BFE to honor Barbara Riess, Bill Zino

The Baldwin Foundation for Education (BFE), a non-profit organization of alumni and friends of the Baldwin public schools, will honor Barbara Riess and Bill Zino at its Spring Celebration on Saturday, April 18, starting at 3 p.m. at Baldwin High School. This is an opportunity for family, friends, and the community to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions that Riess and Zino have made to the students of the school district.

Riess has taught in Baldwin for 38 years, serving the students as a science teacher, a coach in multiple sports, who led the varsity field hockey team to several championships, advisor for numerous academic and athletic clubs, including the first Robotics Team, leader of many committees and organizations, and has been a mentor to students for almost four decades. Riess has also served on countless district committees and councils throughout her career, volunteered in numerous community projects, and has won many awards for her professionalism.

Zino has worked in the Baldwin School District for 35 years beginning his career as a special education teacher at the high school and was then named dean of students. He has coached the varsity gymnastics program, coordinated Saturday Night Alive, and is most proud of his community service program, which he created as an alternative to suspensions. Zino’s administrative duties included security, athletic supervision, and oversight of facility usage. He was instrumental in developing the strong affiliation between the Nassau County Police Department and the Baldwin schools. Zino retired in 2014, but continues to lead Saturday Night Alive and volunteer for the community service program.

We invite the community to join us on Saturday, April 18, to acknowledge these two extraordinary individuals for the contributions they have made. The cost of admission is $15, which is a donation to the BFE organization. Checks can be mailed to Baldwin Foundation for Education, P.O. Box 350, Baldwin, NY 11510. Light refreshments will be served.