Hard work recognized in District 24
Hundreds of students and their family members and friends packed the gymnasium at the William L. Buck School for District 24’s annual awards night. Students from each of the three schools were recognized for their hard work and dedication in a variety of areas.
The ceremony was held during the Board of Education’s meeting on June 13, though it was anything but a run-of-the-mill board meeting. Superintendent Dr. Edward Fale addressed the District 24 community prior to handing out awards and expressed his delight.
“For all of the boys and girls who are here tonight, we are extremely proud of you,” Fale said.
The district’s All-County band and orchestra members were recognized for their participation in a concert in January at the Tilles Center, which seats more than 2,000 people. Each of the participants received certificates from the Nassau Music Educators Association.
Nicholas Shmorhun, the district’s band teacher, spoke about the countless hours the students practiced, even during lunch periods and after school. Mark Huestis, the orchestra teacher, recognized the students who participated in the NYSSMA Solo Festival in March at North High School.
Fale said that the district’s music groups play at a level much higher than the average elementary school. “Both of our orchestras and both of our bands truly reflect the hard work put forth by the children, their parents and our two outstanding music teachers,” Fale said.
Three sixth graders, one from each school, were recognized with the Diana Pirrone Service Above Self Award for overcoming personal, medical or physical obstacles in their lives and exemplifying determination, optimism, tenacity, persistence and resourcefulness.
The awards were sponsored by the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Rotary Club and established because of Pirrone’s work in District 24. She was a principal at William L. Buck and later served as assistant superintendent before she died in 2009 at the age of 64.
Rotary member Bruce Lean was on hand to present Savannah Berardino from the Brooklyn Avenue School, Anand Misir from William L. Buck and William Seth Bertiz from the Robert W. Carbonaro School with the awards.
Lean said the Rotary usually only gives out awards to seniors in high school, but after Pirrone died, they thought it would be good to recognize elementary students as well. Lean also read a statement that Pirrone once gave, “I think it’s important in today’s world for people to get involved with their community and attempt to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Students were also honored with President’s Education Awards honoring their achievement in academics.
