The Lynbrook Board of Education recognized students, staff members and community leaders during its monthly meeting, celebrating academic achievement, civic engagement and years of service across the district.
Among the June 10 meeting’s highlights were the winners of the district’s 250th Anniversary Freedom Trail essay contest. The contest was tied to the community Freedom Trail, created by Lynbrook High School students in partnership with the Village of Lynbrook. The self-guided trail stretches from North Middle School to South Middle School, with QR code markers sharing both Lynbrook’s local history and significant events from the American Revolution. Students who completed essays about the experience were entered into a raffle, with winners receiving commemorative T-shirts and gift cards.
The board also recognized several students for honors earned outside the district. Liam Jerie received the Long Island Association of Special Education Administrators’ Student of the Year Award, while Emily Grisales earned the Pathways to Independence Award and Christopher Addona received the Andrew J. Luft Memorial Award. Students Sienna Mainhart, Gisele Louis and Sylvia Sullivan were also honored after receiving recognition from the National Council of Teachers of English for their creative writing.
Marion Street School students Chloe Maklin, Liam Singleton and Mia Antanucci were recognized for helping create a respectful and inclusive school community. Maklin also received the Cynthia Marks Legacy Award.
Members of the Horizon staff introduced the latest edition of the Horizon Junior publication, featuring writing and artwork created by elementary students throughout the district.
Lynbrook High School science teacher Chuck Vessalico was recognized for receiving the Encouraging Educator Award from the Long Island Science Congress. Social studies teacher Nicole DiBenedetto was also acknowledged for leading the district’s participation in the NYSUT Civic Readiness Grant, which will allow students to participate in a hands-on election experience during future student government elections.
Trustees thanked outgoing board member Patrick Palleschi for his years of service. Student ex officio board member Jackson Bowler delivered his final report before introducing James Pisano, who was selected through a multi-step application and interview process to serve as next year’s student representative.
The meeting concluded with the introduction of new staff members and recognition of 18 employees who recently earned tenure. Those honored were Jodi Abrams, Jenine Andrews, Risa Applebaum-Goldman, Lauren Behan, Michelle Chang, Errol Dusman, Marianne Healy, Taylor Heedles, Alexandra Kaplan, Michael King, Mai Kobayashi, Jennifer Liguori, Alanna Loftus, Marissa Palmeri, Joel Press, Shay Rachman, Michele Regan and Veronica Underhill.
