BFE honors Barbara Riess, Bill Zino

The BFE, a non-profit organization of alumni and friends of the Baldwin public schools, held its 15th Spring Celebration on April 18 to honor Barbara Riess and Bill Zino, who have each worked in the Baldwin School District their entire careers, spanning almost four decades. Approximately 50 people attended the event at the Baldwin High School including family, friends, school district personnel, and community members.

Riess teaches primarily Advanced Placement courses and Regents Physics and was the science supervisor for many years. She is also a past coach in a variety of sports, leading several teams on to championships and is an innovative leader for the school’s FIRST Robotics team since 2005.

She has been a coordinator, advisor and consultant for numerous academic and athletic clubs and programs; served on countless committees and councils throughout the district; and still finds time to volunteer with community projects. Riess is a trusted mentor to her students and peers, and is highly respected by her colleagues, students, and parents alike. She has received many awards for her professionalism including the BOCES Partner in Education Award, Who’s Who among American Teachers, and many others.

Those speaking on behalf of Riess were Eileen Connolly, a good friend and former guidance counselor in the district, and Mike Weinick, a trustee on the Nassau BOCES Board

Riess is most proud of the accomplishments that her students and members of the academic and athletic teams have been able to achieve over the years, and she hopes she has instilled in them the desire to always seek to do their best and never settle for less than they are capable of.

Zino began his career in Baldwin as a special education teacher. Soon afterwards he accepted the position of dean of students at the high school and retained that title until his retirement in 2014. His administrative duties included security, athletic supervision, and oversight of facility usage. He also coached varsity gymnastics, and coordinated the Saturday Night Alive program.