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DEADLINE MARCH 3RD

Celebrating Black history

Judy Griffin is sworn in

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Vol. 32 No. 6

FEBRUARY 6 - 12, 2025

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McDonald’s recognizes Baldwin athlete brings together top senior athletes who have demonstrated talent throughout their high Baldwin High School senior school careers. Dulin joined a distinguished Payton Dulin was among 805 girls’ and boys’ basketball play- group of high school athletes ers nominated to play in this nominated over the years for year’s McDonald’s All Ameri- the chance to perform on the can Games at the Barclays Cen- nation’s premier stage. Many ter in Brooklyn on April 1. notable NBA players, including Dulin, a member of the Lady LeBron James, Kobe Bryant Bruins’ varsity basand Kevin Durant, ketball team for six h av e p l a y e d i n years and its team these games, solidicaptain for three, fying its reputation has earned numeras a key showcase ous accolades, for rising basketincluding three Allball talent. County selections First joining the and an All-State PAYToN DUlIN g i rl s ’ b a s ke t b a l l honor. She also has Baldwin program in the sevearned two Nassau enth grade, Dulin County Player of has been coached the Year awards, by Tom Catapano, and has helped lift her team to the newest member of the Nascounty and Long Island cham- sau County Sports Hall of pionships, as well as helped the Fame. She credited his coachLady Bruins reach state finals. ing leadership for the develop“I felt honored to be recog- ment of her game. nized,” she recalled. “This is a “He dedicates so much of his little kid’s dream, so to be able life — entire life — towards us, to have the opportunity — and he has so much knowledge hopefully — that’s exciting.” towards the game,” she said. The McDonald’s All Ameri- “He has so much knowledge can Games is an annual high towards the game, and he was school basketball showcase that able to do so much for this highlights the best boys’ and school. He believes in me so girls’ players in the country. much, and I really appreciate First held in 1977, the event Continued on page 4

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ

hgaldamez@liherald.com

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Tasting the chili The Irish Pub in Baldwin hosted its annual Chili Cook-Off this past Sunday, raising over $1,000 towards Christmas decorations throughout the hamlet. Story, additional photos, Page 3.

Smartphone ban in school?

Governor announces proposal to ban smartphones in school By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently unveiled a proposal as part of her fiscal year 2026 executive budget aimed at virtually eliminating smartphone use in New York’s public schools, emphasizing the need for “distraction-free learning statewide.” The initiative would ban the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices throughout the entire school day, including during classroom time, lunch periods and study halls, according to a news release from the governor’s office. The plan also provides schools with flexibility in how they manage phone storage, with $13.5

million in state funding allocated to help purchase storage solutions such as pouches or cubbies. “The Baldwin (Union Free School District) prohibits phones in all areas of our schools K-8 and in all classrooms at the high school,” Superintendent Shari Camhi wrote in an email. “Banning cell phones in schools at the state level does not enhance what exists already. It allows us to tell students that ‘it is against the law.’ The real issue is 24/7 access to cell phones, particularly outside of school. The temptation to continually check messages or scroll is ever-present.” The proposal comes after what Hochul described as a months-long statewide listening Continued on page 14

felt honored to be recognized.