I'm proud of our Association's accomplishments during the past few years. Although we’ve only been in existence since 2005, we are definitely making a difference. The financial support of our alumni, former teachers, family, and friends is ongoing and greatly appreciated. This past year a Lifetime Membership option was offered, as well as renewable single year payments.

     Those who regularly attend the Alumni Association meetings, on the first Thursday of each month, contribute the personal element that brings a smile to all the faces as business is conducted and high school memories are shared in South’s library. We simply enjoy our new connections and working together for our alma mater!

     Looking back on 2007-2008 … The Act of Kindness Project involved the finding of a South High community soldier who is serving in the military in Iraq or Afghanistan. After Ms. Henry, South's principal, shared that information with us, one of our dedicated members set out on her mission. Arlene Ainbinder Lynn shopped for items she thought would please Cpl. Thomas Cahill in Afghanistan. She brought it all to our April meeting, had us sign a card, and proceeded to mail the care packages.

     Our giving didn't stop there. After one of the teachers, Nell Landman, came to speak with the Association's officers and trustees about South's upcoming Pre-Prom Party, we decided to provide gift cards that would be given out as door prizes at the annual event. This time our shopper was Eileen Howell.

     For me, a very special moment each year has been my participation in South’s Awards Assembly. It was a pleasure to meet the 2007-08 VSSHSAA recipient, Jennifer Hillman, and to present her with the Alumni Association's monetary award of $500. I was told that "Jennifer is brilliant, committed to her school & community & has high moral standards. When it comes to her schoolwork, she has consistently put forth her best effort, which has earned her a GPA of over 100%." We wish her good luck as she begins her college career at Hofstra University.

     Many alumni returned to South on Career Day. After alumnus Larry Levy delivered the keynote address, the alumni presenters went to their assigned classrooms and spoke to the ninth graders about their past and present careers. Kenny Heino, Alan Dancyger, Rich Eisbrouch, Steve Harris, Bette Hansen Silver, Larry Levy, & Victor Susman, and I answered many questions posed by the students. Won't you consider sharing your knowledge with South's ninth graders at this year's Career Day?

     The alumni participated in two special events – Booker Gibson Night and Homecoming 2008. Mr. Gibson, our former music teacher, plays the piano at The Irish Coffee Pub, a restaurant in East Islip. Last year over 100 alumni and former faculty members met at the Pub to pay tribute to Mr. Gibson. Since it was such a successful social event, it was repeated again on August 6, 2008. On October 18th, alumni returned to South for Homecoming. Special alumni components were planned for the day, and many former students and teachers participated in the event. The Class of 1958, South's first graduating class, celebrated the 50th anniversary of their graduation. Those who attended Homecoming were honored.

     If you would like to join the Valley Stream South HS Alumni Association and/or would like to learn more about what we do, please send an e-mail message to me at cre8em@aol.com.  Of course, you can simply click the link for the member application, and send it along with your check as indicated on the application.  Remember, we are now qualified as a 501(c)(3) organization, and your membership donation is fully deductible!  We're looking forward to your membership and, of course, your participation!