At the April 22 meeting of the Hicksville Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton recognized twenty exceptional Hicksville students for their outstanding achievements across academics, athletics, and the arts.
Dr. Fulton opened his presentation by celebrating senior Haley Gonzales, an extraordinary student-athlete whose accomplishments reflect elite performance, resilience, and strong character. Over the past four years, Haley has dedicated herself to wrestling at Hicksville, developing through relentless effort into one of New York State’s premier competitors. On the national stage, she has distinguished herself among the very best, capturing a championship at the Fargo National Championships and earning multiple podium finishes at the Journeymen World Classic against top-tier competition.
At the high school level, Haley’s achievements are historic. She is the first-ever two-time Nassau County Champion and two-time New York State Champion in girls wrestling, placing her among the most accomplished athletes in state history. She will continue her academic and athletic career at Felician University, where she has earned the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. Haley’s journey is defined by discipline, perseverance, and leadership, and she represents Hicksville with pride while setting a lasting standard for future generations.
In recognition of Poetry Month, Dr. Fulton welcomed third-grade students Ayansh Chauhan, Rajgurdev Kahlon, Anaya Kumar, Ian Liang, Logan Peter, John Romanelli, and Aadesh Velautham from the Burns Elementary RISE program. Each had poetry accepted for publication in the Young American Poetry Digest, an impressive accomplishment at such an early stage in their academic journeys.
Fourth-grade students Kora Kowalski and Maya Pestano of East Street Elementary were also honored as winners of a nationwide creative writing contest. Their work has been published in the latest edition of the Young Writers USA: Spook Squad Book Series, marking their achievement as published authors.
Hicksville Middle School seventh-grade student Angad Singh was selected as a featured artist and writer for the 2026 New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Art & Essay Exhibit. This prestigious annual exhibit, part of New York State’s observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month, showcases student work at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and on the New York State Office of General Services website. Angad’s submission, a striking portrait of Dr. King incorporating powerful quotes and imagery centered on love and positivity demonstrates both artistic talent and meaningful expression.
Dr. Fulton highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of Hicksville High School students in the visual arts. The Heckscher Museum of Art is currently hosting its 30th Anniversary Long Island’s Best juried exhibition, a highly competitive event featuring submissions from more than 400 young artists across the region. Of the 84 pieces selected, seven belong to Hicksville students, making Hicksville the most represented school in the exhibition. This achievement reflects not only the students’ exceptional talent but also the dedication and expertise of their teachers, Craig Mateyunas and Angela Galante.
The following students were recognized for their selections and honors:
- Xaria Talavera, selected for Ceramics
- Pooja Shah, selected for 3D Architecture
- Janina Natarajan, whose Sculpture was selected for exhibition and special display at the Firefly Gallery in Northport
- Aerie Lim, selected for 3D Assemblage
- Jennifer Jaco, whose Drawing will also be displayed at the Firefly Gallery in Northport
- Crisbel Verdugo Ortiz, recipient of the prestigious 30th Anniversary Alumni Award for Painting, with her work displayed at Mitchell’s in Huntington
- Halyn Kwon, who received an Honorable Mention for Drawing
These students exemplify the creativity, dedication, and excellence that define the Hicksville school community.
In addition to our visual arts achievements, our music department has reached an equally impressive milestone. High school musicians Owen Chan, Aerie Lim, and Kaylee Lin have been named finalists in the highly prestigious Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Concert competition. This is the first time in 29 years that a Hicksville ensemble has advanced to this elite level. Under the expert guidance and dedication of High School Orchestra Director Mr. Adam Nadler, this exceptional trio will have the upcoming honor of performing live at Lincoln Center.
Dr. Fulton closed his remarks by again congratulating all the student honorees and their achievements. He thanked all the outstanding students and their teachers with a well-deserved round of applause for representing Hicksville with such distinction.
(l-r) Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Board of Education Secretary Erin Guida, student Haley Gonzales, Wrestling Coach Greg Power and Hicksville Director of Physical Education Matthew Calarco.
(l-r) Back Row, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Supervisor of English, Reading and Libraries Dr. Catherine Carella-Dean, Board of Education Irene Carlomusto, Burns Principal Bryan Offermann and Library Media Specialist and RISE teacher Linda Neptune. Front Row: Students: John Romanelli Ayansh Chauhan, Rajgurdev Kahlon, Anaya Kumar, Ian Liang, Aadesh Velauthamand Logan Peter.
(l-r) Back Row: Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, East Street Principal Joe Messana, Board of Education Trustee Danielle Fotopoulos, Hicksville teacher Lara Fabrizio and Supervisor of English, Reading, and Libraries Dr. Catherine Carella-Dean. Front Row: Maya Pestano and Kora Kowalski.
(l-r) Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Board of Education Trustee Patricia Bulerin, student Angad Singh, Supervisor of English, Reading, and Libraries Dr. Catherine Carella-Dean and Hicksville Middle School Principal Ben Tangney.
(l-r) Hicksville Board of Education Vice President Linda Imbriale, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, students Xaria Talavera, Pooja Shah, Janina Natarajan, Aerie Lim, Crisbel Verdugo Ortiz, Hicksville Supervisor of Fine Arts Chad Wyman. *Missing from photo: Jennifer Jaco and Halyn Kwon
Hicksville Board of Education Trustee Sunita Manjrekar, student Owen Chan, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, students Aerie Lim and Kaylee Lin, Hicksville High School Orchestra Director Adam Nadler, Hicksville Supervisor of Fine Arts Chad Wyman, Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner.