_____________ ROCKVILLE CENTRE ____________
HERALD Soccer standout earns honor
Shark sightings at Covert school
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Vol. 37 No. 30
July 23 - 29, 2026
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State title for local junior softball team By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Courtesy Colin Connelly
The Rockville Centre 14U Junior Softball team captured the New York State championship and will compete in the Little League Junior Softball East Regional in Pennsylvania, beginning July 23, with a chance to advance to the World Series in Kirkland, Washington.
The Rockville Centre 14U Junior Softball team is going through another deep postseason run, which culminated in a New York State championship and a ticket to the Little League Junior Softball East Regional. After capturing the state title in West Nyack from July 12 to 15, Rockville Centre will represent the Empire State at the nine-team east regional in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The team opens tournament play on July 23 against the New Jersey champion, and the overall winner will advance to the Little League Junior Softball World Series beginning Aug. 2 in Kirkland, Washington. The state title capped an impressive run through West Nyack, where Rockville Centre went 4-1 and avenged its only loss of the tournaCoNTiNUEd oN PagE 20
Richman, Herman begin new administrator roles By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Rockville Centre’s two newest district administrators began work on Monday, bringing different professional backgrounds but a shared philosophy centered on listening, collaboration and long-term planning. Kevin Richman, a member of South Side High School’s class of 2001, returns to his hometown as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction after nine years as principal of Binghamton High School. Richman succeeds John DeTommaso, the district’s
interim assistant superintendent for cur riculum and instruction for the past year. William Her man, the district’s new assistant superintendent for finance and operations, comes from the Mineola school district, where he oversaw budgeting, facilities, transportation, food service, school safety and capital planning. Her man replaces Assistant Superintendent Jacqueline Rehak, who left the district in June to join the Garden City school district. Rockville Centre Superintendent Matthew Gaven said the district sought leaders who could strengthen both its aca-
T
he district is lucky to get them both.
MATTHew GAVeN Superintendent demic and operational goals, describing Richman’s instructional leadership and Herman’s financial expertise as an ideal combination. Richman’s return also reflects the lasting connection many alumni have with Rockville Centre, Gaven said, noting that the district’s influence often extends well beyond graduation.
“I think it speaks to the strength and the draw of this community in our school district,” he added. “Our school district does a tremendous job of preparing students for life after high school, and that resonates.” For Richman, accepting the position was an opportunity to give back to the community
that helped shape him. He recalled the impact teachers and staff had on his own education, and said that returning to the district felt like “coming full circle.” “I gained so much from the staff, and I felt like it was my time to return home and give back the way people did to me,” Richman said. CoNTiNUEd oN PagE 13