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Vol. 88 No. 41
oCToBER 5 - 11, 2023
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Fearing funding cuts, ‘Voices’ call out D’Esposito By MoHAMED FARGHAlY mfarghaly@liherald.com
Courtesy Empire State Voices
A coalition of advocacy groups gathered in Freeport last week to urge U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito to oppose potential cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, as part of Empire State Voices’ economic accountability campaign.
A coalition of advocacy groups gathered outside the Social Security Administration office in Freeport last week, when a government shutdown had yet to be averted, to call on U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito to oppose potential funding cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. The Sept. 26 news conference was organized by Empire State Voices, a self-described grass-roots advocacy organization, as part of what it is calling an economic accountability campaign. Empire State Voices launched earlier this year with the mission of hold members of Congress accountable for their votes on economic issues. It kicked off the effort in New York’s 4th Congressional District, planning to monitor and challenge D’Esposito’s actions. “We’re here today because we’re angry,” the group’s executive director, Maria Martinez, said. “House Republicans are threatening to use a government shutdown as ContinUED on pAgE 2
De La Salle School welcomes new executive director By MoHAMED FARGHAlY mfarghaly@liherald.com
The new school year has begun, and Roxanna DePenaElder has taken up the mantle of executive director of Freeport’s De La Salle School, succeeding William Gault. The transition marks a pivotal moment in the history of the school, with DePena-Elder poised to lead the institution into a new era. “She’s a person with great experience, a very varied experience,” said Gault, who was the executive director for eight years. “She’s had 25 years of Catholic education as well, and
I’m fully confident that she’s ready to fill the role. I’ve worked very closely over the last year. And I have every confidence that she’ll pick up the baton and carry it forward.” DePena-Elder’s professional journey is a testament to her commitment to education. With over two decades of experience in the field, she brings a deep reservoir of knowledge and passion to her new role. Her career path has been a remarkable one, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and their families. DePena-Elder’s educational journey began in earnest in the
D i o c e s e o f B ro o k ly n a n d Queens. During these formative years, she served in various capacities, starting as a teacher before ascending the ranks to become an assistant principal. Her journey continued as she assumed the pivotal role of principal, where she honed her leadership skills and gained invaluable insights into the workings of a school community. “I always loved education and loved helping children and recognized the role that educators play in forming and helping, working with parents in forming the god-fearing person that stands in front of me,”
DePena-Elder said. Her passion for education, however, goes beyond professional achievements. It is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a student. DePena-Elder fondly recalls the impact of her grammar school teacher, Susan Cappiello, who instilled in her a love for English and the power of the written word.
This influence set the course for her future, leading her to earn degrees in English and education. She eventually became an English teacher, inspired to make a difference in the lives of her students. Additionally, DePena-Elder’s mother, an educator herself, played a signifiContinUED on pAgE 7