Back-to-school season is underway on Long Island, reigniting high school rivalries across the region, and the competition is fierce for claims to local bragging rights on and off the field.
Press readers have named a few favorites of their own, such as Regina Hall of St. John the Baptist DHS, who was named Best Teacher on Long Island in the 2017 Best of Long Island competition. Kimberly Becvar-Valdemira of Tooker Avenue Elementary won Best High School Sports Coach on Long Island in that contest. Vincent Albrecht of St. Edward the Confessor School won Best School Principal on Long Island and Bay Shore High School earned the title of Best High School Spirit on Long Island.
The students lucky enough to have occupied desks inside Regina Hall’s English class will tell you that her depth of knowledge of all things literary, her mastery of grammar, her sense of humor and warmth, and her extraordinary ability to bring subjects to life are the winning combination that makes her classroom a place they will remember long after they hold diplomas in their hands. That’s she won best teacher on LI for the third year in a row.
As for Kimberly Becvar-Valdemira, she is author of the book “Education Reboot: Yes, You Can Have Fun in the Classroom,” and brings a unique spirit and infectious enthusiasm to West Babylon School District. This special education teacher also works as the bowling coach. Her team is like a family–supporting each other through the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
Principal Albrecht is known to students for his wide collection of ties and unbridled enthusiasm for his school, its teachers, parents, and students. This Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a member of the Baptismal preparation team and church representative for scouting, fosters a love of learning, a deference to the Catholic Church, and preparation for college.
And The Bay Shore Marauders wear their maroon loudly and proudly. During the different events taking place during Bay Shore’s annual spirit week, the entire high school becomes swept up in the exciting momentum celebrating Bay Shore’s academic excellence, athletic prowess, and wide range of diversity. Their many clubs and superior athletic programs ensure that every student finds a place to display their unique abilities. Go Marauders!
To find all the other Best of Long Island contest winners, visit bestof.longislandpress.com Voting will begin Oct. 1 for the 2018 Best of Long Island program.
Regina Hall – St. John the Baptist DHS
1170 Montauk Hwy., West Islip. 631-587-8000. stjohnthebaptistdhs.net
Kimberly Becvar-Valdemira
Tooker Avenue Elementary, 855 Tooker Ave., West Babylon. kvaldemira@wbschools.org
Vincent Albrecht
2 Teibrook Ave., Syosset. 516-921-7767. stedwardconfessor.org
Bay Shore High School
155 Third Ave., Islip. 631-968-1157. bayshoreschools.org
