Thursday, October 1, 2026
Roosevelt High School and the Roosevelt Union Free School District gave a special tribute to Freeport native and current Roosevelt school board member Emily Moore by dedicating the school’s tennis courts in her name. Moore, who is also an inducted member of the U.S. Tennis Association Hall of Fame and Black Tennis Hall of Fame, has served the Roosevelt communities as a championship winning tennis coach and physical education teacher.
Over the course of over 50 years, Moore has dedicated herself to education and tennis, winning conference championships in 1989, 1990 and 2003. At a special dedication ceremony for the tennis courts on June 17, school officials and other guests spoke highly of Moore’s career. One of those officials were Roosevelt High School Principal Keith Saunders Sr., who participated in Moore’s tennis camps in Roosevelt as a child.
“I stand here deeply honored to celebrate a woman with an impact that reaches far beyond these tennis courts,” Saunders said. “Although I did not pursue the sport of tennis, the lessons, discipline, confidence and foundations she poured into us have stayed with me for a lifetime.”
A representative of the U.S. Tennis Association Hall of Fame, Donyshia Boston-Hill, also attended the dedication ceremony and offered her thanks and appreciation for Moore’s service to tennis and local communities.
“When I joined the USTA four years ago, I was informed that you could not participate in tennis and learning on Long Island without knowing and meeting Ms. Emily Moore,” Boston-Hill said of Moore’s impact. “It is our pleasure to ensure that your memory lives on in the USTA Hall of Fame year after year, especially here on Long Island.”
Several local politicians attended the dedication ceremony as well, including Town of Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis and New York State Senator Siela Bynoe. A representative from the office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen also attended.
Roosevelt school board President Belinda Monroe shared during the ceremony that this dedication had been in development for five years, and that the district had delayed it several times in hopes of getting one more tennis court added to the existing three at Roosevelt High School. Hindrances in those plans and Monroe deciding to not seek re-election to the school board this year, led to the decision to honor Moore now without any further delays.
A bronze sign, which will be installed in a large stone at the tennis courts entrance, marks the dedication and recognition of Emily Moore. The sign will read the following:
“In recognition of Dr. Emily Moore, a longstanding employee of the Roosevelt Union Free School District and a dedicated member of the Board of Education. Her service, leadership and unwavering commitment to the students, staff and community of Roosevelt have left a lasting and meaningful legacy.”
After attendees moved inside from the tennis courts to the high school cafeteria for a catered dinner celebration, Moore thanked the district and guests for their various tributes, and encouraged all to embrace the opportunities they may have to make meaningful change.
