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Friday, December 19, 2025
Vol. 85, No. 51
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
HHS announces top students for 2026
Salutatorian Kapish Pharma and valedictorian Ian Kim Hicksville High School has announced the top two students for the Class of 2026. Congratulations to valedictorian Ian Kim and salutatorian Kapish Pharma. Both have contributed significantly inside and outside of their school community. Kim has earned an exceptional GPA of 104.67. By the end of this year, he will have completed 14 AP classes and has already scored a 5
on all 12 AP exams taken. He achieved a perfect ACT score on his first attempt, is a National Merit Semifinalist and has participated in prestigious research programs, including the Garcia Research Program and Columbia SHAPE, where he conducted original research in hydrogen fuel cells and biomedical engineering. Kim’s leadership and service extend far beyond the
classroom. As president of NexGen Inspires, he has helped introduce young children across Nassau County to science through hands-on learning. His dedication to community service includes volunteering as a tour guide at the Cradle of Aviation Museum and participating in mission trips to Nicaragua and the Philippines. At Hicksville High School, he See page 6
The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times is Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Tel 931-0012. USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The Mid Island & Levittown Times 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Meg Norris Publisher
Chamber honors water district commissioners The Hicksville Water District's (HWD) Chairman Nicholas Brigandi and Commissioner William Schuckmann were recently awarded the prestigious Community Service Award by the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce. This award is given to members of the Hicksville community who impact the lives of their neighbors through community service initiatives. Both Commissioners are lifelong Hicksville residents and have served their community in a variety of roles for decades. A Hicksville Water District Commissioner since 1980, Chairman Brigandi has overseen more than 40 years’ worth of projects and infrastructure advancements that have helped the District remain ahead of the curve when it comes to water service. He is a Community Council Director as well as a member of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis Club. Additionally, Chairman Brigandi has been Sergeant of Arms of the Hicksville Fire Department, where he has served as a volunteer firefighter with Engine Company #7. He has been on the Department’s Finance Committee, Welfare Committee and Labor Day Parade and Drill Committee, on which he served as Chairman. He is also past-president and a trustee of the Volunteer Exempt Benevo-
lent Association. “I have been proud to call Hicksville my home my entire life,” said Chairman Brigandi. “This community has given me so much, and it is incredibly important to me that I give back. I am grateful to the Chamber for this honor and I look forward to continuing to serve the Hicksville community however I can.” Commissioner Schuckmann has worked at just about every level possible during his five decades with the Hicksville Water District. He began as a laborer in the 1970s, rising up the ranks all the way to Superintendent in 1998 before retiring in 2010 and being elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2014. Outside of the HWD, he has been a member of the Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years, serving as Company Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Chief and Fire Commissioner. He also has been fundamental in fundraising for the Hicksville community, assisting in local charity golf outings and raising funds for various community nonprofit organizations and local families in need through the Hicksville Boys and Girls Club. Commissioner Schuckmann has served on the Board of Directors of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce and is on the Board of Directors of the HicksSee page 6
Holiday tunes and a national nod PAGE 4 ACE students host Thanksgiving feast PAGE 10