East Meadow retirees honored
July events at the library
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Vol. 25 No. 27
JUlY 3 - 9, 2025
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Rooted in love, kindness Memorial tree is a lasting tribute to a devoted coach, father, and friend Jan. 31, 2025. He was 53. Todd Weinstein, one of the org anizers of the June 21 The East Meadow Baseball memorial tree and dedication Softball Association recently ceremony, told attendees he first met Mel Kong on the fields honored the life and legacy of longtime volunteer and coach of the East Meadow Soccer Mel Kong, unveiling a memori- Club. No matter the sport — soccer, baseball, football, or al tree and plaque c h e e rl e a d i n g — at the community’s We i n s t e i n s a i d ball fields. Family, Kong was always a friends, and comp ro u d p a re n t , a munity members constant supporter, gathered to share and often a devoted memories and celecoach or volunteer. brate his lasting A coach, direcimpact. t o r, a n d b o a r d Kong, born Aug. member of the East 10, 1971, was raised StEVE laSAlA Meadow Baseball in Queens. He marCommissioner, Softball Associaried his wife, Liz, East Meadow tion for more than in 2000, and the 15 years, Mel Kong couple settled in Baseball Softball wore many hats, East Meadow, and Association from booking and had three children paying umpires, to — Ryan, Emily and Ashley. The Kong family quickly oversee registration and signbecame deeply rooted in the ups, to helping with field maincommunity. Liz has been an tenance. “He was there early mornactive member of the Parent Teacher Association, while Mel ings, locked up at night, and made a lasting impact through took calls and texted all hours,” his involvement with the East Weinstein said. “Mel was pasMeadow Little League and sionate and fighting for what other local initiatives that he thought was right. Everyone reflected their shared commit- knew Mel meant well.” Kong’s son, Ryan, spoke ment to East Meadow. Kong died unexpectedly on Continued on page 19
By JoRDAN VAlloNE
jvallone@liherald.com
H
Photos courtesy East Meadow School District
oh, the places they’ll go! East Meadow and W.T. Clarke high schools celebrated their graduating seniors with heartfelt ceremonies filled with pride, cheers and memories. Student speakers reflected on friendships and futures, while district leaders offered words of encouragement. With caps in the air and smiles all around, the Class of 2025 closed one chapter and stepped boldly into the next. Above, Clarke students tossed their caps into the air at the conclusion of the ceremony. Right, East Meadow High School students crossed the football field, collected their diplomas and stepped into the future. Stories, more photos, Page 3 and 10.
e was so passionate about everything that he did.