The East Meadow Board of Education closed out 2025 on a high note — celebrating vibrant student artwork that champions kindness and honoring athletes whose achievements shine on the field and in the classroom.
Marisa Morgillo, an administrative assistant in the East Meadow School District recognized student-artists who created a new Unity Day mural.
Unity Day is celebrated nationally and is dedicated to promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion, while encouraging students to stand together against bullying.
“It is a time when schools and communities unite to send a powerful message,” Morgillo said, on behalf of the PTA Council, who was unable to attend the Dec. 3 meeting at the Salisbury School. “Every student matters. Every student belongs, and together, we can create a supportive and uplifting environment for all each year.”
The most recent Unity Day was Oct. 22.
Each year, the PTA Council in East Meadow chooses a mural theme inspired by Unity Day. The mural is painted in the gymnasium of the Salisbury School, the district’s headquarters, and the location where it hosts board of education meetings. This year’s theme is “Rise Above with Kindness.”
“The council envisioned something uplifting, and the students brought the idea to life in a truly remarkable way,” Morgillo said. “This year’s mural features a bird rising backwards, its wings made of individual feathers — each one symbolizing kindness, unity, and strength. These feathers were personally signed by students, faculty, and staff, demonstrating that when we all stand together as one, we are truly united in our commitment to kindness.”
The student mural artists are in the National Art Honor Society in East Meadow’s high schools. It was assembled by the students on Nov. 6, and officially recognized at the Dec. 3 meeting, much to the excitement of board members and attendees.
Morgillo thanked Kelly Nixon, the district’s director of art and music, Heather Anastasio, the district’s art chairperson, as well as the teachers in East Meadow and W.T. Clarke High School who guided their students through the mural-making process.
Celebrations continued as the district recognized its fall athletes. Jason Supple, the district’s athletic director, thanked the board of education and Superintendent Ken Rosner for their continued support of district athletic programs, as well as parents, coaches, and high school administration.
“I want to celebrate an incredible achievement,” Supple said. “Nineteen of 24 varsity teams this fall season, including all 12 teams at East Meadow High School, earned the scholar athlete team distinction. To receive this honor, the GPA of the top 75 percent of the roster must be 90 or above. This reflects tremendous dedication, both on the field and in the classroom. Everyone in this community should feel extremely proud of these student athletes.”
Supple also recognized the district’s athletes who received an All-County or higher recognition, as well as championship teams from each high school.
“Being named an All-County athlete is a tremendous achievement,” he said. “It requires discipline, hard work, and sacrifice. You’ve made your families, coaches, teammates, and the entire East Meadow community incredibly proud.”
Each athlete who achieved an All-County or higher honor had their name called and were presented with a certificate, in recognition of the accomplishment.
In his superintendent remarks, Rosner further congratulated the students recognized during the meeting and followed up on some key district news.
At last month’s meeting, he led a presentation regarding a possible bond for facility upgrades in district schools. Three community information sessions were held in late November through early-December.
“We will keep going at it, as that’s what we have promised the community,” he said. “Thank you for the members of the Board of Education that did come to many of these forums and these workshops — it is much appreciated and is noted by everyone on the team. And I want to thank my team that was there every step of the way. It is really appreciated and more information will be coming out about the bond.”
