_________ Oceanside/island park ________
HERALD Back to the future
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VOL. 61 NO. 23
JUNE 4 - 10, 2026
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OMS teacher earns honor in social studies
Oceanside Middle School English language arts teacher who works closely with Herman on For Oceanside Middle School the Oceanside School District’s teacher Samantha Her man, Bridges Program, a six-year social studies is more than just cohort initiative designed to fosmemorizing dates and studying ter relationships among students the past — it is about teaching from different communities and students that they have the backgrounds. power to shape the L a To r re s a i d future. Herman stood out That philosonot only for her phy has ear ned classroom instrucHerman the Outtion, but for her standing Middle/ commitment to stuJunior or High dents beyond the School Untenured school day. Teacher award, “She’s always from the Long looking for a way to Island Council for elevate,” LaTorre the Social Studies, said. “She says yes after an extensive to so many things application and and maintains selection process. such a high level of Her man, 26, performance who lives in despite that. She’s O c e a n s i d e , SAMANTHA HERMAN showing up ready received the award to play every day.” Oceanside Middle during a ceremoAs part of the School teacher ny on June 4 at nomination proLIU Post’s Rooscess, LaTorre and evelt House in Brookville. several colleagues compiled let“I was really shocked and sur- ters of recommendation, student prised and happy,” Herman said. work samples and lesson materi“I didn’t even know that I had als pulled from Herman’s classbeen nominated. It was really room. The package was submitheartwarming.” ted to the social studies organizaHer nomination was spear- tion’s review board earlier this headed by Joseph LaTorre, an
By ABIGAIL GRIECO
agrieco@liherald.com
I
Abigail Grieco/Herald
Bryce Levine, left, and Shawn Lubinda took center stage at the 2026 New York State Career Readiness Educators Association conference last month, taking part in a young-professionals panel titled “Skills in Action: How Work-Based Learning Elevates Student Potential.”
Two OHS students are future-ready By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Oceanside High School students Shawn Lubinda and Bryce Levine took center stage at the 2026 New York State Career Readiness Educators Association conference last month, sharing firsthand how work-based learning experiences have helped shape their futures and prepare them for life beyond graduation. Held at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale May 20 and 21, the conference brought together educators, workforce leaders, administrators and community partners from across the state to discuss the future of career readiness and career and technical education. Oceanside was prominently represented through both its student leaders and a special honor awarded to longtime supporter Cecilia Dowd, of News12 Long Island. Lubinda, a senior enrolled in the high school’s work-based learning program who
will attend the University at Buffalo this fall, and Levine, a junior in the business program, were selected to take part in a young-professionals panel titled “Skills in Action: How Work-Based Learning Elevates Student Potential.” Moderated by Eli Johnson, executive director of the Too Alive Tour, a New York Citybased youth development nonprofit, the discussion featured students from Oceanside and Sewanhaka high schools’ career and technical education programs reflecting on how careerfocused opportunities have influenced their academic and professional growth. Students were asked to define success, professionalism and the value of workplace experiences that extend beyond the classroom. To Levine, success means taking advantage of opportunities and turning them into something meaningful — “something that you can look back on and be proud of,” she said. Lubinda emphasized perseverance and perCONTINUED ON PAGE 5
drive to school every day excited to come here. The relationships with the students and staff make teaching so much more meaningful.
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