Board celebrates retiring trustee Donna LaRocco, honors students and staff at June 5 meeting

The Valley Stream 24 Board of Education used its June 5 meeting to honor outgoing President Donna LaRocco for 15 years of service, present community citations, recognize student award winners and to acknowledge retiring staff.

Trustee Meyer and several colleagues traced LaRocco’s long involvement in PTA and district committees and thanked her for years of service. Legislator Gable presented a Nassau County citation on behalf of the county legislature and relayed a certificate of recognition from the village mayor and the state assembly. Brian Stucker, district deputy for the New York State Elks Association, presented the Elks essay contest results and noted Rachel Alcatero as a New York state winner advancing to the national level.

Superintendent Dr. Caracas and building principals introduced and celebrated students receiving the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence and other honors across the district’s buildings. The meeting also recognized retirees, including Michelle Knight (speech pathologist) and Andrea Cara (20 years of service), and a longtime business office employee named Nancy who was praised for three decades of service.

Board members and principals characterized the event as a celebratory program and encouraged follow‑up visits and guest speakers for civics education. The meeting record shows applause and multiple citations and plaques presented; photographic acknowledgements and refreshments were noted after the ceremony.

The board moved afterward to convene an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.