_______ Malverne/West HeMpstead ______
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Vol. 31 No. 49
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Lights up ‘High School Musical Jr.’! school. “I’ve done theater my whole life,” Gerbino, who has taught Seventh and eight-grade stu- in schools for nearly 11 years, dents at West Hempstead Sec- said. “I did theater in college as ondary School put on a stirring well. I taught at a couple of local community theatrical perfortheaters for a few mance of “High years, but this is School Musical Jr.” my first time directlast week, drawing ing at a school I’ve rousing applause taught at.” from audience A t t h e We s t members. Hempstead SecondDisney Chanary School, the connel’s “High School nection between litMusical” is conside r at u re a n d t h e ered a childhood arts continues to classic, and the shine through. junior version of On opening the play is designed night, Gerbino for students of a noted that, “The certain age, since show is run by high they don’t quite s c h o o l e r s . We meet the age (junior crew) lead requirement of the original play. ViCToRiA GERBiNo it onstage, but the high school drama Students g ave teacher, club is producing memorable perfor- West Hempstead every curtain that’s mances of “High Secondary School opening, light School Musical Jr.” that’s flashing and on the nights of Nov. 21 and 22, under the direc- sound you hear. It’s really tion of Victoria Gerbino, the amazing to have them incorposchool’s special education Eng- rated in this.” The entire production lish teacher. For Gerbino, who is no stranger to community r e q u i r e s s o m e i m p o r t a n t theater, this marks her second behind-the-scenes assistance, year of directing plays for the Continued on page 2
By TAYloR GRAYSoN
tgrayson@liherald.com
T
Courtesy Matteo Somma
Balancing elite athleticism with a rigorous training regimen and strong support network, Somma also earned all-State honors in cross country, while eyeing a future in sports medicine.
Malverne teenage triathlete is a world champion By JUAN lASSo jlasso@liherald.com
Matteo Somma, a 17-year-old elite triathlon athlete from Malverne, follows his training plans with the discipline of a drill sergeant and the patience and foresight of a man twice his age. In the past few weeks, he’s been riding a victory high. Last month, the Malverne resident captured the M16-19 age group world title for Team USA at the Sprint Triathlon World Championships in Torremolinos, Spain.
Closer to home, he finished 19th in the New York State Cross Country Championships. He says his relentless regiment, refined and compounded upon throughout the years, has led him to come this far. “I really just enjoy the everyday aspect of training and getting up and having a structured plan to look forward to throughout the day,” said Somma. “I want to be the best.” Somma, armed with his bicycle, flew thousands of miles to compete with other teen athletes from dozens of countries. He Continued on page 7
he high school drama club is producing every curtain that’s opening ... It’s really amazing to have them incorporated in this.