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A Lasting Tribute to Freedom
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Pages 14-20
VoL. 91 No. 27
JULy 2 - 8, 2026
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Nautical Mile Pride Festival full of color man, the owner of Sparkle on Stage, applauded Freeport’s support for the annual celebraFreeport welcomed its annu- tions, and emphasized that they al Pride Month celebration two are as important as ever. “Not just pride, but people of weeks ago, known this year as the Nautical Mile Pride Festi- color, people of different ethval. The celebration featured a nicities, religions, are under variety of activities for those attack,” Workman said. “I of all ages near and along the think it’s important to be able Nautical Mile, all to celebrate diversiencouraging freety, pride included.” dom of expression W o r k m a n and LGBTQ values. acknowledged that The festival, on not all people— June 20, was the including Freeport fourth celebration residents — may of Pride on the accept or celebrate Nautical Mile, prediversity and viously titled Pride LGBTQ lifestyles, on the Mile. It feabut added that she tured a motorcade that diverRoByN WoRkmAN believes d o w n Wo o d c l e f t sity is central to the Organizer, Av e n u e , l e d b y village’s identity. q u e e r m u s i c i a n Nautical Mile Pride “There are peoBaddie Brook, its Festival ple who don’t agree grand marshal. with these things, Other pride-themed attractions either, but I was raised here in and activities included Sparkle Freeport,” Workman said. “So I on Stage’s production of “The was pretty much raised in a Rocky Horror Picture Show” very diverse community. But on June 19 and 20, children’s the whole world doesn’t think events and a family fun zone that way. So sometimes you just next to the theater, a music fes- have to say, ‘Well, this is how I tival and vendor market at Sea think, and there has to be Breeze Park, and other special enough room for that in the promotions and events at sever- world.’ And if you don’t agree al Nautical Mile businesses. with that, you don’t have to Even organizer Robyn WorkContinued on page 12
By ANDREW FRANCIS
afrancis@liherald.com
I
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
Freeport High School valedictorian Mia Martini, salutatorian ava Smith and class president angel omokeni were just three of the many well-decorated Class of 2026 graduates.
Congratulations, Freeport High School Class of 2026! By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Members of Freeport High School’s Class of 2026 proudly walked across the stage during their commencement ceremonies at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University on June 25. A total of 555 students were a part of the high school’s 133rd graduating class. The Class of 2026 was led by valedictorian Mia Martini, salutatorian Ava Smith and class president Angel Omokeni, all three of whom proved themselves to be adept in academics, as well as quality leaders and standout student athletes in various sports. Marti-
ni and Smith told the Herald previously that they plan to attend college, with Sacred Heart University and University of Massachusetts Amherst as their top choices respectively. Omokeni has received at least four district scholarships to attend college as well. In addition to Omokeni, class officers were comprised of Lordia Bossman, vice president; Alyssa Donnelly, secretary; Abigial Hernandez, treasurer; and Alyssa Majano, student government representative. The Class of 2026 is also filled with students who have exhibited great promise based on their grades and character, with Continued on page 3
t’s important to be able to celebrate diversity, pride included.