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Friday, June 7, 2024
Vol. 73, No. 23
NEW HYDE PARK NEW HYDE PARK • NORTH FLORAL PARK FLORAL PARK • SOUTH PARK HERRICKS • GARDEN CITY HILLS MANHASSET HILLS • NORTH
Section • A Blank Slate Media Special
GUIDE TO NHP, FLORAL PARK
NHP LIBRARY DIRECTOR SUOZZI PRESSES UNDER FIRE BORDER DEAL
PAGES S1-S48
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June 7, 2024
Sewanhaka selects Ravens as new mascot Changed from Indians after state mandate forbid imagery in schools BY TAY L O R H E R Z L I C H Sewanhaka High School officials announced May 28 the mascot will be changing from Indians to Ravens to comply with a New York State mandate that requires schools to replace Native American mascot imagery by next June. The announcement follows a yearlong process involving a committee of 34 alumni, students, faculty and community members tasked with deciding on a new school mascot. “I know this is an announcement that everyone’s been waiting for. I’ve received many, many texts and emails and phone calls,” Principal Nichole Allen said. “The desire of the committee was to honor the traditions of Sewanhaka and pay homage to the Native American culture for which we are named.” The raven was chosen from a large group of community suggestions, which included Aviators and Wolves, because of its ties to native culture, Allen said. The raven was often invoked during healing rituals and it represents metamorphosis, transformation, clarity, health and harmony, the principal said. The committee first met in August 2023 with a marketing representative who sent a survey to community mem-
bers asking for mascot suggestions. The initial survey received more than 500 responses. The committee met multiple times, narrowing the 500 responses down to just two. Community members voted between the final two options, Ravens and Wolves, and results were tallied on May 24. Sewanhaka is not the only high school on Long Island racing to replace native imagery before the June 30, 2025, deadline. Manhasset students and community members are still awaiting a decision on a new mascot for Manhasset High School, which officials previously said would be announced by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The school is choosing from three options: Eagles, Mavericks or Manhasset, also called “Set.” “This was a decision that was, in fact, imposed upon us,” Interim Superintendent Thomas Dolan said, “Because of that, we were able to reach out to some of our elected officials.” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont), a Sewanhaka district alum, secured $200,000 in grants for renovations at the school, such as changing the mascot logo on the football turf and basketball court. Continued on Page 34
PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES
Great Neck South High’s baseball field was renamed the Teresa Prendergast Memorial Field in honor the late superintendent. See story on page 4.
Another house occupied by alleged squatters B Y T A Y L O R H E R Z L I C H and Islip-based Homeowners Re- home for nearly a year before being
evicted in early April. source Group. A group of squatters allegedly The Evans Street property is A New Hyde Park house at 109 Evans St. has reportedly been occu- less than a 10-minute drive from moved into the Evans Street properpied by squatters for months with no 39 Brussel Drive, where a pair of ty last summer, according to a neighend in sight, according to neighbors Porsche-driving squatters occupied a Continued on Page 35
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