__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD Top high school newspaper
local athlete is recognized
Page 2
Page 9
Vol. 29 No. 28
July 9 - 15, 2026
$1.00
GUS LAFKAS
LICENSED ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER
OVER 25 YEARS OF EXP ERIENCE
COMPLIMENTARY HO
ME VALUATION
2300 MERRICK ROAD ����� 516-623-2771 • , MERRICK, NY 11566 ������ 516-445-0657 gus.lafkas@elliman.com Residential/Commercia l
Derek Yormack is a Gatorade player of the year classroom. “My whole class was kind of reacting to it,” he said. “Everyone was going Jo h n F. Ke n n e dy H i g h nuts.” While the award highlights School rising senior Derek Yormack added another milestone his accomplishments on the to a historic baseball season by field, Yormack said he apprecibeing named the 2025-26 Gato- ates that it also recognizes who rade New York Baseball Player he is away from baseball. “To of the Year, an honor recogniz- me, I just feel like it means a lot ing excellence in athmore than baseball,” letics, academics and he said. “It means community involvethey see me as not ment. just an overall good The award capped player, but an overa standout spring in all good person.” w h i c h Yo r m a c k Kenndy High varhelped lead the Cousity baseball Coach gars to a 19-4 record, Mike Gattus said the the program’s first recognition is well Nassau County Class deserved for a player AA baseball champiwork ethic DEREk yoRMAck whose onship and a Long has fueled the Island title, estab- Rising senior, team’s success. “I lishing Kennedy as John F. Kennedy was just pure exciteone of the state’s pre- High School ment and pure joy,” mier programs. G at t u s s a i d . “ S o Yormack learned happy for Derek, of the honor in an unexpected because he worked so hard. He place. deserves all the accolades and “I was in science class at the earns all the accolades that he time,” he recounted. “I didn’t gets.” even know about it. Ryan, my Gattus added that the award brother, was scrolling through puts Yormack among some of Instagram, and he saw the post, the nation’s most accomplished so he was freaking out before I high school athletes. “They’re was. That was a cool moment.” talking about so many profesT he excitement quickly sional athletes and big-time spread throughout Yormack’s Continued on page 18
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
Julia Cuttone/Herald
John Miro is memorialized Family members, county officials and community members gathered for the unveiling of a memorial sign honoring longtime Merrick crossing guard John Miro. Story, Page 5.
Rhoads hosts charity volleyball event, benefitting local community cupboard By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Volleyball and community service once again went hand in hand as State Sen. Steve Rhoads hosted his second annual 4-on-4 Charity Beach Volleyball Tour nament at the Jones Beach volleyball courts on June 28, bringing together dozens of players to support the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard. The tour nament featured 16 teams, each sporting matching uniforms, for an evening of friendly competition, while collecting nonperishable food donations to help support local families experiencing food insecurity. According to Rhoads’ office, players and spectators donated two full boxes of food, help-
ing to replenish the Community Cupboard’s shelves during the summer months, when donations typically decline. Lenox Hill provided snacks and water for participants and spectators throughout the event. “It was incredible to see our community come together for a great evening of volleyball while making a real difference for our neighbors in need,” Rhoads said in a news release. “This tournament is about more than competition — it’s about giving back and supporting families right here in our community. I want to thank everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, and helped make this year’s event such a tremendous success.” The Community Cupboard, which celebrated Continued on page 28
T
o me, I just feel like it means a lot more than baseball.