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VOL. 130 NO. 19
APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2025
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Amityville school board rescinds ‘Hawks’ name after public backlash By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald photos
The celebrant is pictured with Mayor Michael O’Neill, Trustee Owen Brooks, former Deputy Mayor Kevin Smith, former Mayor Dennis Siry, Trustee Roger Smith, her children Margaret and Michael, her granddaughter Mikayla, and Peaches the Bernedoodle.
Amity’s newest centenarian is Irene D’Agostino By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Irene D’Agostino, a longtime resident of Amityville, recently celebrated her 100th birthday with her family and Amityville Village officials stopped by to offer their best wishes and present her with a special proclamation marking the event.
She moved to the village from Valley Stream years ago to be with her daughter, Margaret “Meg” Allstadt, and son-in-law, John. Also joining her on special day were her son, Michael, and granddaughter, Mikayla, as well as Peaches the Bernedoodle. She enjoys spending time with her family. She attends St. Martin of Tours R.C. Church.
Soldier Ride in Babylon set for Friday, July 18 The annual Soldier Ride in Babylon will take place on July 18. Take part in this special 25-mile cycling event as you ride alongside the men and women who served the country and support their journey to recovery. If you register up until June 30, the cost for an adult is $75 and a T-shirt is included.
For children ages 6 through 17, the cost is $25 per child. Day of registration, July 1, is $100 for adults with a T-shirt included, and $40 for children. To register and for more information, visit soldierride.org/babylon. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact communitysr@woundedwarriorproject.org. .
Following public outcry over the decision to adopt “The Hawks” as the new Amityville School District logo, the Amityville School Board voted April 22 to rescind the name and reengage the community in a renewed effort to determine a replacement. The district is seeking a new mascot name/image in response to a state mandate requiring all school districts to eliminate Native American references and imagery from logos and mascots. “At this point, we will be using the letter ‘A’ temporarily until the task force has the opportunity to look at this issue again and determine what we will do next,” said Board President Lisa Johnson. The board’s decision to rescind the motion to move forward with “The Hawks” followed a petition signed by 365 residents asking that the name be reconsidered. Many petitioners favored “The Tide,” a nod to the mascot used during the 1960s, and ’70s before the district adopted “The Warriors.” The petition was presented by Juan Leon, a former board member who is running for reelection in May. “At the last meeting, I presented you with a petition with 100 signatures in support of ‘The Tide’ as our new mascot name,” Leon told the board at its meeting last week. “Tonight I am again
presenting you with a petition, except it does not have 100 signatures — it has over 360 signatures from students, alumni, community members and teachers in support of the Amityville Tide as our new mascot name.” The board voted 6-1 to strike down the motion to proceed with the “Hawks.” Johnson cast the sole dissenting vote. Opposition to “The Hawks” began immediately after the name was announced on April 9, including from several female students who told the board that the term “hawk” carries a negative sexual connotation when referring to women. Johnson said she believes the district, board and task force carried out a comprehensive and inclusive process in selecting the new name. She acknowledged the concerns raised by some students but stood by the integrity of the process. “We surveyed the entire community, including students, and their selections were merged,” Johnson said. “The committee came up with four or five top names, and then the students had the opportunity to select a name. It’s unfortunate that their decision was not upheld; I am personally disappointed for the students.” Reynolds Hawkins, a former athletic coach in the district, also expressed frustration at the board’s decision to CONTINUED ON PAGE 4