By Dana Williams
The James A. Dever Elementary School¹s concert band and music program was the first to be recognized. The school, which is a part of the Valley Stream 13 School District, serves mostly Malverne residents. ³We are very proud of our students, their hard work and all of their accomplishments,² said Darren Gruen, the school¹s principal. ³It is also very nice for our leaders to recognize the students for their accomplishments in the community.²
More than 60 students dressed in blue T-Shirts -along with Gruen, Ed Chiarello, the district¹s coordinator of music and fine arts, and Mary Ann Cali, the school¹s orchestra music director - stood at the front of the room with smiles on their faces to receive a citation from McDonald for their achievements this year. Mayor McDonald honored the concert band for its participation in the village¹s annual holiday lighting festivities as well as its recent first place victories in the Music in the Parks Music Festival competition on June 1. For the past ten years, the school has participated in the multi-state competition, and this year, the concert band took first honors in three different categories.
Students in the band, which is composed of mostly fifth and sixth grade students, play a variety of instruments ranging from trumpets to saxophones to violins. ³The one thing that everybody doesn¹t know about Valley Stream¹s programs, especially with our music program, is that any and every child who wants to play an instrument- and who is dedicated to practicing and being responsible- participates in our program,² Gruen explained. ³We are also very proud to be a part of a community that supports education and that supports our music program.²
Malverne residents and Kellenberg Memorial High School seniors Erin Devitt and Brian Schmidt were also presented with citations from Mayor McDonald for their high school achievements. Out of 499 students, Devitt earned the highest grade point average of this year¹s graduating class, earning her the title of valedictorian. As an athlete, Devitt was Kellenberg¹s girls¹ varsity track and field co-captain and she was also the recipient of the school¹s 2007 Female Athlete award. McDonald also honored the student¹s community activism in different areas on Long Island. Devitt plans to attend Georgetown University to study nursing in the fall.
Schmidt, who also played a significant role in helping his relay track team win the 4 x 100 relay in the CHSAA Track and Field Intersectional championships last month, was also the recipient of the school¹s 2007 Male Athlete Award. At this year¹s Armory & Track Field Center¹s competition, Schmidt took first place in the 600 indoor and 400 outdoor meter races, among other track achievements this year. Schmidt is scheduled to compete in the national track championships this week in North Carolina. The Malverne resident will be attending Fordham University on a scholarship this fall.
Village resident Carl Miriabli was also honored for his community activism throughout his 21 years as a Malverne resident. He volunteers at the Holy Name of Mary Church in Valley Stream and at the holiday lighting festivities in Malverne.³I have to say, we wouldn¹t have the lighting if it wasn¹t for you, so thank you,² McDonald said to the Miriabli. He is also is an active member in the Westwood Civic Association and the village¹s Volunteer of the Year.
Malverne Police Officer John Oddo was sworn in as sergeant in the Malverne Police Department at the June 6 meeting. Oddo accepted his new promotion, along with his family and Malverne Police Chief John Aresta. Oddo said that he will continue to fulfill his duties as a police officer in the village.
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