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HERALD pOsT
Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge
Ames students win video contest
Meet some local scholars
Upcoming community meetings
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VOL. 74 NO. 28
JULY 9 - 15, 2025
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‘Winningest’ student athletes honored by Massapequa educators By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Carolyn James/Herald
Historical Society Trustees Lois Schmitt and Robert Anderson offer up America’s favorite: hot dogs.
Massapequa Historical Society’s Strawberry Fest welcomes summer By CAROLYN JAMES
cjames@liherald.com
Ann Holdgrun left the annual Massapequa Historical Society Strawberry Festival with a bushel of fresh strawberries — and a membership application. “We have to work together to preserve our history; it’s so important,” Holdgrun said. “We’ve seen several historical buildings demolished, and it’s terrible. I want to join the historical society because I know they work hard to maintain our local his-
tory and historic buildings.” The festival, held Saturday, June 21, on the grounds of Old Grace Church on Merrick Road, drew hundreds of visitors under warm, sunny skies. Attendees browsed vendor booths, purchased strawberries, played games, and enjoyed arts and crafts at the first major outdoor event of the summer in Massapequa. Jessica Eagar, attending for the first time with her husband, Chris—a Massapequa native—and their children, Ava CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Massapequa’s student athletes and the teams that excelled during the spring sports season were recognized for their achievements at a recent school board meeting. Both the Massapequa High School boys and girls varsity lacrosse teams captured Nassau County championships this spring, while the boys baseball and girls softball teams won Long Island titles. Additionally, three track and field athletes qualified for the New York State championships in their respective events. Board of Education President Kerry Wachter opened the meeting by commending the athletes’ dedication and success. “We’re inspired by your commitment,” Wachter said. “You represented Massapequa with pride.” Superintendent of Schools William Brennan echoed that praise. “Each and every one of you pour your hearts out, putting absolutely everything into every competition and every practice,” he said. “You inspire me. You inspire all of us.” The recognition program was led by Interim Athletic Director Martin Voigt, who introduced coaches and athletes from each sport.
Boys varsity track head coach Richard Degnan introduced Christopher Cordero, the Nassau County champion in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. Girls track assistant coach Richard Langsam then recognized Kyra Florio-Marinello, a state qualifier in the 2,000-meter steeplechase, and Riahanna Kuhns, who qualified in the shot put. Assistant girls lacrosse coach Megan Cumming introduced the Nassau County champion girls varsity lacrosse team, calling it “a season to remember.” Honored players included: Ava Macri, Natalie Byrns, Kiersten Farrell, Isabella Grosso, Savanna Appleton, Olivia LoGiudice, Molly Hoffman, Mia Holihan, Grace Hoffman, Kali Humann, Paige Garguilo, Keira Szwejkowski, Emma Ferguson, Keira Felker, Jaime Petrullo, Reilly Cereghino, Cassidy Morrow, Molly Solnick, Morgan Olivia, Micaela Gillis, Kaitlyn Ogurick, Alyssa Catapano, Peyton Wildes, Olivia DeTommaso, Ashley Kurowski and Emily Fitzgerald. Head coach Kevin Catalano recognized the boys varsity lacrosse team, which earned its first county title since 2019 and featured an All-American, the county’s Goalie of the Year, and 11 All-County or All-Conference honorees. Team members included Tyler Byrnes, Rocco SpalCONTINUED ON PAGE 2