_______ Malverne/West HeMpstead ______
HERALD Also serving Lakeview
Medical aid for the libraries
New project at lakeview library
Rabbi Elkodsi’s Passover message
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Vol. 33 No. 14
APRIl 2 - 8, 2026
$1.00
Honoring those who help keep law and order By NoAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com
Susan Grieco/Herald
Village police Officer Christopher Aresta, left, and Sgt. Robert Lang, were presented with awards for outstanding service by Chief Tom Martin at the March 26 ceremony.
Malverne’s American Legion Post 44 honored members of the village’s police and fire departments during its 37th annual Law and Order Night on March 26, when first responders were recognized for their dedication in serving the community and protecting its citizens. “Presenting these awards is personal to me,” Michael Ernst, the Legion’s vice chair, said. “I’m a former police officer and I served in the military, so I understand what these guys go through. It’s important that they are recognized by the community they serve, like we’re saying, ‘Hey, we appreciate you guys.’” Ernst delivered a speech honoring military members who could not return from service, explaining the symbolism of a set table with an empty chair. “The upside-down cup signifies everyone who cannot be here to toast with us,” Ernst, a member of the COnTinued On pAge 10
Malverne valedictorian and salutatorian announced By NoAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com
M a l ve r n e H i g h S c h o o l announced its top two graduates last week, naming Dayami Guaman valedictorian and Lorraine Akou salutatorian. Guaman will graduate with a grade point average of 105.14, and Akou has a GPA of 104.23. Principal Dr. Kesha Bascome congratulated the two in a statement last Friday. “These two outstanding students continue a tradition of excellence that we value deeply at Malver ne,” she said, “setting a meaningful example for others to follow and reflecting our
promise that every student is seen and supported.”
Dayami Guaman Guaman, 17, created the high school’s Youth in Medicine program, a “pre-pre-med” program for students interested in studying medicine. She also helped create the Martin Luther King Day of Service in 2024 and is a member of the Key Club. In addition to her community service, Guaman is a member of the National Honor Society and the secretary of the senior class’s student government. She also competes on the girls’ varsity tennis team.
Guaman is a first-generation American citizen, so she takes pride in placing at the top of her class. “This is a huge achievement for me,” she said. “My parents are elated for me. They told me this shows that all my hard work throughout high school and even middle school has paid off.” Guaman said she wants her peers to understand that academic success is not due solely to natural intelligence. “It obviously wasn’t easy. Not everyone sees the challenges,” she said. “They think it’s natural talent. They don’t see the balancing of schoolwork
and extracurriculars or the sacrifice of free time.”
lorraine Akou Akou, 17, is president of Malver ne’s National Honor Society and on the executive board of the school’s service club. She helps run fundraisers and connect students with community service opportunities.
She also helped coordinate the Martin Luther King Day of Service. Akou is a member of the Black choir, the saxophone section leader for the marching band and the captain of the girls’ varsity tennis team. She is also an administrative officer for Malverne’s Model United COnTinued On pAge 20