The Hicksville Board of Education meeting on June 11 was a celebration of student creativity and educational excellence, as Superintendent Dr. Ted Fulton opened the evening by recognizing outstanding student participants in the 18th Annual “Freedom to Read” Essay and Art Contest, followed by the awarding of tenure to a dedicated group of teaching assistants from across the district.
The “Freedom to Read” Essay and Art Contest is sponsored by the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Nassau County Library Association and encourages students to express their love for literature through written and visual art. This year’s theme, “What is Your Favorite Book or Story and Why?” invited students to either write an essay or create an original artistic representation based on a favorite book.
Students from East Street and Lee Avenue Elementary Schools were celebrated for their contributions:
East Street Elementary
Ahshaya Nadimpalli – Winner, Essay (Ages 7–9)
Title: Odder by Katherine Applegate
Anaya Mahajan – Finalist, Essay (Ages 7–9)
Title: Wander by R.J. Palacio
Abigail Gervase – Winner, Essay (Ages 10–12)
Title: The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Lily Yeneic – Finalist, Essay (Ages 10–12)
Title: History Smashers: Salem by Kate Messner
Lee Avenue Elementary
Sehaj Nanda – Finalist, Art (Ages 7–9)
Title: Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
Joshua Varughese Var – Finalist, Art (Ages 7–9)
Title: Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
Emily Terry – Winner, Art (Ages 10–12)
Title: The Bad Seed by Jory John
Joanna Zelaya – Finalist, Art (Ages 10–12)
Title: The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly
In addition to honoring student creativity, the Board proudly awarded tenure to nineteen teaching assistants, recognizing their professionalism, dedication, and support of student learning.
The teaching assistants awarded tenure included: Rozina Ahmed, Suparna Bhattacharyya, Wei Cai, Annmarie Claus, Mariagrazia Cusumano, Denise Gulbas, Rakhshinda Hashmi, Rosemarie Kahn, Jaspal Kaur, Joanne Malatestinic, Luz Molina De Mejia, Grishma Mehta, Phyllis McMullan, Tabassum Musliwala, Barbara O'Sullivan, Opneet Sawhney, Jamie Schwartz Mendolia, Veronica Vinieratos, and Frances Zah.
Dr. Fulton concluded the recognitions with praise for all those receiving tenure saying,
“We are proud to celebrate the contributions of all our tenure recipients this evening. We appreciate their dedication and commitment to our students.”
East Street Elementary School student participants in the 18th Annual “Freedom to Read” Essay and Art Contest with Members of Hicksville Board of Education, Administrators, teachers and family members.
Lee Avenue Elementary School student participants in the 18th Annual “Freedom to Read” Essay and Art Contest with Members of Hicksville Board of Education, Administrators, teachers and family members.