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Friday, March 14, 2025
Vol. 85, No. 11
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
2 named National Merit Finalists Polar Plunge to return
to TOBAY Beach
Bethpage High School’s National Merit Finalists, Ibrahim Rana and Joseph Bashker with Superintendent of Schools David Schneider and Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz.
Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
Bethpage High School seniors Ibrahim Rana and Joseph Bashker have been named National Merit Finalists, advancing to the final stage of the prestigious scholarship competition hosted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Initially recognized as semifinalists in September, they are now among 15,000 students nation-
wide to earn this distinction. Achieving National Merit Finalist status requires more than just high PSAT scores. Students must confirm their academic excellence with strong SAT results, maintain an outstanding academic record, receive a school official’s recommendation and submit a comprehensive application detailing course-
work, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and a personal essay. Finalists receive a Certificate of Merit and qualify for National Merit Scholarships. For Ibrahim Rana, science is more than a subject—it’s a passion with real world impact. Drawn to biology and chemistry, he has dedicated See page 10
The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times is Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Tel 931-0012. USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The Mid Island & Levittown Times 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Meg Norris Publisher
The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” at the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics New York on Saturday, March 29, at TOBAY Beach. “Many of our residents head to TOBAY Beach for summer fun, but this event provides an enjoyable and charitable reason to spend a great day at the beach much sooner,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Participants will have an opportunity to prove their mettle and their compassion by wading into the chilly waters of TOBAY Beach to raise funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York.” The event kicks off with winter festival fun and registration starting at 9:00 a.m., with the plunge beginning at 11 a.m. Requested donation is $25 per participant. Plungers who raise $150 receive a commemorative Polar Plunge sweatshirt.
All of the money raised through the Polar Plunge helps provide year-round sports training and competition as well as leadership, health and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities in your community. “This polar plunge is sure to create lasting memories for all participants while supporting a very worthwhile cause,” added Town Councilman Lou Imbroto. “Special Olympics New York changes lives through the joy of sports and the Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with this outstanding organization to help make this event a success. Please join with me in braving the chilly waters for a great reason.” Pre-register yourself, family and team today at www.PolarPlungeNY.org. For more information, call Rebecca Hoffmann at (631) 458-1579 or e-mail rhoffmann@nyso.org.
Two people were injured on Tuesday, March 4, when a driver collided with the Plainview Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontics building at 1109 Old Country Road in Plainview. According to Nassau County Police, at 9:52 a.m. a 67-year-old female driver struck the build-
ing with her 2019 Volkswagen, injuring a 20-year-old woman and 10-year-old boy who were located inside the building. Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment=. The operator of the vehicle was not injured and remained at scene.
Two injured as car strikes building
Applications for 9/11 Walls of Honor PAGE 3 Lee Ave. School holds Soup-er Bowl PAGE 16