Malverne Schools Celebrate Success, Service and Not Making 'The List'

"There are so many things to celebrate," Malverne Superintendent James Hunderfund said Tuesday night at the monthly meeting of the district's school board.

From of the Pride of Malverne High School Marching Band, which won its second consecutive state championship, to not earning a spot on the New York Department of Education's "needs improvement" list, the district indeed had many accomplishments to recognize.

They bestowed a trophy to the marching band, which packed the high school library to play a snippet of their award-winning performance, for the board and others in attendance at the Nov. 15 meeting. All the band members will receive jackets, as they did when , and a sign from the Town of Hempstead commemorating their victory will be placed outside the school next to the one they just received for last year's win.

also received certificates recognizing their recent selection for the prestigious All-State Music Festival and the American Choral Directors of America program.

The board also presented a banner and poster to Davison Avenue Principal Ed Tallon and staff to acknowledge the stellar work they have done for the district and its students, which was featured in a recent SUNY Albany case study on best practices. The report can be viewed .

Three students from Malverne High School were also awarded for their dedication to helping their school and the greater community. Senior Samantha Hubbard, performed 50 hours of volunteer work, spending most of her time at a local animal hospital. Sophomores Nia Pollard and Zaria Jefferson also received certificates of recognition from the board. Pollard has performed 157 hours of community service and Jefferson has given the most time - 684 hours. Since Malverne's student volunteer program started two years ago its members have devoted nearly 5,000 community service hours, which has enabled some students to receive scholarships.

"It has grown in leaps and bounds," Deputy Superintendent Richard Banyon said.

Jack Tulley, who has served as president of the Malverne Educational and Fitness Foundation for the past six years, was also honored during the meeting.

"Jack has provided stable and stalwart leadership," Hunderfund said.

And lastly, school officials also acknowledged another recent victory - NOT earning a place on the New York State Department of Education's list of schools that need improvement. The number of Long Island schools on the list tripled this year to a total of 106. The full list can be viewed here.

"This is one list we did not want to get on," Banyon said, thanking the district's teachers, principals and other staff. "We are NOT on this list and it’s a very proud moment. You are responsible for it."