An impressive 164 students in grades 5-12 at the East Meadow School District have been chosen to participate in the Nassau Music Educators Association’s All-County ensembles. Several concerts are planned throughout January to showcase the student-musicians. 

All-County selection represents one of the highest achievements in music for students. Performers are chosen based on their scores at the New York State School Music Association Solo Evaluation Festival and teacher recommendations. 

In addition to their All-County accomplishment, seven middle school and 12 high school students were also selected to perform in the Long Island String Festival Association’s Nassau Intermediate and Secondary festivals. 

“We are extremely proud of the students who have been accepted to represent the East Meadow School District in these prestigious music festivals,” said Kelly Gelfer, the district’s director of art and music. “They are representative of the exceptional music education taking place in East Meadow.” 

Robbie Twible, a senior at W.T. Clarke High School, loves basketball and has been the announcer for the varsity team for the last three seasons. But due to a rare skin disorder known as epidermolysis bullosa, Robbie has never been able to play the sport he loves — until the evening of Dec. 13, when he was announcing the for the game against East Rockaway. When he read his own name and number at the end of the roster, Robbie got the surprise of a lifetime. Thanks to a coordinated surprise among the W.T. Clarke and East Rockaway teams, as well as Robbie’s parents, Robbie ran out onto the court and was finally able to participate in the sport he loved.

Clarke gained possession in the tipoff and passed the ball to Robbie. He made a layup and was officially solidified in the books as a member of the varsity basketball team. After his scoring basket, Robbie went back to announce the game for the crowd of supporters. 

Special thanks to all those who helped to coordinate the surprise, including W.T. Clarke Athletic Director Josh Friedman. See the story on News 12 and a video highlighting Robbie and his special moment here.

Matthew Michaelis, a senior and baritone player at W.T. Clarke High School in the East Meadow School District, participated for the second time in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28. 

Matthew was one of approximately 250 high school students from across the United States chosen to participate in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. The full band is comprised entirely of high school students and included a color guard as well as dancers. The students spent six days rehearsing and attending workshops at the Teaneck National Guard Armory in New Jersey prior to the parade. 

During their free time, the students took part in some New York City adventures, including a trip to the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner.

Thanksgiving Day began at 2 a.m. in Herald Square for Matthew and his fellow musicians. After rehearsing their performance, they fueled up at the Hard Rock Café. They were then positioned for their spot in the parade, where they were surrounded by notable acts. 

“We were actually right behind Idina Menzel and in front of the ‘Frozen’ float!” said Matthew. 

As his second year in attendance, Matthew was able to experience the event a bit differently than during his initial year. “Last year, this experience was new for me, so I was really concentrating,” he said. “But this year, I met a lot of people and it was humbling. The caliber of the group is just amazing and makes me want to do even better!”

Even in the big city surrounded by millions of people, Matthew remembered what it meant for him to be there representing his hometown and school. “It was awesome to represent East Meadow and W.T. Clarke High School,” he said. “I did the best I could, and I think I did great!”

The district congratulates Matthew on his achievements and is proud to have had him represent East Meadow on the world’s stage for the past two years.

On behalf of the entire East Meadow community, we would like to recognize the following students on earning the titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian of their graduating classes:

East Meadow High School 
Valedictorian: Ikshu Pandey
Salutatorian: Brendan Wilkowski
 
W.T. Clarke High School
Valedictorian: Abishek Ravindran
Salutatorian: Arjun Panickssery

Congratulations to each of these students on their dedication and hard work which led them to accomplishing this notable achievement.