School News

Class of 2016 salutes their teachers

Baldwin School District holds touching ceremony between faculty and students

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Ten of Baldwin’s seniors honored their teachers from the past and present.
Ten of Baldwin’s seniors honored their teachers from the past and present.
Courtesy Baldwin School District

Tears of joy were streaming down the eyes of teachers from the Baldwin School District as they were honored by their former and current students at the In Recognition of Excellence dinner on May 25th. A dinner which took place at Baldwin High School, ten seniors from the Class of 2016 selected three of their favorite teachers – one from elementary, middle and high school – and gave touching speeches about the influence that they had on their maturation both from an academic and personal standpoint.

Baldwin School District spokeswoman, Cristina Schmohl explained that Baldwin is likely one of the only districts in Nassau County to have a yearly program similar to the recognition dinner. It was a night where teachers not only had the opportunity to see how much their students have grown, but to be fully recognized for their overall impact. All the teachers in attendance got to see things come full circle for their former and current students.

“We really are doing unusual things here in Baldwin,” said Director of Bands and music teacher, Scott Dunn. “We’re all allowed to use our creative energy.”

Dunn explained that this was the second time that he was chosen to be honored by one of his students. This year, he was chosen by David Zuckerman, the salutatorian for the Class of 2016.

“I was very surprised that he chose me,” Dunn said. “I thought that he would choose someone from one of his core academic classes. That goes to show the beauty of this— to have the same teacher for four years.”

Dunn was Zuckerman’s music teacher throughout his years at Baldwin High School and he will attend Yale University in the fall. Dunn commended the rest of the students that were honored at the dinner and praised the community for showing their compassion.

“The community cares about this district,” Dunn said. “Here at the building level, kids are working extremely hard.”

Baldwin High School will hold their graduation ceremony on Friday, June 24th, 2016.