Vikings Volleyball Appreciation Game
On Monday, September 29, Vikings Varsity Volleyball Coach Danielle Bleiweiss welcomed her team, Superintendent Dr. Chris Zublionis, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Carol Smyth, the HS administration, faculty, families and friends in the audience to celebrate the amazing North Shore educators. Coach Bleiweiss said, " When Coach Barretta and I were playing here ourselves, this event was something that meant a lot to us. We wanted to bring it back for our team after 6 years to show just how much these teachers can impact our lives."
She continued, "Tonight the Varsity Volleyball Team is honoring faculty members who have inspired our players, challenged them to push themselves, encouraged creativity, taught perseverance, and so much more. The ways a teacher can influence a student are truly endless, and it's impossible to capture it all in words.”
She then acknowledged each teacher by calling them up to receive a gift from each of the volleyball players and highlighted one of the many ways that they've made a lasting impact on a student-athlete.
The teachers (and students who acknowledged them) included: Ms. Janet Goldberg (senior Grace Harding), Ms. Casey Turk (senior Lauren Krupski), Ms. Evelyne Pommateau (Leila Peraica), Ms. Lauren DeLuca (senior Captain Chloe Rowell), Mr. Steven Burgos (senior Captain Hailey Sanchez), Ms. Lynne Johnson (junior Lila Frame), Ms. Brooke Hope (junior Sam Guy), Ms. Sara Millman (junior Nora DeNicola), Ms. Lisa Suau (Lily Bombardiere), Coach Tracy Iacovelli (Devyn Mandell), Ms. Sarah Hogan (Faith Virgilio), Mr. Josh Timlin (Delaney Strecker), Ms. Jennifer Rizza (Olivia DeCesare), Ms. Laura DiLallo (Talia Riccuiti), and Ms. Nicole Larkin (Giuliana Barba).
Coach Bleiweiss concluded by saying, "To our athletes, I promise you - these teachers truly appreciate this recognition. And, to our incredible faculty, you should know that these student-athletes genuinely love celebrating you and are so grateful for everything you do. Honestly, this might be one of their favorite events of the season! Thank you all for being here to make this night so special!"
Additionally, Congratulations Devyn Mandell! Newsday's top 100 girls volleyball players for 2025! Go Vikings Go!
Article and photos by Shelly Newman