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Board of Education recognizes outstanding students

Board of Education recognizes outstanding students
Posted on 02/17/2026

At the February 11 Hicksville Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton acknowledged eight outstanding students for their recent accomplishments in school and out.  

Starting his recognitions, Dr. Fulton shared Lee Avenue Elementary School was proud to announce the launch of the Lee Ave News Team, an exciting new initiative introduced this school year, made up of four dedicated students Hazel Jimenes, Aaron Philamon, Lucas Song, and Lucas Tsao.  The students have stepped into professional style roles as co-anchors, meteorologist, sports broadcaster, and cameraman. 

Together, they produce a weekly school news broadcast that highlights important updates, student activities, and special features from across the school community. The team is eager to grow and is especially looking forward to an upcoming visit to the high school’s AV studio to further develop their production skills.

Next, Hicksville High School junior Aleeza Khan was acknowledged for earning the Outstanding Delegate award at the annual Model United Nations Conference that took place early in January at Kellenberg Memorial High School. Representing the World Health Organization committee, Aleeza demonstrated exceptional leadership and diplomacy while debating global health issues. She played a key role in crafting a resolution addressing maternal and child health in developing countries, with a particular focus on combating worldwide malnutrition.

Closing student recognitions, three students were recognized for their contributions to the South Asian American Women’s Association (SAAWA) Annual Essay Contest. This year’s theme, “How Artificial Intelligence Will Change Our Daily Lives in the Future,” challenged students to thoughtfully explore the evolving role of technology in society. Carla Fernandez and Kimberly Garay Ochoa each earned Honorable Mention in the SAAWA 8th Grade Essay Contest. Both students were commended for the quality of their writing, the depth of their analysis, and the effort they demonstrated in addressing the topic.

In the grades 10–12 category, twelfth-grade student Nandini Bali was awarded Honorable Mention for her essay. Nandini thoughtfully engaged with the topic, presenting clear ideas and a strong exploration of the broader implications of Artificial Intelligence.  

Dr. Fulton concluded his remarks by again congratulating the students for their achievements and applauds the educators who supported their success. These accomplishments reflect the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence, student leadership, and meaningful learning experiences both inside and beyond the classroom.

Hicksville Technology Aide Dorothy Santaro, Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner Hicksville, Lee Avenue Elementary School Principal Christopher Uccellini and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton  Front Row (l-r) Lee Avenue students Hazel Jimenez, Aaron Philamon, Lucas Song and Lucas Tsao.

Back Row (l-r) Hicksville Technology Aide Dorothy Santoro, Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner Hicksville, Lee Avenue Elementary School Principal Christopher Uccellini and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton 
Front Row (l-r) Lee Avenue students Hazel Jimenez, Aaron Philamon, Lucas Song and Lucas Tsao. 

2.	Hicksville Board of Education Vice President Linda Imbriale, Hicksville Board of Education Secretary Erin Guida, Hicksville Supervisor of Science and Interim Supervisor of Social Studies and FACS Dr. Teresa McGrath, Hicksville Social Studies teacher Kelly Minot, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton with Hicksville student Aleeza Khan.

Hicksville Board of Education Vice President Linda Imbriale, Hicksville Board of Education Secretary Erin Guida, Hicksville Supervisor of Science and Interim Supervisor of Social Studies and FACS Dr. Teresa McGrath, Hicksville Social Studies teacher Kelly Minot, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton with Hicksville student Aleeza Khan.

Hicksville Board of Education Trustees Sunita Manjrekar and Danielle Fotopoulos, Hicksville Science teacher Jennifer LaBombard, Hicksville Supervisor of Science and Interim Supervisor of Social Studies and FACS Dr. Teresa McGrath, Hicksville Middle School Principal Ben Tangney, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. Front Row: (l-r) Hicksville students Carla Fernandez, Kimberly Garay Ochoa and Nandini Bali, Hicksville Social Studies teacher Meghan Dowling-Lewis, Hicksville Board of Education Trustees Patricia Bulerin and Irene Carlomusto.

Back Row: (l-r) Hicksville Board of Education Trustees Sunita Manjrekar and Danielle Fotopoulos, Hicksville Science teacher Jennifer LaBombard, Hicksville Supervisor of Science and Interim Supervisor of Social Studies and FACS Dr. Teresa McGrath, Hicksville Middle School Principal Ben Tangney, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. Front Row: (l-r) Hicksville students Carla Fernandez, Kimberly Garay Ochoa and Nandini Bali, Hicksville Social Studies teacher Meghan Dowling-Lewis, Hicksville Board of Education Trustees Patricia Bulerin and Irene Carlomusto.