Meet Newsday's 2021 Extraordinary Seniors. We asked them to give advice to next year's seniors.


Long Island

Education

Graduations

Newsday Extraordinary Seniors offer advice for the Class of 2022

Newsday

LFExtraSeniors210613ADVICE_video

Most Popular

Latest videos

Education video slot

The attorney general's investigation affirms the stories told by multiple women during an emotional, hourslong school board meeting in November 2021 — a turning point that sparked a public reckoning and spawned the state probe. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'At times I felt like I had my hopes up and nothing would come of it'

The absences raise new questions about whether the school district missed potential signs of trouble at the girl's home. Newsday investigative reporter Payton Guion explains.

'There's no specific guidance'

High school athletes striving to play sports in college might want to look at niche sports that give them a better chance. NewsdayTV's Jared Valluzzi reports.

'If you can do it and do it well, you are a niche athlete'

The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

'Only the best of the best get invited'

Sign up for Newsday's NYS College Guide email series

College Guide Newsletter Signup Promo

Education Article Bottom Module

Education Video Playlist

Long Island is seeing an uptick in trade school enrollment amid growing concern from young adults about job insecurity, financial prospects and the impacts of artificial intelligence on the job market. NewsdayTV's Izzy Mignardi reports.

'You're gonna have consistency'

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland speaks to actor Gary Sinise about the Wantagh Union Free School District partnering with his foundation to raise money for field trips to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as well as a commemorative 9/11 statue in front of Wantagh High School.

Actor Gary Sinise partners with LI district on 9/11 education

The case illustrates how costly and time consuming it can be for districts to terminate tenured educators under state law. Newsday investigative Associate Editor Paul LaRocco has more.

'This is strictly a disciplinary case'

Long Island's Head Start programs are facing financial headwinds. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Not knowing how important this program is'

Child advocates say many students and parents don't know they can file formal complaints or are afraid to come forward due to fear of retaliation or alienation. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'I dealt with bullying ... early on'

A 2023 Farmingdale High School crash led to New York mandating seat belts in charter buses, but enforcement remains challenging. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'This law is difficult to enforce'

There is a new push to look into the effect of screen time in classrooms. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn spoke to Newsday state reporter Keshia Clukey and other experts on the topic.

'I don't advocate for one blanket policy'

Two months into the state's "bell-to-bell" ban on electronic devices in schools, some districts are reporting positive changes in the classroom. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Students are much more talkative to one another'

NewsdayTV's Jasmine Anderson and Newsday education reporter Dandan Zou talk to Long Island school administrators about how the school cellphone ban is going so far.

'Kids are outside. They're playing. They're laughing together.'

Former Holy Trinity lineman Lance Swift spoke with Newsday high school sports reporter Jared Valluzzi after the Titans suspended their football program.

'Honestly, I was hurt'

Magdalyn Abcug, who recently graduated from Longwood High School, alleges the district failed to accommodate her disability when she was a student. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'I felt very judged'

The best friends, who are known at South Side High School as the "Dynamic Duo," are among Newsday's 2026 Extraordinary Seniors.

'They are both perfection in their own right, but together they are extraordinary'

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

The cost of living on Long Island is causing some Gen Zers to live at home with their parents. Newsday real estate reporter Rachel Weiss was more.

Cost of living keeps Gen Z at home with parents

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa heads to Hair we Share to see the process of turning donated hair into wigs.

LI Works: Giving wigs to those in need

Nassau and Suffolk counties have implemented a combined $57 million in technology upgrades to streamline the voting process.

New voting machines at Long Island polling places

Laura Otton, perinatal mental health therapist and owner of Therapy for Motherhood, talks to NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland about the logistics of returning to work after having a baby.

Working Moms: Negotiating a return to work

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed steps into the vineyards at Bedell Cellars to get an inside look at the action, the artistry, and the fresh flavors shaping Long Island's latest vintage.

Out East: Harvest time at Bedell Cellars

Rori Zura was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 33. Today, she helps others as a cancer exercise specialist. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Breast cancer survivor helps others take charge of their recovery

The report identified over half a million hateful posts on X between January 2025 and June 2026, with monthly growth of 75%. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Anti-South Asian rhetoric surging on some social media platforms, report says

Liberty Water has applied to raise rates in three of the areas it serves on Long Island. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Liberty seeks water rate hikes of $21-$28 a month for some Nassau customers

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Co-Owner, Dough & Co. Pizza to try the Apple Bay Pizza, which is exclusive to their Oyster Bay location.

Trendy Bites: An apple pie ... pizza?

Video of two Suffolk police officers joining a group of teens playing soccer goes viral. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Chance encounter turns into viral video

Long Island Trending Bar

Suffolk

Nassau

Newsday is highlighting the passionate, engaging and innovative educators of Long Island with its Teacher Spotlight feature.

Teacher Spotlight

High School Sports

Residents in LI's more than 120 school districts weighed in on board candidates, budgets and propositions. See how your district voted. For additional information, read our article here.

Stay logged in.