________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD Holiday season comes to a close Page 3 Vol. 28 No. 1
State senators tackle affordability Page 9
Polk Street’s winter concert Page 9
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2026
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Elmont inspired because of this teen’s good work empower them to be the best of themselves as possible,” she said. It’s no wonder that Selene is Selene Ferdinand, an eighthgrader at Elmont Memorial a role model wherever she goes. High School, founded her own She brings community memfoundation, Meera Empower- bers together, and her kindness ment, at the age of 8. Her foun- is evident, serving as the glue dation, which is named after for events focused on helping her middle name, Meera, aims people in her hometown and across the world. to inspire young Her continued i n d iv i d u a l s a n d support for disadempower them to vantaged communigive back to their ties does not go community. unnoticed. Marya In 2023, Selene Baker, the principal was named Nationof Elmont Memorial American Miss al, describes Selene New York Preteen as a voice for many for 2023-24. And communities. “In although the now Guyana, she does a 13 year-old is from MARYA BAkER lot of work there Elmont, she goes Principal, f a r b e yo n d h e r Elmont Memorial High when we have horrible things haphome base when it School on Selene pen,” Baker said, comes to giving Ferdinand “and, like, the hurback. ricanes in Haiti.” She is now taking her movement internation- Selene has a talent for raising al. “We’re working to collect money and mobilizing people to iPads and we’re donating them focus on something bigger than to a school in Haiti,” Selene themselves. “And what struck me the said. Her new mission during this holiday season is to help most was, number one, her contransform third-world coun- fidence,” Baker added, “and tries by giving children access also being incredibly humble, to technology, “to support them but she is also this sweet for better education and Continued on page 2
By HAIlEY FUlMER
hfulmer@liherald.com
Photos courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
Students explore in an ‘Hour of AI’ Throughout December, Gotham Avenue School’s thirdand fourth-grade scholars explored the exciting world of technology through the global Hour of AI initiative. Designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, this initiative empowers young learners to become creative problemsolvers by making coding and artificial intelligence accessible and engaging. Above, Gotham Avenue School third-graders played codingbased games during their Hour of AI session. Right, fourthgraders practiced coding during their session.
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he just has a wonderful sense of community spirit.