The East Rockaway varsity football team has added another prestigious accolade to its list of achievements, being honored with the 2024 Conference 4 community service award at the 58th Annual Nassau County Gridiron Dinner on Dec. 9. This recognition highlights the team's extraordinary commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the field.

Under the guidance of their dedicated coaches, the East Rockaway football program has long emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. This year, the players truly embodied that spirit, engaging in initiatives that demonstrated leadership, compassion and teamwork beyond the game.

As part of a leadership group, the varsity players visited elementary schools during the spring, serving as role models and inspiring younger students to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Additionally, the team organized and executed a successful fundraiser this past fall, selling T-shirts to support the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Society. Their collective efforts raised over $3,000 for the cause, showcasing their dedication to helping others and supporting critical health initiatives.

“We weren’t just successful on the field, but off the field too,” said Coach Russell Pajer, reflecting on the dual impact of their season. This ethos of service and community engagement has become a hallmark of the East Rockaway football program, instilling values that extend far beyond the scoreboard.

The community service award is a testament to the team’s character and the strength of the program, which prioritizes not only athletic achievement but also the development of young men who are committed to making a difference. Congratulations to the East Rockaway Varsity Football Team for exemplifying the true meaning of leadership and community spirit.

Date Added: 12/12/2024

Eighth grade students from East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School recently participated in the village’s annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony, held on the scenic East Rockaway waterfront. Sponsored by the American Legion, this solemn event brings the community together each year to honor the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

This marks the 15th year that East Rockaway students have been invited to take part in this historical tribute. Prior to attending the ceremony, the students engaged in a comprehensive lesson about the events of that fateful day, deepening their understanding of the attack that propelled the United States into World War II. The lesson emphasized the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and set the stage for their participation in the ceremony.

The event drew a diverse assembly of veterans, dignitaries, and community members, including representatives from the village government, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, the women’s auxiliary and local religious institutions. Together, they gathered to reflect on the significance of Pearl Harbor and the enduring impact it has had on the nation.

During the ceremony, a wreath was solemnly thrown into the river, a poignant gesture symbolizing the community’s respect and remembrance for those who perished in the attack.

 

Click here to view the East Rockaway eighth graders honor heroes at annual Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony slideshow.

Date Added: 12/5/2024

 

 

East Rockaway’s student athletes recently received recognition from Team Up 4 Community for their impactful community service projects, embodying the organization’s mission of empowering young athletes to lead and inspire positive change within their communities.

The East Rockaway varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams hosted a special Dig Pink game against Oyster Bay High School, raising awareness for breast cancer. The teams came together in support of the cause by organizing a bake sale, which raised $300 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, dedicated to advancing breast cancer research and supporting those impacted by the disease. Players from both teams wore pink jerseys during the game, proudly displaying their commitment to the cause.

In an additional show of kindness, the East Rockaway players prepared snack bags for the Oyster Bay team members, game officials and supervisors. This gesture demonstrated the athletes’ dedication to fostering goodwill and respect for their opponents and the greater community.

The East Rockaway varsity cross country team recently extended their gratitude to the officials who oversee their meets. Recognizing the hard work and dedication of these individuals, the team presented each official with a token of appreciation at a recent meet. Their thoughtful gesture highlights the respect East Rockaway athletes hold for those who contribute to their sports experience.

East Rockaway’s varsity cheerleading squad recently held cheerleading clinics for local youth, providing two sessions tailored to grades K-3 and 4-6. Throughout the clinics, the cheerleaders taught the fundamentals of cheerleading, including motions, cheers, stunts and jumps. Young participants were thrilled to learn these new skills and were captivated with a performance by the cheer team.

The cheerleaders’ commitment to sharing their expertise and passion with the next generation of athletes underscores their dedication to building a supportive and inclusive athletic community.

The East Rockaway community celebrates these young athletes for their selflessness and leadership, embodying the values of Team Up 4 Community. Through their dedication to giving back, these athletes are setting a powerful example, proving that sportsmanship goes beyond the game.

Date Added: 11/21/2024

On Sunday, Nov. 3rd, East Rockaway High School senior chorus members Kylie Curtis, Aleksandra Kolakowska, Jason Manzano and Harrison Tyrrell joined the eVoco Voice Collective for a special performance. eVoco, a choir of musicians and music educators from across Long Island, includes East Rockaway’s own choral director, Seanna Silver.

The students participated in the final song of the concert, a powerful rendition of “93 Million Miles” by Jason Mraz, arranged by Susan LaBarr. Titled “Celestial,” the concert took place at St. Peter’s by the Sea in Bay Shore, and the East Rockaway students were among a select group from Long Island chosen to perform. The East Rockaway Music Department is incredibly proud of the dedication and effort they put into preparing for this memorable event!

 

Date Added: 11/12/2024

East Rockaway High School recently took part in the Canstruction Long Island competition, creating a unique canned-food structure titled Lighting the Way to End Hunger. The team’s design was awarded Best CANfiguration at the competition’s reception, celebrating the structure’s ingenuity in design and structural elements. The competition, held at RXR Plaza, runs until November 11, with visitors encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite structure.

Comprised of a Christmas bulb with cord and plug, the ERHS team’s creation aims to light the way towards a solution to hunger, using thousands of cans meticulously arranged into a cohesive form. The Canstruction team from East Rockaway High School includes the following talented and dedicated students: Mackenzie Gallagher, Julia Giannotti, Natalia Jandinski, Caitlin Kulins, Camila Lemus, Kaitlyn Lewald, Joey Lu, Melanie Colon, Janella Poorajah, Emily Perez, Timmy Poland, Gabriella Schaefer and Mickayla Sharkey. These students have dedicated countless hours to planning, building and perfecting their structure, embodying both teamwork and a commitment to social causes.

East Rockaway High School began participating in Canstruction in 2019, and this year is the only school competing alongside professional architecture and design firms. The students are responsible for every aspect of the project, including selecting the design, mapping it out in CAD software, calculating the number of cans required and organizing fundraising efforts to purchase the canned goods. After two practice builds at the school, the students had 12 hours to assemble their final piece for the exhibition.

For those interested in supporting East Rockaway High School’s entry, voting for the People’s Choice Award is available through non-perishable food donations at RXR Plaza, with one can equaling one vote. Supporters can also donate remotely at https://www.canstructionli.org/event/peoples_choice/73/, where each donation adds to their vote count. All canned food used in the displays, along with donations from voters, will go to local food banks, including Long Island Cares, NEST, The INN and Island Harvest.

Canstruction is on display until Monday, November 11, and visitors are encouraged to stop by RXR Plaza, experience the creativity of East Rockaway students and join them in their mission to end hunger on Long Island.

 

Date Added: 10/31/2024

On Wednesday, October 16th, students from the East Rockaway High School Tri-M Music Honor Society had the exciting opportunity to attend a matinee performance of Hamilton on Broadway. The experience allowed students to witness world-class musicians and performers bring this iconic musical to life on one of the world’s most renowned stages.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society, a prestigious national organization for music students in grades 9-12, was founded in 1936. East Rockaway's chapter is made up of approximately 28 dedicated students who are actively involved in the ERHS Music Department. These students work tirelessly to support music in both the school and local community through fundraisers, performances, and volunteering at various events.

 

Date Added: 10/23/2024