At last Monday's board of education meeting, Board President Lawrence Gross announced that next month they will begin formal discussions to consider naming South High for the school district's immediate past superintendent, the beloved Bill Shine. The response from all those at the May 8 meeting was tremendous! Everyone was heartily in favor.

Three years ago, the UPTC wrote a letter to the board, asking to rename South High for Dr. Shine. And although the overall response at that time was just as positive as it is now, board policy requires a three-year waiting period after an initial such request is made.

Well, the three years are up, and it's time to go! Time to make a real public statement, honoring a man who has done so much for the children of Great Neck, so much for this very appreciative community.

Mr. Gross was quick to note the "wonderful job" Bill did for all of us during his long term, and after, as he was the one who "brought us our wonderful new superintendent."

Bill Shine was the best friend Great Neck has ever had! A brilliant, warm, caring man, devoted man, he loved our children, always put them first and really pushed Great Neck to be the best it can be.

Thank you Bill Shine, for all you have done for all of us. We certainly hope that you take pride and pleasure in having one of the schools that you loved so much and cared for so diligently, carry your name from now on. It's the very least we can do!

So if anyone asks, be sure to add your name to those who love Bill Shine and want his name to continue to resonate throughout Great Neck in all the years to come.

- Wendy Karpel Kreitzman