An emphasis on future plans was the theme for the district on May 22 when the high school and middle school hosted alumni, local universities and organizations for Alumni Day and the Career and College Fair.

The high school celebrated Annual Alumni Day by welcoming back recent graduates for a workshop with the senior class. The alumni spoke to the soon-to-be graduates about college life including scheduling, dorm life, selecting a major, time management and other aspects of going to college. 

The addition of the Career and College Fair this year allowed students at the middle school and high school to speak to representatives from higher institutions such as Farmingdale State College, Molloy College, LIU Post, Johnson and Wales University and Nassau Community College. Local organizations such as the Long Island Nets, the West Hempstead Public Library and Winthrop Hospital were also on hand to offer potential career paths.

The district thanks all of the alumni, colleges and working professionals for sharing advice and encouragement to students as they prepare for the future.

The district was represented by students from the middle school and high school at the Long Island Science Congress on April 9 and 10. A total of 14 West Hempstead students earned awards for their presentations.

High school students Jordan DeJesus and Jaci Gillen were each presented with the Achievement Award for their projects in the Senior Division. Raees Bacchus, Barrett Schenk, Nicholas Solar and Sophia Varone all earned Honorable Mention Awards.

Middle school student Ariana DeJesus garnered the Achievement Award for the Junior Division while Lauren Ford and Grace Leppard were each presented with the Meritorious Award. Xharlize Avila, Christina Gabayan, Xavi Galdamez-Febus and Matthew Watterson all earned Honorable Mention accolades.

“Our students performed very well and should be proud of their accomplishment,” said Director of STEM Joseph Cangemi.

The West Hempstead Union Free School District’s secondary schools will be reinstating the nine-period school day schedule starting in 2019-20, as announced at a Board of Education meeting on May 7.

Earlier this year, the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Daniel Rehman discussed their goal to bring back the nine-period schedule as a way to expand learning opportunities for students. This change has no impact on the budget. 

“We look forward to this wonderful opportunity for our students and thank all of those involved,” said Board of Education President Karen Brohm.