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Vol. 76 No. 13
MARCh 26 - APRIl 1, 2026
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Author Wills details link to Civil War stead, is the author of “Die Free: A Heroic Family History,” as well as the children’s book “The EmanciAuthor and journalist Cheryl pation of Grandpa Sandy Wills.” She spoke to students about her Wills, a 1984 Uniondale High School alumna, recently visited years-long research into her famiLawrence Road Middle School to ly history and the discovery of her share with students her family’s great-great-great-grandfather PriCivil War history during a Black vate Sandy Wills, a formerly enslaved man who fought in the History Month assembly. The visit was part of the mid- Civil War. The presentation dle school’s “Read-Aby Wills, an EmmyThon: Reading for a winning anchor for Cause” literacy initiaSpectrum News’ tive, which encouragNY1, served as the es students to build culminating event of stronger reading habthe middle school’s its while raising initiative, bringing awareness for causes together literacy, hisbeyond the classroom. tory and personal Adeola Tella-Wilstorytelling. liams, Lawrence “My journey into Road’s dean of stu- CheRYl WIllS my family’s past was dents, said the pro- Author, Uniondale fundamentally a gram was designed High School alumna journalistic investinot only to strengthen gation,” Wills said, literacy, but also to connect students with larger “requiring the persistence and rigor of a seasoned reporter.” social and historical themes. She explained that her research “The whole premise behind it is that we wanted our students to extended far beyond online tools, be more socially aware,” Tella-Wil- taking her to the National liams said. “While they can’t vote Archives in Washington, D.C., or be in politics yet, they can still where she reviewed military records, pension files and other help in some way.” Wills, who grew up in Queens historical documents. She also and later moved to Hemp-
By STACY DRIKS
sdriks@liherald.com
Photos courtesy Uniondale High School
Celebrating their stories, one dress at a time The girls of Uniondale High School took to the runway on March 18 for “Say Yes to the Dress,” a fashion show hosted by the class of 2026 in honor of Women’s History Month. Students wore quinceañera gowns and other formal dresses, highlighting cultural traditions and milestones from 15th birthdays and Sweet 16s to elegant balls. Each walked down the red carpet celebrating confidence, heritage and young women’s journeys to adulthood. At right, senior Aariana Osorio.
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t was about making sure his name and his service were not forgotten.
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