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VOL. 74 NO. 48
DECEMBER 12-18, 2024
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Cheryl Schweider of Babylon named top NY art educator elevated the role of the arts in our school and community, Cheryl Schweider, Director showcasing the transformation of Fine Arts and Music for the and power of creative expresBabylon School District, was sion.” Babylon Superintendent of named the 2024 New York State Art Educator of the Year. The Schools Carisa Manza added, announcement was made dur- “ C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s , a n d w e ing the Babylon Board of Edu- thank you for your commitcation meeting on November ment and dedication, Cheryl.” At the meeting, the discus18. Schweider, who has been an sion regarding the potential for art teacher in Babylon for 25 armed guards in the district continued with years, is in her first Manza providing year as the disan update on the trict’s Director of t’s an honor district’s prelimiFine Arts. She also that reflects nary actions. serves as advisor to “More and more the National Art Cheryl’s outstanding districts are explorHonor Society, the contribution to ing this, but very Senior High Art art education few districts on Club, and the high here in Babylon,” Long Island have school yearbook. armed guards,” Before joining Bab- AL CIRONE Manza said. To y l o n , S c h w e i d e r Principal taught for one year Babylon Junior-Senior start, the district sent out a survey to at Valley Stream High School the community, Central High and received more School. than 400 responses. “It’s an honor “Our community members that reflects Cheryl’s outstanding contribution to art educa- have shown that this matters. tion here in Babylon,” said Al That will help us in the explorCirone, principal of Babylon atory phases of investigating Junior-Senior High School. whether this is the right thing “Cheryl’s creativity and pas- for Babylon,” Manza said. The survey included quession for the arts have inspired countless students and col- tions like, “How safe do you leagues. Her work extends far feel in Babylon schools?” beyond the classroom. She is a Manza noted that the majority visionary, and her energy has CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
By ALENA BERENBLATT
Correspondent
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Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
Season sparkles in Babylon Babylon Village held its annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony this weekend, and the Conklin House held its traditional Wassail Bowl. Watch for more photos and story on these events.
Kwani O’Pharrow wins the 11th AD Democrat narrowly defeats Republican Joe Cardinale By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald. The Nassau and Suffolk County Boards of Election have certified the results in the NY State Assembly’s 11th District, where Democrat Kwani O’Pharrow was running against Republican Joe Cardinale. The final numbers show O’Pharrow narrowly defeated Cardinale, 26,877 votes to 25,980. O’Pharrow garnered 50.8 percent of the votes, to Cardinale’s 49.2 percent. “I believe that having Kwani in the Assembly who is a member of the majority will help not only the town but the three Villages and that he will work well to develop relationships,” said
Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer. “And with Assemblymen Keith Brown and Mike Durso working with Kwani, we will also have strong voices speaking up on behalf of all of our constituents.” O’Pharrow is a retired New York City Police Department detective. He said during the campaign that he believes his backDground equips him well for the role. He has iden tified the cost of living, housing and public safety as the top issues facing the district. Once in Albany, O’Pharrow plans to bridge this gap through community meetings and innovative outreach strategies aimed at engaging CONCONTINUED ON PAGE 2