At the June 10 meeting of the Hicksville Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton recognized board members, students, and staff for their outstanding achievements, dedication, and contributions to the Hicksville school community.

The Superintendent began the evening by honoring outgoing Board of Education members Sunita Manjrekar, Irene Carlomusto and Danielle Fotopoulos for their years of service and commitment to the district, as well as outgoing Ex-Officio Student Board Member Christina D'Costa.

He then recognized Hicksville High School student Dana Espinoza Martinez, who was recently honored with the American Chemical Society Award for Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry. Dana was selected to represent Hicksville Schools because she exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the award, including academic excellence, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to learning.

Dr. Fulton also proudly recognized the ten members of the district’s inaugural Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program, Sara Bakhteri, Nandini Bali, Joel Calle, Shelby Fraser, Gabrielle Howell, Jasmeet Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur, Sahej Lehal, Mariel Mercado and Crisbel Verdugo-Ortiz.  Each of them has demonstrated exceptional perseverance, commitment, and service throughout the year. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, these students participated in a rigorous program, meeting twice each week for three-hour sessions while balancing their academic coursework, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities.

Throughout the program, the students have mastered essential emergency medical skills, including patient assessment, CPR and basic life support, trauma care, and emergency response procedures. Their hard work has earned them eligibility to sit for the New York State EMT Certification Examination, providing a strong foundation for future careers in healthcare, emergency services, public safety, and related fields. Dr. Fulton also extended his appreciation to the Hicksville Fire Department for its generous support in fully funding tuition and supplies for the program, helping make this valuable opportunity possible for students.

Before concluding the evening, Dr. Fulton recognized two Hicksville educators for their exceptional accomplishments.

Hicksville Science teacher Dina Ditrano was recently named the recipient of the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association (LISTEMELA) 2026 STEM Star Teacher Award. The award recognizes educators who serve as beacons of inspiration for students and demonstrate a commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality STEM learning experiences. Ms. Ditrano was selected for her exemplary dedication to advancing STEM education and supporting student success.

Hicksville Middle School English teacher Meg McElroy was recently honored as a New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Humanitarian of the Year. In addition to her 20 years of service as a Hicksville educator, Ms. McElroy has devoted countless hours to raising awareness and funds for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Since 2009, she has organized annual holiday fundraising events that have generated more than $235,000 in support of pediatric cancer research.

Concluding his report, Dr. Fulton again congratulated each honoree and thanked them for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the students, families, and greater Hicksville school community.

1. (l-r) Parent Cesar Esponoza, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Board of Trustees Vice President Linda Imbriale, student Dana Espinoza Martinez, Hicksville Supervisor of Science and Interim Supervisor of Social Studies and FACS Dr. Teresa McGrath and Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams. 
2. (l-r) Hicksville Fire Commissioners Gerard Mulholland and Christopher Moskos, Hicksville EMS Students, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton and Board of Education President Annette Beiner.
3. (l-r) Board of Education Trustees Patricia Bulerin and Irene Carlomusto, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, teacher Dina Ditrano, Hicksville Supervisor of Science and Interim Supervisor of Social Studies and FACS Dr. Teresa McGrath and Hicksville Middle School Principal Ben Tangney.
4. (l-r) Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, teacher Meg McElroy, President of the Hicksville Congress of Teachers Corey Cohn and Hicksville Middle School Principal Ben Tangney.