East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School teacher Joe Lores was honored for his 34 years of service as a basketball coach prior to a boys varsity basketball game  against Mineola on Dec. 16.

More than 50 former players returned for the event, with many sharing their memories of Mr. Lores. Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, as well as the Village of East Rockaway, presented Mr. Lores with citations to honor him for his service.  

The school hosted a holiday toy drive to benefit Gregg’s Wings during the event. The collected toys were distributed to children at NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids, NYU Winthrop’s pediatric unit and more.