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HERALD local honors Joseph Rainy
Celebrating Juneteenth
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Vol. 32 No. 25
JUNE 19 - 25, 2025
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Coming together for cancer research This year’s Relay for Life in Baldwin raised over $27,000 for cancer research at Baldwin Harbor Park. Story, additional photos, Page 3.
Top 2 students for Baldwin’s class Meet valedictorian Ian Chan, salutatorian Rihanna Hodge By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
When Ian Chan and Rihanna Hodge were pulled aside one afternoon in late May and told they’d earned the top two spots in Baldwin High School’s class of 2025, their reactions were nearly identical — shock, then silence, and then tears. “I was in disbelief,” Chan, the valedictorian, said. “I still kind of am.” “I just remember calling my mom,” salutatorian Hodge said. “We both cried.” The news capped off four years of persistence and self-discovery for both students, whose paths to valedictorian and salutatorian weren’t always
defined by straight lines or perfect scores. Their stories reflect not just academic excellence, but resilience — something that doesn’t show up on a transcript. Chan, 18, grew up in Baldwin and said his family’s work ethic deeply shaped his academic outlook. At first, school was routine for Chan — he fared well, but never saw himself as the kind of student who would lead his class. That started to shift around his sophomore year, when a chemistry teacher, Rebecca Seepersad, showed him he was capable of more than he thought. “She showed me that I was capable of a lot more,” he said. “That’s how I got a 100 on the Continued on page 4
Baldwin is stepping into summer with quiet confidence and strong community roots. While it may not draw the same attention as some of Long Island’s larger coastal destinations, Baldwin offers something more grounded — a place where neighbors know each other, parks are full of families, and local pride runs deep. At the heart of Baldwin’s summertime appeal is Baldwin Harbor Park, a peaceful escape tucked along the water. With its walking paths, open fields, and shaded picnic spots, the park becomes a daily retreat for residents looking to catch a breeze or watch the sunset over the bay. It’s a place where joggers share the trail with strollers, and weekend barbecues carry the sound of laughter into the evening air. But Baldwin is more than its green spaces. Its energy comes from the people who make the community what it is — the small business owners along Grand Avenue, the volunteers who run local cleanups and food drives, the teachers and students who fill the schools with purpose and ambition. This summer, the Baldwin Public Library continues to offer a full slate of programming for all ages, from children’s storytime to author talks and tech workshops. The library remains one of the most active civic spaces in town
— not just a place for books, but also a hub for conversation and connection. We’re proud to bring you the latest edition of the Baldwin Herald, delivered to every home in our community. Inside, you’ll find the refreshed Baldwin Community Guide — a valuable resource that celebrates everything our vibrant town has to offer. Whether you’re a longtime reader or picking up the paper for the first time, we invite you to explore Baldwin’s stories and consider supporting local journalism by subscribing at LIHerald.com/ subscribe. Your support helps ensure the Herald continues to land on your doorstep each week. At the Baldwin Herald, we’re dedicated to telling the stories that matter — from pressing local issues to uplifting neighborhood moments. In print or online, you can count on us for reliable, in-depth coverage that reflects the spirit of Baldwin. For those who live here, Baldwin isn’t just a hometown — it’s a community built on care, effort and a shared sense of place. Whether you’re catching up with a neighbor, discovering a new favorite spot, or attending a local event, summer in Baldwin is about connection. And that’s something worth celebrating. Hernesto Galdamez, Editor