June 2025: Volume 25 - Issue 9

Dear Readers,

We would love to write an article about volunteer firefighters. Were you one? How did you get involved? Send us your memories and pictures, if you have any.

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HHS Alumni Make Sure the Show Goes On 

by Artie Mayer, husband of Gail Schwartzman Mayer, Class of 1973

Most of us remember those Hollywood Golden Age movies wherein a planned spectacular show about to make its debut suddenly is in jeopardy because either the lead star quits and walks off the set, the financial backers pull out of the deal, the truck carrying the scenery crashes and burns, or some other unforeseen event.  In most of these cases, Fred and Ginger, Mickey and Judy, even Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall come up with solutions that ultimately save the day; the show goes on and it’s a hit, there’s a musical fanfare as the credits roll.

Well, not to such a dramatic degree, this was the situation at Hicksville High this past March and this is the back-story to the production of this year’s musical, Legally Blonde.  The performers were all there, including the wonderfully talented musicians in “the pit” and the scenery was all in place.  The off-stage drama was centered around the technical booth area we all pass by as we enter the Chuck Arnold Auditorium, where lighting, sound, and the videotaping of all theatrical productions, awards assemblies, and speaking engagements originate.  Missing from this tech center was the technical director/teacher.  The role of this “Tech Wizard” had been wonderfully handled by a teacher who retired at the end of the 2024 school year.  A newly hired teacher assumed responsibilities for the videography and production programs in September, but suddenly resigned early in this school year leaving a huge void going into the production cycle for the theatrical production, Legally Blonde.  Emma Mayer, a graduate of the class of 2024, heard about the troubles plaguing the recording of the play’s production and, though busy with her own work as a freshman in college, she communicated with her former teachers and decided that she wanted to assist and called several of her fellow graduates from the “Tech Crew” who also attended local colleges.  Responses were unanimously in favor of helping out their school with the play’s technical production.  Emma was enthusiastically “welcomed home” by faculty involved with the play’s production and no one was more receptive than Hicksville High School's principal, who arranged for school access clearance for this ad hoc team of alumni that included Emma and fellow graduates.  Many hours between college courses, homework, and other responsibilities were spent in the HHS auditorium technical booth rehearsing with the high school crew members and faculty advisors, and, when the curtain finally went up on the first of three scheduled play performances, the show was successfully recorded for posterity.  The show’s program members expressed special thanks to the efforts of Emma and her assembled crew of alumni for their assistance in the technical production of the very well-received annual play!  

 PS:  This storybook ending is not the end of the story…Weeks later, it was time for the school’s “Talent for the Troops” fundraiser which raises money for veterans and other military-related organizations.  Emma and her fellow seniors, along with the balance of the Tech Crew, came to the rescue again and video-recorded this fundraising event also.  The tech crew happily returned to HHS, giving back to the school that gave them a great education.

Regents Exams

  by, Stefanie Cedar Shames, Class of 1977

On July 27, 1864, the New York State Board of Regents passed an ordinance that resulted in the first “preliminary” Regents Examinations, administered in November 1865 to eighth-grade students. The first Regents examinations for high school students were authorized at The University Convocation in 1876 and were first administered in June 1878. About 100 institutions participated, and the five subjects assessed were algebra, American history, elementary Latin, natural philosophy, and physical geography. Beginning in 1878, the list of exams grew considerably until 1979, when Regents Competency Tests (RCTs) were introduced, assessing basic skills, and discontinued in 2018. As learning standards have evolved , the Board of Regents continues to make changes to content, format, and scoring of the Regents examinations.

Ron Wencer's Ancient Hixtory article about the Regents Prayer, in the May 2025 issue of HixNews, made me remember my experiences with the Regents. When I was in high school, nothing created greater anxiety for college-bound students throughout New York State than the Regents exams. It was possible to pass the course and fail the Regents and have to take the course again! My first encounter with the Regents was in 1973-74. I took algebra in ninth grade, and we spent the entire school year learning the content and practicing for the Regents. And then, the news came that for the first time in history, the Regents exams were stolen, and not only that, cancelled! I remember such a feeling of relief. Teachers had to give us the grade they thought we would get, and I got a 99. I'm sure my teacher, maybe it was Mrs. Milbauer, thought I would make one stupid mistake, and I'm sure she was correct!

Geometry, on the other hand, was very difficult for me. My teacher was Mrs. Karish. She was nice and tried to explain the work, but I never did understand those theorems and postulates. I don't remember the grade I got, but it was good enough to pass. And passing would not have happened without the help of a private tutor!

Mr. Paisner was my Chemistry teacher. We all loved him, and if we were late to class, he charged us, donating the money to the American Heart Association. He used old, released Regents exams for our tests, so we had a lot of practice before the actual event, and I passed!

I'm sure there were others since I received a Regents diploma, but the Spanish Regents was most memorable. After taking Spanish for four years, I could read and understand it, but not use it in conversation. That's still true today. For the conversational part of the exam, we were all in the gym, and my friend Wendy was shaking her leg from nerves, and I reached over and grabbed her leg to make her stop distracting me. No proctor even noticed. When Mrs. Kozma read the multiple choice answers to each passage, she emphasized the correct answer...a, b, C, d. That is the sole reason I passed!

