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Friday, October 10, 2025
Vol. 2, No. 41
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
National Merit Semifinalist Sewanhaka opens
new tech building BY RIKKI MASSAND
Floral Park Memorial High School student Sameer Rashwan is pictured with members of the Board of Education and administrators on Sept. 30. Photo courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District Sewanhaka Central High School District recognized the musical talents of seven students at the first board of education meeting of the 2025-26 school year, on Sept. 30. Superintendent of Schools Regina Agrusa opened the meeting by noting that students have successfully acclimated to their new schedules, coursework, homework, club activities and athletics. Assisting Ms. Agrusa in sharing recent district highlights was Ex Officio student board member Kyara Ozil from
Sewanhaka High School. Two students were congratulated for being selected for the New York State School Music Association’s All-State performing ensembles. New Hyde Park Memorial High School student Chaewoo Lee will perform with the Symphonic Band on the Bb clarinet, and Sewanhaka High School student Danny Mor will sing in the Mixed Chorus. Additionally, five students were recognized for their selection as NYSSMA alternates: Leah Del Orbe, vocal alto, New Hyde
Park Memorial High School; Keith Luu, tuba, New Hyde Park Memorial; Sameer Rashwan, jazz bass voice, Floral Park Memorial; Matthew Santos, bass, Floral Park Memorial; and Alexandra Skinner, jazz alto voice, Floral Park Memorial. Thousands of students auditioned last spring at solo or ensemble festivals across New York State. The 89th annual NYSSMA Winter Conference will take place in Rochester, NY, from Dec. 4-7.
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On Monday morning, October 5, leaders of the Sewanhaka Central High School District, past superintendents, local government representatives, and current students gathered just off Tulip Avenue for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the district’s new Cosmetology Building. The event marked an expansion of one of the district’s premier Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs and facilities. The ceremony opened with a performance of the National Anthem on strings by the Sewanhaka High School Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Tommy Wu. Among the guests were New York State Assemblyman Ed Ra and Village of Floral Park Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo, a former Sewanhaka superintendent, along with other district and community leaders.
Superintendent reflects on growth
Superintendent of Schools Regina M. Agrusa called the new building “a significant milestone” for the district. “Today is a significant milestone for our district and our students because it demonstrates our collective commitment and recognition of the importance of career and tech-
nical education in our schools. Providing all students with multiple pathways and opportunities for successful learning and skill-building is at the critical core of our district’s vision. Our ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ competencies speak to adaptability, critical thinking, communication, empathy and perseverance – all skills taught and learned in our CTE program, and all necessary skills for long-term success in our evolving global economy. I am proud to be a part of this organization (Sewanhaka CHSD) that secured this building, leveraged resources and was determined to persevere and get to the project’s completion,” she said. Agrusa thanked many who helped bring the project to completion, including Director of Facilities and Operations Matt Castelluzzo; Board of Education President William T. Leder; retired Sewanhaka High School Principal Debra Lidowsky; and former Superintendents Dr. James Grossane and Dr. Tom Dolan, who oversaw the June 4, 2024 groundbreaking. She credited Dr. Grossane for initiating the capital project. “Back in 2021, then-Superintendent Dr. James Grossane collaborated with the board of education to propose a resoluSee page 3
Student volunteers at Cent. Gardens PAGE 4 Sewanhaka rocks at Homecoming PAGE 8