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Honoring the Four Chaplains
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Myles Munro runs away with Bill Ott Award ty squad, making an immediate impact in cross-country, a long-distance running sport Years of dedication to run- that takes place on natural terning has led Seaford High rain like grass, trails and hills. School senior Myles Munro to As a senior, he placed second win the Bill Ott Memorial in Nassau County in the 5K Award, which annually honors and went on to finish 10th at a cross-country athlete who the state competition. He is a displays athleticism and lead- six-time All-County athlete and ership. has earned two AllMunro accepted State selections. the award during a His cross-coundinner at Crest Holtry coach, Kim low Country Club Cooke, nominated i n Wo o d bu r y o n Munro for the Dec. 11. The Nassau award because of County Of ficials his athleticism, Association, an leadership and organization dedirespect toward his cated to officiating teammates and a n d s u p p o r t i n g MYlES MUNRo opponents. Accordhigh school sports Seaford High School ing to Cooke, in the county, pre- senior Munro is a driven sented the award to athlete who puts in him. the work to be the Munro said being named the best. 2024 recipient of the award “He does learn from all of was a special moment, espe- his races, and he does shake it cially after looking up to past off when it doesn’t go well,” winners. Cooke said. “He takes it in and “I’m definitely really proud then he moves on, and he leads of myself,” Munro said. “I by example in that way.” think I put in a lot of hard Cooke has known Munro work over the years, and it all since coaching him in winter came to fruition.” track when he attended SeaMunro’s six-year running ford Middle School as a sevcareer began in seventh grade Continued on page 4 when he joined Seaford’s varsi-
By CHARlES SHAW
cshaw@liherald.com
Holden Leeds/Herald
Remembering James McNaughton Friends and family of Staff Sgt. James McNaughton gathered at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh on Feb. 1 for an annual tribute in his honor. Proceeds from the event will benefit nonprofit organizations that support veterans. Story, more photos, Page 3.
A ban on phones in schools? Wantagh, Levittown districts react to governor’s proposal By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
A statewide smartphone ban would require school districts to restrict the use of the devices in classrooms to promote what Gov. Kathy Hochul describes as “distraction-free learning.” While some districts, including Wantagh, already have policies prohibiting smartphone use, others worry that the initiative may go too far. Announced by Hochul at a news conference on Jan. 22, the ban would apply to students in kindergarten through 12th grade statewide. Part of the governor’s fiscal year 2026 executive budget, it would allow districts the flexibility to
develop their own implementation plans. “Using the insights from my statewide listening tour, this comprehensive proposal to restrict smartphone use in schools will ensure that New York’s statewide standard for distraction-free learning delivers the best results for our kids and educators,” Hochul said. That same day, she released a report based on her listening tour. It found that smartphones distract students and hinder creativity, and that phone-free policies support mental health without compromising safety. The report recommended clear communication with stakeholders, and addressing parents’ concerns. This new requirement would be implemented Continued on page 10
I
think I put in a lot of hard work over the years, and it all came to fruition.