth straight Suffolk Class A title.  And anyone who knows anything about the sport knows Suffolk dons arguably the most talented collection of lacrosse players and coaches in the nation.  You can't even add up the thousands (if not millions) of scholarship dollars he's helped his players receive.  

3.  

Simon, the WI school superintendant, took over a district when state aid funding was diminishing and mandates were increasing.  It was tough, to say the least.  He helped guide the community to a school budget that was thoroughly approved by residents.  His leadership and cooperation with residents is admirable

2.   

The strength of Hurricane Irene was something no one was ready for.  With little time to prepare for the storm, Good Sam had to clear house and transfer every patient to surrounding hospitals.  But that's merely one of the reasons they're recognized on this list.  

1.  

Campise, the president of the WI Breast Cancer Coalition, had a tremendous year in 2011.  Between the uber-successful clam shucking event on Fire Island, coordination with local schools and businesses, fundraisers, brunches, moving to a new office inside the Women's Imaging Center, she's helped raise thousands of dollars and an incredible amount of awareness throughout Long Island.  Her passion and dedication to fight the disease is second to none.