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Kennedy’s Dylan Friedman Included in International Art Exhibition

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Dylan Friedman, a senior at Kennedy High School in Vanessa Albaneze's AP Drawing class, was selected as one of 12 international finalists for the prestigious juried exhibition, Wildlife Artist of the Year.

Known as the "Oscars" of wildlife art, Wildlife Artist of the Year celebrates the art of conservation and attracts entries from all over the world. Friedman’s colored pencil drawing, Intellagama lesueurii howittii (Gippsland Water Dragon), was selected among 1,432 entries from over 760 artists across 61 countries. Each piece was judged anonymously, based on its originality, narrative and technical skill.

Friedman and other shortlisted artists were also asked to create a second work of art — a smaller original "post-card" sized piece to be sold for around $75 with all proceeds going to DSWF's conservation work. He chose to create an image of Atlantic Walruses in pastel. Fifty percent of all other art sales from the exhibition also went toward this cause. He attended the awards ceremony with his family in London in mid-September.

“It was very inspiring to be able to meet and chat with many of the extremely incredible artists that were at the Mall Galleries on the evening of the awards ceremony, and see the brush strokes, intricate details and intended colors of each of the shortlisted artworks, up close and in person,” he noted.  “I will never forget this experience and plan to submit to the Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 competition again next year.” Friedman said he has always had a passion for animals and art. He grew up surrounded by nature and sketched as he observed wildlife in zoos and aquariums. He plans to pursue a degree in zoological veterinary medicine with art as a possible double major.

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation is a wildlife conservation charity operating across Africa and Asia to end wildlife crime and protect endangered species in their natural habitat. View the entire exhibit here.

Calhoun Celebrates Homecoming

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The Calhoun High School football team defeated Sewanhaka High School, 46-7 at their homecoming game on Sept. 23.

While the ColtFest festivities were canceled due to the rain, Colts Country packed in the homecoming fanfare with a pep rally the day before. Senior class president Angel Gauthier sang the National Anthem. Teams charged onto the football field as they were announced by student government officers,Ava Kamlet, Sara Mascitelli, and Kara Dobbswho served as emcees.

Charlie the Colt, aka Jordan Ovalle, the school’s mascot, was also on hand to spread school spirit.

At the homecoming dance that evening, John Edom and Jaclyn Dobbs were named homecoming king and queen, respectively. The court also included nominees Joseph Sarlis, Nickolas Mascary, Justine Ivory, and Brianna Cruz.

“They danced all night and went back and forth between the crowded, dancing gym and the courtyard,” recanted Principal Nicole Hollings. “I am really glad that this event is part of our culture and will continue to be an anchor in our student events for years to come.”

On game day, the cheer and kickline squads braved the elements, even performing at halftime. The Music Boosters held a 50/50 to support Farmingdale, raising $500 for the families.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 9/26/2023

Merrick Avenue MS to Install Flag Field of Honor

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For the second year in a row, Merrick Avenue Middle School will install its Flag Field of Honor in recognition of veterans.

The flags will be flown between Nov. 4 and Dec. 8 as a tribute to veterans. The proceeds from the sponsorships will be donated to Honor Flight Long Island for veterans, and the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard.

The Mack Family, who have an eighth-grade student attending Merrick Avenue, have secured supplies, storage and materials in order to aid in this field coming to fruition. Email [email protected] or call 516-721-4175 for more information.

Click on this PDF to sponsor a flag.

Class of 2024 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

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We are proud to announce our class of 2024 valedictorians and salutatorians for Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham High Schools.

Calhoun:
• Valedictorian Fiona Wong
• Salutatorian Joseph Darcourt

Kennedy:
• Valedictorian Gabriella Tejada
• Salutatorian Cole Wasserman

Mepham:
• Valedictorian Christiana Foufas
• Salutatorian Matt Yang

“Years of hard work, dedication, and outstanding educational achievements have led to these students to the top of their class,” said Superintendent Michael Harrington. “As valedictorians and salutatorians, they have not only excelled academically, but have also demonstrated leadership, determination, and a commitment to excellence.”


Mepham AP DelRosario Receives BOCES Award

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Andrew DelRosario, an assistant principal at Mepham High School, was recently recognized by Nassau BOCES and the Nassau Association of School Technologists as “a pioneering educator who has contributed significantly to the advancement of technology in education.”

DelRosario is a founding member of the CHSD’s Technology Integration Mentor program, which was instrumental in transitioning the district to multiple online platforms and workspaces, as well as enhancing cybersecurity and ensuring with compliance educational law regulations.

Each recipient is selected by their district based on various criteria. He was among 27 Nassau County educators acknowledged for their achievements in a ceremony conducted by Nassau BOCES NASTECH and Data Privacy and Security Service Supervisor Laura Pollak and Program Specialist Barbara Deal.

Joe Innaco, the Central High School District’s director of administration and instructional technology, was on hand to present DelRosario the award.

Date Added: 9/19/2023

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