Herald Newspapers congratulates $500 gift card winner Dylan McDonnell

Each year, Herald Community Newspapers congratulates high school graduates in Nassau County by publishing their names. This year, in an effort to engage the community and create a sense of togetherness and normalcy during an unconventional time, we enhanced the annual graduation issue, so that it would include more than listings.

One new feature is Senior Superlative, which recognizes the many outstanding graduates in our communities. Friends, family, teachers and parents were encouraged to vote a deserving senior to win in one of many Senior Superlative categories, including Best Eyes, Best Athlete, Most Likely to Succeed, Most Likely to Become a Politician, and more. Out of this group of honored graduates, one was selected to win a $500 VISA gift card. That lucky person is Dylan McDonnell, who graduated from East Meadow High School.

Dylan was nominated for a few different categories, but chosen in the category Most Likely to Cure Cancer. He is described as strong, focused and driven. "If you are afraid to try and afraid to succeed you cannot make a difference in the world, but I believe if I continue to set my goals higher than my reach and persevere, the sky is the limit,” Dylan said.

“I have always told and demonstrated to my son that you get what you work for not what you wish for,” said Christine McDonnell, Dylan’s mother. “He knows that life’s successes aren’t magic; it takes hard work and dedication to turn the impossible into possible and I couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments.”

Stuart Richner, publisher, and the entire Herald team congratulate Dylan and his family. 

The Herald gives a special thank you to presenting sponsor Molloy College for their support and to all sponsors of the Herald Class of 2020 Graduation Keepsake Edition.