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JUNE 20 - 26, 2024
District celebrates exceptional musicians By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Courtesy Uniondale school district
The Uniondale High School jazz and concert bands at the New York State School Music Association Majors Festival on May 28.
Uniondale student musicians can toot their own horns, as the middle school and high school bands and orchestras achieved high ratings at the New York State School Music Association Majors Festival on May 28. The young musicians’ accomplishments highlight their dedication and talent, as well as that of their directors, who worked hard to prepare them. “These awards are testament to the incredible talent and hard work of our students, as well as the exceptional guidance of our music directors,” district SuperCoNTiNUed oN pAge 15
Peterson shares steps to success with Schultz Middle students By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School students received early college and career advice from for mer student Alana Peterson on June 13. “I’m trying to open the students’ perspectives,” Peterson said. “It’s not until the students see a tangible representation of what could be considered success in front of them, with the ability for them to interact, that their mindset begins to open up.” Peterson graduated from the middle school in 2011 and went on to attend Holy Trinity High
School in Hicksville, where she graduated in 2015. She attended Hunter College and earned a sociology degree in 2021, having taken some extra time to complete it due to the pandemic. Peterson is now an operating room scheduler at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. Peterson shared the story of her college and career journey with the seventh-grade students in Law, Ethics, and Civics classes, and gave them some advice as they think about their own futures. “One of the first things I want to express to you is to
lead, not follow,” she told the class. “Don’t be afraid to stand out for positive reasons.” Volunteering has been a big part of Peterson’s life, and she told students to find ways to get involved at their local community centers, churches, hospitals, and anywhere else they can. “People respect when you give your time for free,” she said, “and it’s the start to building your own resume.” She touched on difficult topics, such as how to manage the loss of a loved one, and encouraged the students to work through their biggest fears, which included being afraid of CoNTiNUed oN pAge 15
Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos
Students at Alverta B. gray Schultz Middle School took part in a discussion with guest speaker Alana peterson.