Faces were beaming in the FHS cafeteria during the Board of Education's November meeting, as Board members recognized the top 10 students of the Class of 2019, and its Red Devils varsity football team for bringing home the Long Island I Championship title.
"It's a very exciting evening for all of us, a night of celebration for many things," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said. "The accomplishments of our students at the high school is quite amazing and I'm overwhelmed to be here this evening with all of you."
Dr. Kuncham went on to congratulate the top 10 students, which he acknowledged are all girls. "This is the first time we have total girl power here, and not only the top 10 but the top 17 students are all girls. Congratulations to all."
The top 10 includes Leah Hochman (valedictorian), Laura Chumpitaz (salutatorian), Dehandra Blackwood (3), Selah Rose (4), Hailey Brown (5), Clara Petta-Gonzalez (6), Valentina Vinasco (7), Daisy Abello-Reyes (8), Savanna Natoli-Alabre (9) and Elizabeth Hastings (10).
The board also honored the Red Devils football team, after completing its 2018 fall season undefeated and as the reigning Long Island Conference I Champions. The Red Devils are also ranked number one for large schools in New York State.
"They were undeterred, they were disciplined, they were committed and they continued doing what they were supposed to do on that field, which led them to the championship title," Dr. Kuncham said. "I know you will continue those same efforts in your everyday lives and we're very proud of you. You are our superheroes and I know that more championships will come in the future for you."
"The football team brings the community together and what this football team did is pretty amazing," said Board President Michael Pomerico. "It was a wonderful feeling to be there and watch these students win that championship game and bring it back to Freeport. It was tremendous."
Dr. Kuncham also highlighted the efforts of the coaching staff. "Thank you for everything you do, every single day for our kids, for our schools. You are amazing."