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Turning studies into service at Oceanside H.S. tions and gaining valuable realworld experience.” Throughout May and early A group of Oceanside High June, students partnered with School students in the AP Catholic Charities of Long Research program shifted their Island and Catholic Health Canfocus from academic inquiry to cer Institute on two major outcommunity impact, launching a reach efforts. service initiative that has beneWorking with Catholic Charifited local families, ties, one of the largchildren and breast est social service cancer survivors providers with 50 across Long Island. locations throughLed by science out Nassau and Sufresearch teacher folk counties, stuMichael Pepe, the dents organized a students spent the large-scale donation school year condrive to support ducting college-level local families and projects for the children. Collection newly created AP boxes placed Research Outreach throughout the high Program. The new school gathered program replaced KAthERINE NOLAN books, toys, puzzles, the district’s AP Junior, Oceanside High g a m e s, p e r s o n a l Experience and care products and School gave students an nonperishable food opportunity to items. apply the skills they developed in And the results exceeded the classroom to meaningful expectations, as students collectcommunity service projects. ed 57 books, 26 toys, 30 puzzles, “This allows students to do five board games, five playhouswork outside the classroom that es, a rainbow parachute, 50 makes a tangible difference,” stuffed animals, 42 canned goods, Pepe said. “They’ve already com- 25 toothbrushes, 12 tubes of pleted everything required for toothpaste, 11 bars of soap and the AP exam, so this gives them a numerous other infant and perchance to continue growing by sonal care essentials. helping others, building connecAnother team of students
By ABIGAIL GRIECO
agrieco@liherald.com
W
Billy Harrison/Herald
Jessica Koenig, left, former director of the Island Park Public Library, is retiring, and passing the torch to Tracy Horodyski.
Library turns page with new director By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
The Island Park Public Library has entered a new chapter, as longtime Director Jessica Koenig has stepped down, and Tracy Horodyski has taken on the leadership role. Koenig, who joined the library in July 2013, arrived during a pivotal period in the facility’s history, when it was still recovering from Hurricane Sandy and undergoing repairs. Just one week after she started, the library reopened to the public. Over the next 12 years, Koenig helped expand its services and community offerings. Children’s programming grew substantially, while adult offerings expanded to include more exercise classes, tai chi and social clubs such as Scrabble and Canasta. During the pandemic, the library adapted by launching outdoor concerts in its parking lot, creating new opportunities for commu-
nity engagement when indoor gatherings were limited. “I had been a director somewhere else, but I was looking for somewhere to stay for a while, and I was so happy to come here,” Koenig said. “I’ve been happy from my first day to my last.” She also helped establish new traditions, including a flag ceremony that eventually became a stand-alone event in recognition of Flag Day. Throughout her tenure, Koenig emphasized community par tnerships, strengthening relationships with local schools and village organizations. “This has been a great place to work,” she said. “It’s a wonderful community.” As she prepares for retirement, Koenig and her husband plan to relocate to Pennsylvania to be closer to their son. Horodyski, former director of the Westbury Memorial Public Library, has taken ConTInued on Page 9
hether it’s a gift card, a toy or a canned good, it can help make someone’s day better.
ConTInued on Page 15