The East Rockaway Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 10, with a night full of recognition, celebration and student-centered initiatives.

The evening began with the PTA Installation Flower Ceremony, during which newly elected officers were officially sworn in for the upcoming school year. The ceremony was a warm and festive prelude to the main meeting, reflecting the strong partnership between the school district and its families.

Following the ceremony, a special presentation was given as part of the district’s commitment to project-based learning. Mr. Don Poland, a social studies teacher, and student Sofia Tizio presented a civics class project focused on improving safety on Ocean Avenue. What began as a classroom assignment has evolved into a community movement, complete with a petition on Change.org and media coverage from News 12. The presentation underscored the power of student voice and real-world learning in shaping local change.

Among the evening’s honors at the board meeting proper were East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School’s Class of 2025 top academic achievers. Valedictorian Timothy Poland and Salutatorian Joey Lu were both recognized for their hard work, dedication  and academic excellence.

The Board also paid tribute to a group of dedicated staff members retiring from the district. Honorees included James O’Driscoll, School Counselor (not in attendance); Scott Gerken, Science Teacher; Theresa Owen, Teacher Aide; and Victoria Longworth, Teaching Assistant. Their years of service and impact on students and the school community were acknowledged with heartfelt appreciation.