Today, I live in Florida, and our students are subjected to high-stakes testing starting at a very young age. I can only imagine how those tests have impacted them. Please write in and let us know your experiences with the Regents exams. Whether it is a comment or an article, we would love to hear from you!

References: 

New York State Education Department. (n.d.). History of New York State assessments. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from  https://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/history-new-york-state-assessments

Steinberg, J. (2019, June 20). 30 years ago today, the New York Post shockingly published a stolen exam answer key on its cover, unknowingly awakening an interest in information security just as the Internet era was to begin. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://josephsteinberg.com/30-years-ago-today-the-new-york-post-shockingly-published-a-stolen-exam-answer-key-on-its-cover-unknowingly-awakening-an-interest-in-information-security-just-as-the-internet-era-was-to-begin/

Enjoy these photos of lasting friendships from across the years and across the miles. 

Dave Gaudio, Scott Schutzman, and Charlie Guerra had a mini HHS Class of 1977 reunion in Long Beach, CA.

And while on the East Coast, Charlie Guerra and Mike Caruso had a mini-reunion in Baltimore.

Dave Gaudio, Scott Schutzman, and Charlie Guerra (top) and Mike Caruso and Charlie Guerra (bottom)

Posted on Facebook by Jerry Healey

Golfing trip on Hilton Head with the classes of 1975 and 1977. Left to right. Kevin Korcz (75), Greg Walsh (77), Bobby Smith (75), Jerry Healey (77), Lee McGunnigle(77), Mike Valle (77), Nick Tallarico (77), and Ted Kelly (Ted moved prior to graduation but would have been class of 1975). In a competition between the classes, the class of 1975 won with Nick on their team.

Posted on Facebook by Dennis Hauck

Etcetera for June 2025

Notes from Readers

Below are comments we received from readers.  Remember, if you are signed in, you can leave a comment on an article.

Eugene Lewan commented on Wetson's Hamburgers

This brings back good memories. A friend of mine worked there at the Wetsons at the junction with Levittown Parkway. We would stop in a visit when we were out and about. Then when Titus Oaks was there I worked up in Glen Head and would stop after work each payday and pick up some new vinyl.

Ronald Wencer commented on Hicksville High School Dedication Centennial

A few years after writing my original article, I found a 1920s news report which stated that the KKK was then supporting the School Board campaigns of George Duke and Frank Chlumsky, both of whom would get elected and be in place for this dedication. Despite the KKK's already having been discredited by its actions in other towns, both candidates professed ignorance of the KKK and its values, saying in effect that they willingly accepted all support offered by local donors.

Eugene Lewan commented on Old Westbury Gardens

What a beautiful place. Thank you for being a volunteer at the Gardens. I can see how you could fall in love with these environs. Thank you, Sue.

 

In Memoriam

Janet O'Dowd Carney, Class of 1977, passed June 1, 2025

Robert Rogers,  Class of 1969 ( please email us a link to the obituary)

John Maniec, HHS Class of 1964 Graduate, is running in the Bethel Primary Election.

John Maniec is one of four candidates running in a Townwide Democratic Primary Election for Bethel Town Council. The town of Bethel, New York, is where Woodstock was held in 1969. The Town of Bethel's Democratic Primary Election for Town Council is scheduled for June 24, 2025. Four candidates - John Maniec, Nicole Newick, Paula Moss, and Cliff Manning - are running, and registered Democrats will get to vote for two candidates.

Voter Guide: Meet the candidates running in the Democratic Primary for Bethel Town Council at a Meet & Greet scheduled for June 20^th 5:30-7:30 at Sorella Pizzeria, 3562 State Rte. 55, Kauneonga Lake, NY

Election information: Bethel’s Primary Election is on June 24^th. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Polling Location: Duggan Community Center, 3460 State Route 55, White Lake

The information below was supplied by candidates.

Nicole Newick

I’m Nicole Newick, running for Bethel Town Council to help build a stronger, more connected community. As a parent of children in our public school system, Bethel small business owner, and active community member, I understand the real needs of our town. My experience has given me the skills to help move Bethel forward, while preserving our history and prioritizing our shared resources. Your voice deserves thoughtful, caring representation—and I’m ready to serve.

Paula MossMy name is Paula Moss, and I’m running for Bethel Town Council because, like so many of you, I care about our town’s future and want to help guide its growth in a thoughtful, balanced, and sustainable way that reflects our shared values. As a working mom and active community member with 25 years of experience supporting executive leadership, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for all of Bethel.

John ManiecI'm John Maniec, running for Bethel Town Council, because I believe in the importance of community, keeping Bethel Rural, and maintaining our natural resources, such as clean water. Running several non-profit organizations and 25+ years teaching high school and adult learners have given me extensive leadership skills, making me a good listener and effective problem solver.

Cliff ManningMy name is Clifford Manning. For many years, I have lived and worked in the town of Bethel. I will always listen to all the concerns of the residents of our beautiful town and will continue to be a trusted voice for our community. You can count on me to work hard for all the members of our community.

We are including a listing of the Nassau County free summer concerts.

Hicksville High School Class of 1963 graduate Tommy Sullivan is performing on September 10, 2025!