SCHOOL NEWS VILLAGE SCHOOL STUDENT RECOGNITION

Great Neck Public School Educators Recognized By Harvard Club

Two educators in the Great Neck Public Schools have been recognized through the Harvard Club of Long Island (HCLI) Distinguished Teacher program. Dr. Theresa Walter, English teacher/department chair at South Middle School, is one of 12 recipients of the HCLI Distinguished Teacher Award for 2023. Additionally, Joseph Bonvicino, mathematics teacher/department chair at North High School, was a nominee in this year’s program.

On Feb. 15, Village School students were recognized by the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education for contributing to the quality of life at their high school. Award recipients (seated, left to right) with their area of achievement are: Jenna Sobiecki, Community Service; Charlotte Roth, Rookie of the Year; Madeline Liebowitz, Academic Performance; Amanda Luo, Quintessential Student; and Jocelyn Velasquez, Most Improved. Joining them are Board of Education President Rebecca Sassouni, Vice President Jeffrey Shi, and Trustees Barbara Berkowitz, Donna Peirez, and Grant Toch; Superintendent Dr. Teresa Prendergast; Assistant Superintendent Dr. Stephen C. Lando; Village School Principal Stephen Goldberg; and Village School staff Lisa DiRosa, Lisa Holz, Halina Panariello, Cindy Pavlic, Lauren Sullivan, Megan Wilvert, and Samuel Yellis.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District

TWO SOUTH HIGH SENIORS NAMED COCA-COLA SCHOLARSHIP REGIONAL FINALISTS

Distinguished Teacher Award honorees are nominated by current Harvard undergraduates and then selected by Harvard Club of Long Island board members. This is the second consecutive year that both Dr. Walter and Mr. Bonvicino have been nominated for the lasting impression that they’ve had on students’ lives.

Award recipient Dr. Walter has been an English teacher in the Great Neck Public Schools for the past 24 years, including 14 years at North Middle, four years at North High, and five years at South High before her current position at South Middle. She is a National Board Certified Teacher, a recipient of the 2019 Christa Fulton Memorial Teacher Award, and a recipient of the 2019 Educator of Excellence Award from the New York State English Council. She also serves on the Promising Young Writer’s Advisory Committee for the National Council of Teachers of English.

Nominee Mr. Bonvicino is a 21-year veteran teacher in the District. Over the past 19 years, he has taught all grade levels at North High through a wide range of math courses, most recently Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Bonvicino has coached the North High Girls Cross Country Team, Winter Track & Field Team, and Spring Track & Field Team for two decades. Over the span of his time at North High, he has served as a class advisor, run the Battle of the Classes, and served as a faculty advisor for the Help the Homeless Club.

“This award honors teachers who transform lives,” explained Dr.

Judith Esterquest, Chair of the Distinguished Teacher Selection Committee. “Devoted teachers honored by these awards offer Long Island students their deep expertise, extraordinary talents, and countless hours of attention. By capturing the minds and imaginations of our children and preparing them for challenges that were unknown even a few decades ago, these teachers shape the future of our country.”

Dr. Walter will join 11 other Distinguished Teacher Award winners from across Long Island at an HCLI awards ceremony on March 18. At the ceremony, the Harvard Club will announce one winner to receive a scholarship for a “Harvard experience” at the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, MA.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL’S 53RD ANNUAL OPERA PRODUCTION SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 31–APRIL 1

Continuing its long-standing tradition of performing outstanding full-scale opera with live music, South High School will present Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, both at 7:30 p.m., in the school’s Ruel E. Tucker Auditorium, 341 Lakeville Road.

From the left: Kevin Ou Yang and Rachel Woo are Regional Finalists in the 2023 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. (Contributed photos)

Two South High School seniors have been announced as Regional Finalists in the 2023 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. Kevin Ou Yang and Rachel Woo are among 14 Regional Finalists from New York State. Only 250 students nationwide achieve Finalist status in this prestigious scholarship program.

Regional Finalists advance to the next phase of the selection process, which includes a 20-minute interview with a Regional Interview Committee comprised of a Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation staff member and previous Coca-Cola

Scholars Program scholarship recipients. After the interviews, 150 students will be named Coca-Cola Scholars and receive a $20,000 college scholarship.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program recognizes students nationwide for their academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities. It is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs in the United States.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

This opera is a witty yet profound tale of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Figaro, a barber turned into Count Almaviva’s major-domo, advised him to marry Rosina, but their marriage has gone sour because of the Count’s philandering. Figaro is engaged to Susanna, Countess Rosina’s maid—and the Count’s next intended conquest. Add to the mix, crusty, old Dr. Bartolo, who seeks revenge on Figaro for taking Rosina away from him, and his assistant, the slimy, music-master, Don Basilio. Contributing to the fun are an amorous teenager, a scheming old maid, a drunken gardener, and a silly young girl.

This opera production is under the musical direction of Dr. Janine

Robinson, vocal music teacher; conducted by Michael Schwartz, performing arts department head; and directed by Robert Stivanello. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens, students, and children. Tickets may be reserved in advance (suggested) by calling 516-441-4851, or emailing mschwartz@greatneck.k12.ny.us. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. There will be open seating for both performances.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District