Volunteers needed to work on rain gardens

Syosset High School Principal Dr. John Durante, U.S. Presidential Scholar Senior Sabrina Guo, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers. Photo courtesy of Syosset Central School District

Syosset senior Sabrina Guo is being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Sabrina is one of only 161 expected high school graduates nationwide selected for this high honor.

Application to become a Presidential Scholar is by invitation only by the U.S. Department of Education’s Commission on Presidential Scholars, and candidates are selected based on their superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in the community.

“Sabrina’s dedication to both her academic studies and our community is unmatched. She is truly deserving of this distinguished recognition,” said Dr. Thomas Rogers, Syosset superintendent of schools. “We are so inspired by her work ethic and honored to have her as a member of our student body. We can’t wait to see all she will accomplish as she moves on to her next chapter.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize excellence in education and to honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

The Town of Oyster Bay is looking for volunteers to join the upcoming Rain Garden Work Party at Theodore Roosevelt Park, to help maintain the Town’s raingardens which help prevent pollution. The event will take place at the Western Waterfront at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on Saturday, May 20, and volunteers should bring their own gloves.

“We’re inviting all those interested in native plant gardening to come join our spring rain garden work party and learn all about how rain gardens work while helping to maintain them,” said Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “We will work with volunteers and our environmental partners to weed, rake, prune, plant and mulch while learning about the environmental benefits these structures have to offer. This fun program is good for all ages, especially those looking to obtain community service hours.”

Rain gardens were installed at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay in partnership with Friends of the Bay and the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. Installation of rain gardens are a great help to the environment, as they help filter stormwater runoff before it enters local waterways. Rain gardens also help alleviate problems associated with flooding and drainage, recharge the ground water supply, provide habitat and food for wildlife and enhance the beauty of local communities.

“A rain garden is a collection of native plants placed in a small depression designed to slowly absorb rain water runoff. They have numerous environmental benefits, such as filtering pollutants, reducing flooding, and providing food and habitats to

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No blind support

To the Editor:

The letter by former Jericho Board vice president Dr. Pam WassermanHeath seems to confuse a School Board with the Board of Directors of a country club! Smart, perceptive board members maintain a supportive but always critical look at what is going on in their district. They are not part of the "a-men chorus" that blindly supports every position and every statement made by administrative personnel.

Has Ms. Wasserman-Heath ever watched a debate in the Israeli Knesset or the British Parliament... or in more and more school boards around the country that disagree with what is being done or promulgated in their districts?

Dr. Wasserman-Heath only reminds the Jericho voters that we need business and financial executives, and experienced educators, on the board, not more medical doctors!

Shel Townsend