________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD Commemorating Memorial Day
Celebrating a century of safety
Students honor cultural diversity
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Vol. 26 No. 24
JUNE 6 - 12, 2024
$1.00
Sewanhaka High rebrands with its new mascot took great pride in honoring our almost 100-year history,” the high school principal, NichSewanhaka High School’s ole Allen, said at last week’s spor ts teams will now be school board meeting. “This known as the Ravens, after the was no easy task, and emotions district announced a mascot were involved, but this group of dedicated Sewanhaka family change at the May 28 Board of wanted to ensure Education meeting. the storied legacy The wheels of of this building change began turnremained although ing in May of last the mascot would y e a r, w h e n t h e change.” b o a rd vo t e d t o T he top three retire the school’s choices narrowed longtime mascot, down by the 34-perthe Indian. The son mascot comvote came after the m i t t e e we re t h e S t at e E d u c at i o n DIEDRE KElly Av i a t o r s , t h e D e p a r t m e n t ’ s softball coach, Wo l ve s a n d t h e unanimous ruling Sewanhaka Ravens. Sewanhaka in April 2023 that High School High senior Elliott schools around the Lamotte served on state end the use of the committee, and said he Native American mascots. Sewanhaka’s mascot-selec- believes the school’s mascot is tion process ended on May 24, an important part of the comafter a year-long search for a munity’s history. “We wanted to make sure we replacement. The rebranding included mascot committee got this right — and students meetings, a survey by the took this seriously,” Lamotte school memorabilia manufac- said in a district news release. turer Jostens, polls of district “It is also an exciting time for residents, and a final vote that our school, and it was an honor on May 21 which included stu- to be a part of the process.” Over the past year, Sewanhadents, alumni, faculty, staff, ka head football coach George teachers and coaches. “Each (committee) member Continued on page 5
By NIColE WAGNER
nwagner@liherald.com
Jason Thomas/Herald
Elmont celebrates the Belmont Stakes While the Belmont Stakes are being held at Saratoga Race Course this year as Belmont Park undergoes renovations, the Elmont community continues to celebrate the historic horse race with the annual Paul Sapienza Belmont Parade. Community Leaders Ralph Esposito, director of the county’s Veterans Service Agency, and Julie Marchesella, president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, wave to the crowd during the parade. Story, additional photos, to come next week.
Jonathan Diller’s memory lives on in with a community garden By NIColE FoRMISANo nformisano@liherald.com
It all began with a T-shirt. Twelve-year-old Alana Torregrossa’s idea to honor fallen Officer Jonathan Diller, of the New York City Police Department, has since bloomed into a community garden that will forever commemorate Diller’s sacrifice. Diller, 31, a Franklin Square native, was shot and killed while on duty in March, leaving behind his wife, Stephanie, who is originally from Malverne, and their 1-year-old son, Ryan. Though her husband died, Stephanie has said she still feels his love everywhere she goes. The
garden in his honor, in Garden City South Park in West Hempstead, is another example of his love living on. The corner of blue hydrangeas, commemorated with a white wreath with her husband’s name on it, was officially opened in a ceremony last Friday. “Jonathan was our biggest cheerleader, me and Ryan,” Stephanie said, with Ryan in her arms. “Our biggest supporter. Even after he’s passed, he continues to support us, because he’s sent so many wonderful people. His spirit is in your hearts in order for you guys to do something, to think of us,” she added, referring to the neighbors who came together to create the garContinued on page 10
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e’re ready to start being Ravens.