East Rockaway Board of Education honors retirees, students and PTA at June meeting

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by East Rockaway High School student John Ginnochio. High school principal Rich Schaffer then presented the district's valedictorian, Charlotte Webster, and salutatorian, Victoria Schaefer, and offered remarks highlighting each young woman's academic accomplishments and contributions to the school community. Charlotte will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall, and Victoria will attend Molloy University. Both plan to study biology. Though neither scholar was able to attend, both were honored for their achievements and received an enthusiastic round of applause from those present.
Three staff members were then recognized for their years of service as they begin retirement. Michael Cohen, a teacher at Rhame Avenue Elementary School, was celebrated by a crowd of students and colleagues who arrived dressed in tie-dyed shirts to honor his love of the Grateful Dead. Custodian Alex Loveras was recognized for nearly 40 years of service at both Rhame Avenue and East Rockaway High School, with family members on hand to mark the occasion. Teacher's aide Linda Lindsley, also of Rhame Avenue, was honored in absentia.
New PTA officers were then installed for the 2026-27 school year with the PTA Installation Flower Ceremony.
The board also recognized Sofia Ferkov, the district's first-ever student ex officio board member, as she completes her term. Board members praised her service, noting that she set the standard for all future student board members. Nora Smith was introduced as the incoming student board member for 2026-27 and will be officially sworn in at the July 8 meeting.
The board also announced that renovations to the historic cupola at East Rockaway High School are nearing completion, with a community celebration planned for September.





