_________________ WANtAGH ________________
A classic rock concert
A successful blood drive
MacArthur grads celebrate
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Vol. 72 No. 28
JUlY 4 - 10, 2024
$1.00
Honoring their service and character and Sliwak and Wittenstein both worked for Cantor Fitzgerald at the World Trade Center. Memorial committee chairSix graduating seniors from Seaford High School were pre- man Tom Condon, who started sented with Patriot Awards at a his teaching career at the high dinner ceremony on June 24, in school in 1969, knew the five remembrance of five alumni men when they were students. He was a social studies teacher who died on 9/11. This year’s recipients — for Sliwak and Tom Haskell, a guidance counselor Amanda Beadle, Jillian Gross, Daniella for Perry, and knew Stek, Michael WitWittenstein through tenstein, Angelina student activities. Fer nande z and After the events Alexandra Podesta of Sept. 11, Condon — were announced met with their famiat the graduation lies to figure out ceremony on June how best to honor 15. They were each their memory. presented with the “All five guys award, and a $2,000 DANIEllA StEk loved their experistipend, at a dinner 2024 Patriot Award ence at Seaford last week at the recipient High School,” ConCrest Hollow Coundon said, “and they try Club in Woodloved the Seaford community , and (their families) bury. The Seaford 9/11 Memorial wanted to do something positive Committee, a nonprofit organi- to always remember their lost zation, was established in 2002 sons and brothers.” During the committee’s inauto honor the memory of the alumni who died in the attacks gural year, ground was broken on the World Trade Center. The on a memorial at the high victims were brothers Thomas school, with five plaques dediand Timothy Haskell, John cated to the alumni who had Per ry, Rober t Sliwak and died, and the Patriot Award was Michael Wittenstein. Perry was created. According to Condon, a New York City police officer; the award is given to five gradu-
By CHARlES SHAW
cshaw@liherald.com
I
Courtesy Wantagh school district
As one door closes, another opens The Wantagh High School Class of 2024 proceeded onto the field for the 69th annual commencement ceremony on June 21. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Nassau County officials discuss water safety at Wantagh Park By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
With the summer swimming season here, Nassau County officials are offering tips to ensure a safe, enjoyable time in the water. County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke at Wantagh Park Pool on June 25, discussing general water safety for county residents, with public pools now open and the crowds at area beaches continuing to grow. According to Blakeman, Long Island has already seen numerous waterrelated incidents this spring and early summer. Six non-fatal swimming emergencies have occurred already this year, according to county
reports. “Every year we hear of accidental drownings,” Blakeman said. “We hear of children in pools who have drowned. We hear about boating accidents, young people not wearing their life preservers.” The county reported nine near-drownings last year, with six occurring in pools. Most of the incidents, according to Blakeman, involved children and infants. “It is something that happens,” he said. “So let’s try to avoid it.” To stay safe, Blakeman advised keeping an eye on children near any body of water. He recomContinued on page 4
just love helping people, and I love being there for someone.
the Haskells were firefighters;
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