SCHOOL NEWS

South High Junior Wins Prestigious First Robotics Award

South High School junior Shaan Merchant has been named a winner of the FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Award, one of the highest awards presented to an individual student through the international FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). Shaan was nominated for this prestigious award through his work with South High FIRST Robotics Team #2638, known as “Rebel Robotics.”

The Dean’s List Award is presented annually to ten exceptional high school students from around the world who have made significant contributions to their FRC team and community. The award was presented by FIRST founder Dean Kamen and CEO of FIRST, Chris Moore, during a special award ceremony at the 2023 FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston. Shaan was present at the World Championships along with his teammates from Rebel Robotics, as the team qualified for the World Championships during a regional competition earlier in the season.

“The mentors and teammates of Shaan are so proud of his accomplishments with Rebel Robotics,” said John Motchkavitz, lead mentor for Team #2638. “His hard work and dedication is an inspiration to all involved with our program.”

Shaan was first nominated as a candidate for this award by his Rebel Robotics teammates. In March, he was announced as a regional Dean’s List Award Finalist at the SBPLI competition at Hofstra University. Shaan was then selected by a panel of judges as one of ten Dean’s List Award winners worldwide based on his leadership skills, technical expertise, and commitment to promoting STEM education.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive this award,” said Shaan Merchant. “I could not

Baker Teacher Receives Technology Award

Jennifer Greenspoon, a third-grade teacher at E.M. Baker School, has been honored as a recipient of the 2023 NASTAR Award, presented by the Nassau Association of School Technologists (NASTECH). Mrs. Greenspoon received her award at the fifth annual NASTECH NASTAR Celebration on June 8.

Mrs. Greenspoon was nominated for this award by Dr. Justin Lander, the district’s technology director, in recognition of her innovative use of technology to increase student engagement, enhance active inquiry, and improve student learning.

In addition to her creative use of technology in the classroom, Mrs. Greenspoon also shares her experiences with colleagues and helps select professional development offerings as a member of the district’s Inservice Institute committee. “She has dedicated herself to expanding her own knowledge and expertise, and proactively shares with other educators,” says Dr. Lander.

Nassau BOCES NASTECH Service created the Nassau Association of School Technologists Award Recipient (NASTAR) awards to honor individuals for innovation, leadership, and support of technology initiatives in their school district.

—Submitted by Great Neck Public Schools have achieved this without the guidance and support of my mentors, Mr. Motchkavitz, Mr. Corrigan, Squeegee, Ms. Dressner, Ms. Fleishman, and Mr. Donlon, my fellow 2638 team members, my community, and my family.”

Shaan’s recognition as a Dean’s List Award winner is the latest achievement in a very successful competition season for the South High Robotics Team. The team participated in two regional competitions this spring and earned two Excellence in Engineering Awards, one Engineering Inspiration Award, several individual awards, and a trip to the FIRST World Championships with their entrance fee paid for by NASA.

Faculty advisors for Rebel Robotics Team #2638 are John Motchkavitz, South High business/technology department chair, and Matthew Corrigan, business/technology teacher.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District

Gnps Community Ed Summer Session

Great Neck Community Ed is pleased to present the Summer 2023 Catalog, now available online. The summer semester will begin on Wednesday, July 5, and registration is currently open. With more than 60 courses available, there’s something for everyone!

Courses include a mix of in-person and online classes. In-person classes meet at 30 Cumberland Ave., Great Neck, one block south of Northern Blvd., off Lakeville Rd. Online classes are conducted via Zoom.

arts and crafts, fitness and movement, world languages, history and our world, literature and writing, performing arts and entertainment, and games, hobbies and technology.

Additional information is available by calling Community Ed at (516) 441-4949 or visiting the website at www. greatneck.k12.ny.us/ce.

Registration can be completed over the phone, via email at gncontinuinged@ greatneck.k12.ny.us, or online at https://apm. activecommunities.com/ gnpscommunityed. Links and instructions for online registration are also available on the Community Ed website.

(Contributed

The Summer 2023 Catalog is available in a digital format on the Community Ed website at www.greatneck.k12. ny.us/ce. Residents are encouraged to flip through the easy-to-use digital catalog to learn about course offerings and register with just a click of a button. Explore all that Community Ed has to offer this season in the areas of creative

Join us for another exciting season at Community Ed! Be sure to follow Great Neck Community Ed on Facebook for the latest program updates.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public Schools District

Amy Liu

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

O 516.627.2800

M 917.224.1866 amy.liu@elliman.com

Platinum Award Winner, 2022*