Malverne middle school students ‘Dare to Dream’

Students at Howard T. Herber Middle School in Malverne planted some seeds for success at their “Dare to Dream” celebration, which challenged students to answer the question, “How will your dreams grow?”

Principal Steven Gilhuley opened the celebration earlier this month by asking every student to write his or her dreams on a leaf. The leaves were collected to build a “Tree of Dreams,” which was assembled in the auditorium for all to see. In English classes, students wrote essays expanding on their dreams. Awards were given to the top four essayists from each grade, and their essays were published in a commemorative booklet.

As the culminating activity, students invited their families to a show featuring performances by the Howard T. Herber Dance Team, the Fifth and Sixth Grade Chorus, the Seventh and Eighth Grade Women’s Chorus, and the Jazz Band. Students also created a video expressing their dreams for the future. Malverne High School valedictorian Sarah St. John and salutatorian Aalique Graham were the guest speakers.

“Be your own person,” Aalique said. “It’s more than okay to stand out in the crowd. Sometimes achieving success means standing alone to do what you have to do.”

Sarah told students three things she wanted them to remember. “First you must learn time management skills,” she said. “Second, know who your real friends are, and third, remember that your dreams can always change.”

In his closing remarks, Principal Gilhuley left students with these parting words: “Dare yourself to become greater and better than you already are. Make your mark on the world. I dare you to dream and make your dreams become a reality.”

The Dare to Dream essay award winners are fifth graders Aidan Ryder, David Chamberlain, Roshni Shukla and Ikenna Konkwo, sixth graders Kayleen Alvarado-Rodriguez, Stephanie Ridley, Alexis Murry and Alyssa McDaniel, seventh graders Janvier Hoist-Forrester, Ra-Asia Glenn, Ashley Akaeze and Olivia Zuhlke, and eight graders Alexis Lopez, Sydeny Witowski, Isaiah Babb and Elizabeth Rojas.