At the board of education meeting on April 24, Sewanhaka Central High School District proudly honored several students, staff and community members for their recent accomplishments.
During the Superintendent’s Advisory Report at the start of the meeting, student representatives provided highlights and information about district events that have recently taken place, including the Sewanhaka Inter-District Model UN Conference and the Breaking Borders Conference. On April 5, more than 300 district Model UN delegates participated in the annual SIDMUN conference, held at Elmont Memorial High School. Secretary Generals Madison Gale from Elmont Memorial, Julia Kim from New Hyde Park and Stella Travlos from H. Frank Carey spoke about the successful districtwide Model UN programs and shared what the club means to them. Following, Elmont Memorial student Amira Elrington-Edwards discussed the multi-school conference, held on April 11 as part of the Breaking Borders Organization. This event, hosted by the Talk Club at Elmont Memorial, focused on accessibility being the key to inclusivity and promoted student conversations.
Following the Superintendent’s Advisory Report, the awards and commendations of staff and students began. Elmont Memorial High School teacher and Key Club adviser Patricia Justin was recognized as a New York State District Key of Honor recipient. This is the highest distinction presented by the NYS District Key Club and is granted to an individual who has made a lifelong impact to Key Club and students. Ms. Justin was nominated for the award by her Key Club students.
H. Frank Carey High School senior Natalie Osorio (not in attendance) was honored for her recognition as a News 12 Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. Osorio is an All-County distance runner and was a member of the record-breaking 4x800 relay team. She received a $1,000 scholarship.
Five members of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America, advised by Daisy Amaris, from Sewanhaka High School were recognized for earning Gold status in STAR events (Students Taking Action for Recognition) at the annual New York State Leadership Conference. They competed against over 200 students statewide, showcasing their college and career readiness skills in Family and Consumer Science. The honored students are Arianna Flores, Jade Gomez, Win Hla, Arianna Rosa and Shilan Simsek. They have been invited to represent New York State at the National Conference in Orlando, Fla.
The district’s Robotics Team, under the supervision of Jack Chen, was honored for their incredibly successful competition season. The team earned the Inspire Award at the Long Island Regional FIRST Tech Challenge Championship. They advanced to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, traveling during spring recess. They finished 16th in their division, which included 64 teams. The team members are Zarif Abrar, Shohom Chakraborty, Ainsley Cunningham, Yashvi Gupta, Miles Lucatorto, Ethan Lin and Ian Tallani.
The student recognitions concluded with the incredible achievement of the Floral Park Memorial High School boys varsity basketball team, who are 2025 Nassau County Class A Champions. The team was led by coaches Sean Boyle and Matt Kelly.
Additionally, Superintendent of Schools Regina Agrusa commended the selfless and heroic acts of three Floral Park community members, who assisted referee Joe Gaskin at the basketball championship game in March as he suffered a cardiac arrest. Monica Lally, Darlene Sica and Tiffany Vargas were given Certificates of Recognition in thanks of their bravery and kindness.
