High School Help During Coronavirus Closure

Congratulations to Locust Valley High School senior Joseph Valli on being named the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club 2021 Youth of the Year. According to the club, those earning this title embody the values of leadership service, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.

The club’s announcement states that “Joe has demonstrated what leadership, dedication and hard work truly mean.” Joe participated in the club’s sports programs and Money Matters and completed many hours of community service. He was elected president of Keystone by his peers and is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Falcons varsity soccer team. Joe will attend Binghamton University to study business this fall.

“Joe is a caring and hardworking individual who is very deserving of the honor of being the 2021 Youth of the Year,” the club announcement states.

Varsity soccer coach Joseph Lee said Joe is an outstanding young man. “He is well-liked by his teammates and works hard each day to help make the team better with his unselfish nature,” Coach Lee said. “Joseph is known for his hard work and positive approach to all he does.”

Representatives from Locust Valley Central School District were honored to participate in a ceremony on April 17 dedicating a portion of Forest Avenue to Sgt. Robert Hendriks (LVHS ’12). The corner of Birch Hill Rd. and Forest Ave. is now called Sgt. Robert Hendriks Way and will always honor Sgt. Hendriks who sacrificed his life for our country as a United States Marine two years ago.

Superintendent of Schools Kenneth E. Graham, Ed.D., and Board of Education President Brian T. Nolan each spoke of Sgt. Hendriks’ excellent character. “I did not have the privilege of knowing Sgt. Hendriks, yet I feel as though I know who he was, and that was someone who embodied the values that we instill in the Locust Valley schools,” Dr. Graham said.

“Sgt. Hendriks clearly felt a need to serve not only his friends, neighbors and community, but his country at large,” Mr. Nolan said. “There is no greater service or sacrifice, and he will be remembered always as a hometown hero.”

Sgt. Hendriks’ best friend and classmate Christopher Tasso (LVHS ’12) reiterated to those in attendance that his friend Robby was truly a man of character. “Rob did his good quietly, never to bolster himself up,” Mr. Tasso said. “He did good because it was at the root of who he was. It was in his nature to watch out over those he cared for.”

The Locust Valley High School Back the Blue Club led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and high school junior Daniel Glavan performed the national anthem. Other participants included several politicians and Locust Valley parents and community leaders John Johnson, Michele Johnson and Michael Hogan. The ceremony was organized by Legislator Josh Lafazan.

Dr. Graham stated that he is committed to ensuring that Sgt. Hendriks’ legacy is always remembered in the Locust Valley Schools.

 

Locust Valley High School spirit soared during the Out of This World Spirit Week. Theme days brought students and staff to school in crazy hats, outfits representing past decades and, of course, Falcon green. A senior pep rally brought the Class of 2021 together outdoors to celebrate the varsity athletic teams with the cheerleaders performing on the football field, revving up school spirit.

The culmination of the week was the homecoming parade on April 17, during which students drove through Locust Valley and Bayville with community members lining the streets to cheer them on. Following the parade, the football team played in their last home game of the season.

Thanks to the Athletic Council for all of the hard work planning and preparing for these spirit events. The Athletic Council members announced the following spirit week winners:

Most Spirited Freshmen: Marc Joseph and Madison Mellio
Most Spirited Sophomores: Nicolette Rodriguez and Evan Shriberg
Most Spirited Juniors: Brett Dalis and Amber Linden
Most Spirited Seniors: Sebastian Diaz-Gomez and Alexandra Wielert
Most Spirited Faculty Member: Mr. Moir
Most Spirited Faculty Department: Guidance

Junior Royals: Gianna Agostino, Brett Dalis and Griffin Postley
Senior Royals: Emily Barosin, Shannon MacArthur and Alexandra Weilert

The grade with the best hall decorations was the juniors. The grade with the best parade banner was the sophomores.

Although spirit week is over, Locust Valley spirit goes on each day as we continue to cheer for our fall sports teams and get ready for the upcoming spring season.