Thursday, October 1, 2026
My name is Mike Smollins. I’m the newest reporter for the Valley Stream Herald and am very excited to learn the ins and outs of the neighborhood.
I was born and raised on Long Island and attended college at SUNY Old Westbury. I earned a degree in media and communications during my time there and also majored in American Studies.
Reporting, writing and telling the stories of others has long been a passion of mine. The best part about journalism is getting to learn about different people and places — and offering a platform to tell their stories.
I have a vast background in writing, whether it was during my time covering high school sports on Long Island and in New York City for multiple publications, or my most recent job of writing about professional sports.
My background is very deep in sports writing, but I’m looking forward to getting the chance to expand my horizons by meeting the people of Valley Stream and learning more about this great, diverse neighborhood.
While writing is one of my passions, I also have a lot of other things I enjoy doing in my spare time. Those activities include playing and watching sports, listening to music, playing the drums, delving into great television shows of the past and present and enjoying the summer because it’s only around for so long.
Though I grew up in Suffolk County and eventually moved to Queens, Long Island will always be home and will always be a huge part of me. I’m very happy to be working on the island again and I look forward to learning more about the people and places that make Valley Stream so great.
If you have a story idea, news tip, or would just like to say hello, you can contact me at (516) 569-4000 ext. 265 or msmollins@liherald.com.
