The Waverly Park Elementary School Student Council is reaching far beyond Lynbrook’s borders to aid a community in need on the opposite end of the country. From Jan. 14-16, they sold bracelets to aid the members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, who are currently fighting devastating fires in California.

After observing the impact of the wildfires on many California citizens, the Waverly Park Student Council knew they had to act. Members worked to assemble dozens of bracelets featuring heart-shaped beads for their campaign, “Hearts for California.” By the final day, students raised more than $600, which will be donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Wildfire Emergency Fund.

“This is important because they’re in need of more resources, and the donations will help them,” said fifth grader Elizabeth Graham. “A lot of firefighters are worried about their own families, but they are still out there helping others in need.”

Photo captions:
1) Fifth graders Gianna Di Chiara, Elizabeth Graham and Gia Kolm sold bracelets in the front lobby of Waverly Park Elementary School to aid the Los Angeles Fire Department.
2) The student volunteers helped a peer don their bracelet.

Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

Date Added: 1/16/2025

The Bern Seiderman Gallery is proud to announce its January exhibition, featuring the dynamic sports photography of Aidan Pearsall and Luke Pignataro. Aidan and Luke are key members of Lynbrook High School’s Sports Media Club, capturing the excitement, intensity, and camaraderie of LHS’s biggest sporting events.

Sports photography is a growing field, driven by the increasing influence of social media in showcasing athletic talent, school spirit, and the vibrant energy of the sports world. This exhibit highlights scenes from games and practices across some of our fall and winter sports, celebrating the artistry of the lens in freezing moments of action and emotion.

When the exhibit concludes, six larger framed pieces from the collection will remain on display in the ramp leading down to the gym corridor. These pieces will be rotated seasonally, ensuring ongoing recognition of the incredible work produced by LHS’s budding sports photographers.

Date Added: 1/14/2025

Seventh and eighth graders in Lynbrook North and South middle schools gathered to hear a powerful story on the potentially dangerous repercussions of cyberbullying on Jan. 9.

Students listened attentively to a presentation by John Halligan, who shared the story of his son, Ryan, a middle schooler who died by suicide after facing bullying through social media. Mr. Halligan’s moving story was a direct reminder that bullying has profound effects on victims and their families. He urged the young audience to reach out when in need of help and to always stand up against bullying, rather than be a bystander. The same evening, Mr. Halligan returned to give a similar presentation to parents of students in grades three through eight.

“One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to not ask for help,” Mr. Halligan told students. “I cannot say this enough – you are loved beyond belief.”

Photo caption:
1) John Halligan, who lost his son, Ryan, to suicide, visited Lynbrook South Middle School on Jan. 9 to speak with students.

Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

Date Added: 1/13/2025

Lynbrook High School is thrilled to announce that Eric Reilly was named a semifinalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Eric is among 300 scholars who will be awarded $2,000 each as well as $2,000 for their schools. 

Eric’s project, titled “The Visible Light-Induced Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols to Carbonyls and Peroxides Using Green Chemistry Principles,” has potential practical and sustainable effects on pharmaceutical medicine. Beginning at Princeton University and continuing his research at Hofstra University, Eric established a new mechanism to reduce toxic byproducts while adding an oxygen molecule to alcohols – yielding a more environmentally-safe and cost-effective practice. Eric was inspired by Nobel Prize-winning chemist David MacMillan – who recently visited Lynbrook High School – and began his research in Dr. MacMillan’s Princeton laboratory as a sophomore. Working with a PhD student of Dr. MacMillan’s, Eric’s work built on the published papers of Dr. MacMillan’s research group. Eric’s research is ongoing, as he will return to the laboratory in February for his Science Research course. 

Eric thanked the Science Research department at Lynbrook High School for their support, including his eight fellow students and teachers Charles Vessalico and Kathleen McAuley. 

“It’s the most valuable class I have taken,” Eric explained. “All my presentation skills, my research skills – almost every essential skill – was built through the Research department.” 

On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. The finalists will then compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition in Washington, D.C., taking place March 6-12.  

Date Added: 1/10/2025