At the March 18 meeting of the Hicksville Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton recognized the district’s partnership with the Hicksville Public Library and celebrated the recent accomplishments of Hicksville High School’s Starlets Dance Team.
Dr. Fulton began his presentation by emphasizing the role libraries play in strengthening communities and expressed the district’s deep appreciation for its ongoing collaboration with the Hicksville Public Library. He highlighted the library’s steadfast support of Hicksville Public Schools through its commitment to education, family engagement, and overall community well-being. From opening its doors for free presentations, workshops, and activities, to organizing food drives in support of the district’s food pantry, the library consistently demonstrates its dedication to the Hicksville community.
He also commended the library’s partnership with the district’s Family Partnership Program and its support of the Let’s Read Together initiative, which has helped foster a love of reading and learning among Hicksville students. Dr. Fulton extended his personal thanks to Library Director Roseann Acosta, Head of Youth Services Erin Bach, Head of Reference and Outreach Amanda DeLisi, and Programming Librarian Jeannine Dillon for their continued efforts and collaboration.
Dr. Fulton then turned his attention to recognizing the Hicksville High School Starlets Dance Team for an exceptional season. The team members Amy Abreu, Maya Amador, Katie Barrientos, Mia Benavides, Ava Cristales, Katerina Fragopoulos, Abigail Goldthwaite, Chloe Guida, Ashley Mancuso, Olivia Mavra, Lyla Mendolia, Kiera Nieves Scott, Ava Orzechowski, Amisha Phagu, Amanda Pinder, Melanie Ruiz de Castilla Orozco, Jaycie Skaee, Hailey Vassallo, and Lily Wolowski along with their coaches, Ilana Shapiro and Brianna Tietjen, were recognized for their hard work and achievements.
Over the course of their ten-month season, the dedicated student-athletes committed countless hours during weekdays and weekends to perfect their routines, refine their technique, and represent Hicksville with pride, discipline, and teamwork at every competition. This year, the team competed in four local competitions, earning multiple second and third-place finishes. They were also crowned NDA Regional Champions and secured a first-place title in Pom.
In February, the Starlets traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete at NDA Nationals, one of the most prestigious dance competitions in the country, with more than 300 schools in attendance. Competing against over 25 teams in each category, the team advanced to the finals in both Jazz and Pom, earning silver medals with a second-place finish in Pom and a sixth-place finish in Jazz.
Dr. Fulton concluded his remarks by congratulating the students on their outstanding achievements and applauding all those recognized. He noted that these accomplishments reflect the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence, student leadership, and meaningful learning experiences inside and outside the classroom.
(l-r) Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Hicksville Board of
Education Vice President Linda Imbriale, Hicksville Board of Education Secretary
Erin Guida, Hicksville Public Library Director Roseann Acosta, Hicksville Public
Library Head of Youth Services Erin Bach, Hicksville Public Library Head of
Reference and Outreach Amanda DeLisi, and Hicksville Public Library Programming
Librarian Jeannine Dillon, Hicksville High School Family Partnership Specialist
Maritza Quintero and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton
Members of the Hicksville Board of Education and senior leadership is
photographed with the Hicksville High School Starlets Dance Team and coaches.