School's Principal Mrs. Alison Branker received the "Torch Bearer Award".

Mrs. Branker has served the school community as Principal for almost 16 years. Prior to that she was Assistant Principle for 6 years, and a teacher in this same district for 6 years and 3 years outside of NYC since 1993. She has garnered partnership with many community based organizations to ensure well rounded learning experiences for scholars in this community including the Jamaica YMCA which serves as the school's afterschool and summer school provider. She brought the 2nd grade swim program to the school. In 2024 she started a soccer program on Saturdays, and an afterschool track program with the Metro Eagles Track club. She embedded a Move to Improve block into the schedule of all classes, because health and fitness matters and contributes to mental wellness. She has also developed many academic and arts partnership including South Jamaica Reads literacy initiative, 21st Cent Ed, NTN, Teaching Matters, Power My Learning, Arch for Kids, Art of Step, and Asase Yaa to name a few for this community to ensure that the PS 40 - SAMUEL HUNTINGTON SCHOOL is indeed Where Everyone Strives for Excellence and South Soars High.