_________ Oceanside/island park ________
HERALD JCC trainer wins boxing tourney
oceanside SEPTA host honors night
I.P. kids explore world cultures
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VoL. 60 No. 23
JUNE 5 - 11, 2025
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O’Side Girl Scouts shine By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Skye Margies/Herald
Girl Scout Gold Award winner Katie Swansig from Troop 2083 with her Co-Leaders Rosemary Olenick, left and Jennifer Gemmo.
Under the glare of stage lights and the proud smiles of family and friends, Oceanside’s brightest young leaders gathered on May 27 to celebrate the highest honors in Girl Scouting. From Bronze and Silver Awards to the coveted Gold Award, recipients showcased projects that addressed community needs, from supporting local veterans to sparking a love of theater in elementary students. Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, representing State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-FitzCOnTinued On pAGe 11
Oceanside schools singled out for stage presence By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Oceanside school district is one of only three educational institutions — and the only school district in New York State — to win the Premier Communities for Theatre Education award for outstanding commitment to providing theater access and education to all students. The Educational Theatre Association hands out the award, with the other two state winners being high schools, including the Long Island High School for the Arts. “We really wanted to be rec-
ognized for our theater excellence,” Andrew Frey-Gould, Oceanside’s supervisor of fine and performing arts, said. “We are one of the few districts on Long Island, and in the state, with theater programs from elementary all the way through high school. We even have a middle school theater elective, which sets us apart.” Oceanside is strongly committed to arts education, which has shown to improve academic performance and promote wellbeing among students. Recently, the NAMM Foundation named the district a Best Community for Education. “Theater education is impor-
tant because it teaches collaboration and working towards a common goal,” Laura Gallo, an Oceanside High School theater teacher, said. “Theater shows students how to love something bigger than themselves. It teaches them community, how to work on a deadline, and gives them the confidence to accomplish anything they dream for their future.” The NAMM Foundation, a charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Music Merchants, annually awards the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation to school districts that demonstrate a strong com-
mitment to music education. Continuity across grade levels ensures that Oceanside students not only have early access to performing arts, but also have opportunities to grow and stay engaged through their academic journeys. Winning the award elevates the district’s already robust theater program to the national stage. “The recognition from the
Educational Theatre Association really does bump it up to that next level where we’re getting acknowledgement for the many great things we do for theater in our district,” FreyGould said. Fo r F re y - G o u l d , a s e l f described “child of the arts,” the award is deeply personal. “Where I got in life is exactly COnTinued On pAGe 12