Students ApplaudedAt Meeting
By Stephanie Mariel Petrellese

Besides a large group of teachers who attended the October 16th meeting of the Garden City Board of Education for a contract related issue (see related article), many students were also present to be recognized by the School Board and administration for their outstanding academic or athletic accomplishments.

New York State Senator Kemp Hannon presented a resolution to the girls' field hockey and lacrosse teams, who won the state championship during the last school year. The field hockey team was undefeated with a 21 and 0 record in the fall. Last spring, the lacrosse team also finished undefeated with a 20 and 0 record. Head coach Diane Chapman and assistant coach Janet Rogler were also recognized.

Recognition was also given to the following students by the School Board and administration. Prize for Leadership Award recipients included: Elizabeth Adamo, Andrew Butler, Lauren DeJoseph, Edward Keenan and Ryan Torino. National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist Julianne Ungar was recognized, along with National Merit Scholarship Commended Students Andrew Butler, Richard Gustavson, Edward Keenan, Mary Kelly, Alexander Kong, Justin Kirschner, Daniel Ohngemach, Mark Pando, Deirdre Regan, Richard Tufano and Melanie Wegener.

School Board President Kenneth Monaghan recognized Carole Dean, who recently retired after serving the district as a public relations consultant for almost 18 years. The School Board approved the appointment of Patrice Benneward to serve as the district's new public information officer.

In honor of School Bus Driver Recognition Day on Oct. 18th, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen recognized school bus drivers and the entire transportation department. Also, Dr. Feirsen recognized School Board trustees in honor of National School Board Recognition Week.

Dr. Feirsen also recognized Caitlin Mullins as the 28th student from Garden City to be awarded the News 12/Citibank award. Stratford teacher Lee Dowd, who was recently named Dowling/News 12 Educator of the Month, was also mentioned by Dr. Feirsen.

The superintendent also expressed pride in the Advanced Placement summary the district recently received. Last year there were 102 AP scholars, 27 AP scholars with distinction and two National AP scholars.

In light of recent disturbing cases of violence in schools, Dr. Feirsen said the district has reviewed its safety plans with administration to address both natural and manmade emergencies. The district recognizes that in an emergency situation quick communication is essential. Dr. Feirsen stressed that any unusual activity or persons should be reported immediately. The district will hold additional safety and lockdown drills to troubleshoot procedures.

"Safety is very clearly on our minds," he said. "We will continue to work on it as things evolve."

School Board President Kenneth Monaghan announced that the School Board may hold another meeting in October to officially approve renovation of the middle school field so work can begin. Some parts of the field will be seeded and other parts will feature sod which has been proven to be sturdy enough to withstand heavy use. The sod will be laid in the spring and will be available for use sooner than the seeded portions. A drainage system will also be istalled.

School Board Vice President Colleen Foley reported that the condition of the Stratford fields is expected to improve after being aerated and seeded. She had asked members of Central Administration to look into the issue at the last School Board meeting after hearing from concerned residents at a meeting of the Estates Property Owners' Association.