Herricks students show appreciation for board of education

The greatest gift for Herricks School District Board of Education trustees wasn’t something they could hold; it was hearing directly from students just how much their work makes a difference. In recognition of New York State School Boards Recognition Week, which runs from Oct. 14 to 18, four Herricks High School students were invited to present at the Oct. 10 board meeting.

Demetrious Georgedakis and Jose Franco spoke directly to the board about their experience at Herricks High School. They highlighted a warm and welcoming school environment, splendid teachers, a wide range of academic and extracurricular offerings and a new fitness center. Shristi Nigam, who appeared in a video, read three haiku poems about the six C’s of the Herricks Portrait of a Graduate – collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creative innovation, compassion and confidence. Constantine Chung, a Long Island Scholar-Artist, shared his appreciation for the music program with a moving performance on the cello.

High School Principal Joan Keegan said she chose students who embody the same traits as the board of education trustees: generous, kind, thoughtful and reflective.

“Our gift to you is that we hope you see yourselves in them,” Keegan said.

Senior Athul Santhosh, the student representative on the board of education, expressed his gratitude for all the opportunities he has been given over the last 13 years.

Superintendent Tony Sinanis thanked the board for allowing him to be part of the very special Herricks school community and noted that his work with the trustees extends well beyond their two meetings per month. Sinanis presented the board with a certificate of appreciation from U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi.

The 2024-25 Herricks Board of Education includes president Juleigh Chin, vice president Jim Gounaris and trustees Maria Bono, Shaheda Quraishi and Henry Zanetti.