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Vol. 91 No. 5
JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 4, 2026
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Centennial Ave Elementary celebrates MLK By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Delilah Roberts /Herald
The dance performers wore traditional African print, which paired well with their fast moves.
Teachers, students and parents crowded into the Charles McIlwain Gymnatorium at Centennial Avenue Elementary School, in Roosevelt, on Jan. 23 for the school’s annual tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Select students from first to sixth grade took part. The program began with Interim Principal Edy Davenport leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence and the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” commonly known as the Black national anthem. Then five third- and fourth-grade students gave the formal introduction, reciting lines that defined King’s legacy and leadership and the significance of the holiday. First-graders Melanie Cruz, Gabriella Elise, K’Hari Harrison, Italia McKenzie, Chase Noailles and Dylan Quintanilla quoted King’s six principles of non-vioConTinued on pAge 3
Freeport High School names top two students of 2026 By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Freeport High School seniors Mia Martini and Ava Smith, both 17, have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of their graduating class, after the school calculated final averages this winter. The honors are the culmination of four years of commitment to their studies ahead of their graduation in June. Martini attributes her achievement to a combination of the strong structure her family established early in her life to support her learning, and the encouragement of her
friends at school. “It’s like a mixture of a whole bunch of people, I think, especially my family, because they’re always very supportive,” she said. “I have older brothers who always guide me towards the right path, even though they can be annoying at times. And then also my friends — they’ve been with me all [through] the years, and they’ve heard my complaining and the stress, and they’ve always been there to make sure I stay on task.” Martini added that Smith, one of her best friends, has offered support and motivation during their academic jour-
neys. Smith echoed those sentiments, crediting her parents and sisters for her success. She said that having well-rounded children was a priority for her parents, which led to her strong academic record and produced a close-knit family. Smith and Martini agreed that some of the most difficult classes at Freeport High were also among those they most enjoyed. One in particular, Advanced Placement biology, stood out to both girls. “I had that teacher, Mr. [Lawrence] Bamberg er, several times, [including] my freshman year, and everyone in the class
did too,” Smith said. “So we were all, from the beginning of the year, very comfortable. And even though it was a lot to cover and the tests were hard, everyone in the class knew each other, and we were able to, like, joke around and took all the stress off.” Martini and Smith both plan to attend college. Martini, who
hopes to become a nurse practitioner, is waiting to hear back from the schools she’s applied to, and she said that Sacred Heart University, in Fairfield, Conn., is one of her top choices. Smith is planning to become an elementary school teacher, and one of her first college choices is the University of ConTinued on pAge 11