Teacher, Animal Advocate Is 'An Angel': Aquebogue Local Hero

AQUEBOGUE, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from James Scudder, who nominated his wife Virginia Scudder of Aquebogue.

Name of the nominee:

Virginia Scudder.

Is the nominee considered an "essential worker"?

Yes.
What does the nominee do for work?

She is a teacher and an animal rescuer.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

She should be honored because she is the most altruistic individuals I know. She would do anything for her students, friends, family, children and the countless animals she rescues daily. She is selfless and if you speak to her students and community members you will truly understand. Her heart is as big as they come. Between starting her own community group for teens called the West Islip Students with HEARTT (Helpful, Empathetic, Altruistic, Respectful, Tenacious Teens); taking her students on a service trip to the country of Grenada approximately four times to date and starting a camp and helping animals there; to running and overseeing her non-profit, which she began herself called The North Fork Country Kids Animal Rescue — she worked and works to save many animals during the pandemic — and caring for our three children, one of whom is autistic.

She was also nominated as the SEPTA (PTO for special education kids and parents) president this year for the Riverhead school distinct. She always thinks of others first and would give up her own meal to feed the hungry as she does yearly with her 'PB and J' gang that attends the city to hand out food to the homeless.

Lastly, during the pandemic, she spent countless hours packing groceries for friends and sending first responders and local veterinarians and nurses lunches. Amazing right? She is! She was also in a car accident the first day home from work from the pandemic and suffered a great deal of pain from the incident that has left her dealing with numerous issues.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?

Her life has been dedicated to those around her and she is an angel.

Thank you for all that you do, Virginia!

Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.