INCORPORATING THE WEST HEMPSTEAD BEACON VOL. 76 No. 21
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May 21 - 30, 2026
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Studying 'STEAM' Students explore science and art careers By LILY SPINDA Correspondent
Stacy Driks/Herald photos
audience members wave Haitian flags during musical performances. For one hour, over 60 people watched and listened to dance music and spoken-word that highlighted Haitian culture.
Haitian song and dance fills the Uniondale library By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
More than 60 people filled the meeting room at the Uniondale Public Library — standing along walls and crowding near the back doors — as the library opened Haitian Heritage Month with an evening of music, dance and art that transfor med the nor mally quiet space into a celebration of Haitian culture. The May 3 event also served as a preview for Haitian artist Frenal Mezilas, whose artwork will be featured in a larger exhibition at the library on June 5. Pieces of his work lined the room as guests arrived, giving attendees an early look at the upcoming exhibit while perfor mers took tur ns in the meeting room, which is not the usual space for concerts, as it is usually held upstairs for 30 people. “It is truly an honor and job to welcome you all to the launch of our Haitian heritage month here at the Uniondale public library,” Maria Sonia SaintRose Bienvil. “The “Uniondale library cares about the Haitian community here” Saint-Rose Bienvil recited a poem by
Haitian writer and poet Gary Daniel. He is associated with Haitian Creole literature. While Me zilas perfor med stand-up comedy, which drew the large c r ow n t o l a u g h t e r. A l s o c a l l e d , “blague,” which directly translates into joke or nonsense talk. Both performances were spoken in their native tongue, Creole. Sister Francis Wagner presented the opening prayer. She is one of the sisters and leaders at the Maranatha Grace Church in Uniondale. “Father God, we thank you for this opportunity,” she recited. “That you have given us to gather together as your people to celebrate your goodness and to enjoy everything that is about to take place.” She continued to bless that without God, they cannot do anything and thanked for all the things to come their way. Sr. Sherley Francois recited the United States and Haiti National Anthem called La Dessalinienne. The history of the anthem was selected at a nationwide competition in 1903. It honored Jean-Jacques Dessalines who was the revolutionary leader who led Haiti COntinued On Page 2
Students, teachers and local organizations were recognized at Hempstead High School’s second annual STEAM night showcasing student-led projects focused on community impact. The school’s atrium was filled with students from elementary through high school presenting a range of topics that centered on this question: “What can I do through school to help my community?” STEAM expands on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) by including the arts. Both are an expanded approach to teaching and learning technical subjects. Hempstead High students approached this project through an inquisitive-focused lens, since the district is an International Baccalaureate institution. This academic program is a framework that emphasizes critical thinking and research. Displays included 3D-printed models and tri-fold presentations on topics varying from environmental sustainability and infrastructure to fashion design and engineering using recycled materials. Matthew Martinez, a third grader, focused on environmental alternatives that could help his community. His group designed and printed a model electric car using a 3D-printer. “We designed an electric car because electric cars don’t really pollute the air as much as normal cars,” Martinez said, adding that he wanted to raise awareness about air pollution in his community. Other students considered a sustainable approach using fashion. The high school’s fashion class presented several original handmade designs, showing the intersection between creativity and technical skill. Before joining, senior Rose Campion had no prior sewing experience, but after taking both classes, she discovered a new passion. “A lot of people question if fashion deserves to be a part of STEM, and I feel like fashion is STEM,” Campion said.
“Everything STEM represents, we do in fashion, from knowing how much the fabric weighs to seeing how it drapes on the mannequin, from understanding how much we need to cut off and angling it so we can sew properly. It’s all STEM,” she said. Campion plans to study biology in the fall but hopes to continue using these skills in the real world by creating customized shirts, printouts or bracelets as a side business or as gifts. “I’ll be able to know how to make my own pieces if I want to, so I don’t have to spend a lot of money and buy something unnecessary when I can just make it myself.” Administration couldn’t have been prouder. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Richard Brown, believes these student projects are more than just presentations. “It’s called giving students voice, choice, and agency,” Brown said. “Allowing students to be their own leaders in picking a topic and how to approach their research “is what builds their inquiry, engagement, and that’s what learning now, at a high standard, is all about,” he added. These projects are no typical school presentation; it’s several months of interdisciplinary instruction, investigation and trial. The STEAM program is part of the school’s curriculum, focusing heavily on inquiry-based research. All projects must go through an inquiry process, which involves asking questions, beginning research and using teachers as guides. Some projects extended beyond the high school. Fifth graders from Joseph A. McNeil Elementary school presented with the New York Power Authority), the country’s largest state power organization. According to the Director of Science and STEAM, Fredrika Miller, their research consisted of several projects on ways to reduce our carbon footprint. One group built a demo model of clean transportation, including electric cars, by using 3D printers. Another group focused on carbon COntinued On Page 3