Designer Hallie ArbitalJacoby was awarded second place for Best Magazine Cover Design for the fall 2025 edition, which featured a watercolor of the chapel’s stained-glass windows. Managing Editor Sheri ArbitalJacoby won third place in the Narrative Neighborhood/Community category for “Inspired to Lead.” The article, which appeared in the same issue, profiled congregants who grew up at the temple and became rabbis, cantors and other Jewish professionals.

The cover design award marks the third consecutive year Hallie ArbitalJacoby has been recognized in the category, winning one for each year she designed the magazine. In previous competitions, she won for the fall 2024 and spring 2023 covers. She is currently taking a hiatus from freelance graphic design to focus on building a professional portfolio in strategic communications, design and live events while working full-time and pursuing a master’s degree at Cornell University.

Commenting on the writing award, the contest judge said: “I was indeed ‘inspired’ by the varied voices and stories of each person profiled, heartened to read of such good people and their paths to a profession often ignored in the media. It was also inspiring to see how one temple has generated so many leaders.”

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In previous PCLI competitions, Temple Beth-El congregant, English teacher and musical theater lyricist Len Schiff won third place in the Narrative Arts category for “Super Chutzpah: Talking Comics and Jews with Michael Freeman,” which appeared in the fall 2022 publication.

In 2021, Shema won third place in the Best Magazine category for its winter and fall 2020 editions. That honor was awarded to Sheri ArbitalJacoby, Schiff, who served as editor, and Executive Director Stuart Botwinick.

Sheri ArbitalJacoby also won two other 2021 PCLI awards in the Health category for her work in The Well by Northwell, taking first place for "The Immunity Series" and third place for “Plant-Based Eating for Better Family Health.” She previously won two first-place PCLI awards for Best Travel Article and Best Health and Science Reporting in a Magazine.

The award-winning covers, articles and issues can be viewed at tbegreatneck.org/news/shema-magazine. More information about the peninsula’s oldest synagogue is available at tbegreatneck.org, by email at info@tbegreatneck.org or by calling 516-487-0900.

Pavan, an Argentine composer based in New York since 2000, blends folklore rhythms with jazz and classical concepts. He studied under maestros Jorge Morel, Dave Smey at the Brooklyn Conservatory, and Pablo Ziegler, the former pianist for Astor Piazzolla.

Pavan has performed internationally in France, Portugal, Ireland, Scandinavia, Japan, Greece, and Belgium. He has recorded four albums featuring string quartets, chamber ensembles, and trio concertante, and his works are published across the United States and Europe.

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"Carlos blends the serenity of classic ECM jazz, the Latin influence of his native Argentina, and the Neo-Classical rigor of a Ravel or Debussy to create a stimulating and highly enjoyable album," Smey said. "His pieces for the PUBLIQuartet are fresh and lively, without pretension or fussiness."

Registration is required for Great Neck Library District residents, who can register online, in person, or by phone. Non-residents do not need to register but will be admitted as walk-ins on a space-available basis.

For more information, contact the Great Neck Library at 516-466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

Hundreds of colleagues, friends and family members gathered in the Mineola High School cafeteria to celebrate the milestone. Board members took the stage to review each honoree's portfolio, highlighting their achievements, dedication and personal characteristics. Board members noted that the portfolios showcased strong teaching, meaningful relationships and dedication to students.

Interim Superintendent Catherine Fishman delivered a personal address, noting that her own daughter received tenure this year in another district.

"Tonight, I am not only looking at this through the eyes of a superintendent; I'm also looking at it through the eyes of a mother, and I know what this moment means," Fishman said. "In Mineola, tenure is earned. Our teachers do more than simply complete a probationary period. They are coached, they attend workshops, they try new instructional strategies, they reflect on their practices and they take risks. They show that they are not only capable teachers but also lifelong learners."

Fishman emphasized that tenure represents a long-term commitment between educators and the community.

"By the time teachers receive tenure in Mineola, we know that the teacher has become a part of who we are, part of our culture, part of our promise to students and families," Fishman said. "It means we have educators who have chosen to invest their talents, their energy and their hearts in this district, and it means Mineola has chosen to invest in them right back."

The celebration concluded with a tribute video featuring students sharing personal stories about how each educator has supported, inspired and guided them throughout their academic journeys.

The South Asian American Women's Alliance recognized three students for their volunteer work and leadership. Senior Clara Levy received the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her dedication to helping others. Sophomore Michelle Shao received the 2026 Leadership Volunteer Service Award for her initiative and ability to guide peers through service. Freshman Dylan Kaufman was honored with a 2026 Certificate of Recognition for Volunteerism.

In addition, senior Gabrielle Parrado and junior Lowry Liu were named recipients of the 2026 Good Deeds Award by Chabad of Mineola, which recognizes students who make a positive impact on individuals and communities through service.

Students posed for photos with their families and coaches before signing a ceremonial document marking their commitment to compete at the collegiate level.

Christopher McCann, district supervisor of physical education, health and athletics, opened the event with remarks praising the athletes for their talent and dedication. Each athlete was then introduced by their coach, who highlighted the attributes that made them leaders in their sport.

The following students signed:

• Amanda Baker — Regis College, softball
• Sophia Gaglione — Alvernia University, volleyball
• Ryan Manu — SUNY Morrisville, basketball
• Gavin McLaughlin — Lebanon Valley College, football
• Julianna Plunkett — East Stroudsburg University, softball
• Zain Rees — Central Connecticut State University, soccer

The exhibition combines black-and-white street photography, watercolors and paper quilling art. The photography was captured during a student field trip to New York City. Back in the classroom, students analyzed their portfolios and used Gestalt principles of visual perception to group elements and design the gallery layout.

By expanding the showcase beyond photography to include paper quilling and watercolor works, students gained hands-on experience managing and installing a public exhibition from start to finish.

The exhibition is open to the public during the café's standard operating hours.