The district came together to honor the Rhame Avenue Elementary School individuals who bravely protected students when an alleged drunk driver crashed into the school fence during recess on June 2. Board members and administrators expressed their gratitude for the heroic actions carried out by staff during the district’s board of education meeting on June 15.

Superintendent of Schools Lisa Ruiz said these individuals, along with members of the Nassau County Police Department Fourth Precinct, have her deepest respect, admiration and appreciation for keeping East Rockaway students safe. “Due to the amazing and extraordinarily quick thinking and outstanding actions of our recess monitors, teacher aides, teachers and security guards, our students were immediately brought into the building and no one was harmed,” she said. “These actions speak to the building leadership of our principal Dr. Ayesha McArthur and the intense focus on security that the district has been and continues to be committed to. This resulted in the safest outcome that we could’ve possibly hoped for. Although this was a horrific tragedy, we need to focus on the bravery, courage and quick thinking and actions of our extraordinary staff.”

In addition to the district honoring these individuals, New York State Sen. Todd Kaminsky also presented each staff member with a proclamation for their bravery and outstanding actions. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald X. Clavin Jr., and Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and Village of East Rockaway Mayor Bruno Romano joined Sen. Kaminsky in celebrating the heroes of Rhame Avenue School.