At the beginning of June, over 250 Herricks athletes, family members and coaches gathered at the Swan Club to celebrate another exciting year of sports at Herricks High School.

Before dinner, Athletic Booster Co-President Annemarie Tullo and Josi Lee welcomed the crowd. Athletic Director Bob Goldberg and Joan Keegan, Herricks' newly appointed athletic director, then kicked off the award presentations by introducing the evening's masters of ceremony - seniors Lisa Simmarone, Erin McCabe, Kelsey McCabe, Phil Curran, Jessica Leber, Pat Flynn and Amy Tu.

One by one, each coach took the podium to recap the seasons' highlights and to present individual awards.

The evening concluded with the always popular video slide show. Names were drawn for the boosters $100 scholarships. Ten lucky seniors each received $100 toward expenses for further education after high school.

The Herricks Athletic Booster Club wishes all seniors good luck in the future. Additionally, if you would like to support our student athletes and get involved with Herricks Athletics we ask that you support Athletic Boosters both financially and with your time.

Herricks Most Outstanding Athletes - Jackie Auriemma and Peter Galalis

Jackie Auriemma was named this year's Herricks Athlete of the Year. Jackie is a dedicated player, a leader who has the desire to achieve and show great enthusiasm for any sport she competes in. She has received All Conference for both volleyball and basketball and was team captain for each team. She also was awarded MVP for volleyball and was a West Hempstead All Tournament Team Receiver. This remarkable young women is not only a very talented athlete, she has on numerous occasions sung the National Anthem at many Herricks school events. In the fall, she will be attending Molloy College.

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Peter Galalis is this year's outstanding Senior Male Athlete. Peter was the Conference Champion in the 55 meter high hurdles in the winter, 110 meter high hurdles and the 4 by 100 meter relay in the spring. He is a MVP, All Division, Three Time All-County, NY State Qualifier Athlete and captain of the Men's Winter and Men's Spring Track Teams. He was named MVP for both. He also played lead trombone in the jazz ensemble and managed to achieve All-County Orchestra and All County Band honors, and was published in Opus Literary Magazine.

At St. Aidan's, Peter plays trombone at Sunday Mass. He also managed to make time to chair the World Affairs Club Model Board and has a 3.89 GPA. This exceptional young athlete, scholar and musician was recently awarded Eagle Scout status with complete honors. He will enter Holy Cross in the fall.

Athletic Booster Co-Presidents

Josie Lee and Annmarie Tullo and incoming President Phyllis Capasso.

Girls Lacrosse

This team was selected as New York State Scholar Athlete Team. Awards went to: Jessica Lever (Scholar Athlete, Academic All American), Alison Papalexis (All Conference, Academic All American), Melissa Jordan (All American), Jessica Marra (All Conference), Carly Vella (The 2000 coaches award), Jennifer Capasso (Unsung Hero). Captains: Carly Vella, Jessica Leber and Amy Tu. Seniors are: Carly Vella, Jessica Lever, Janet Buna, Christy Marra and Amy Tu.

Boys Lacrosse

Anthony Antoniades, Brendon Benish (Fran McCall Unsung Hero), Nick Demeo (All County), Jeff Zullo (All Conference), Jon Laurino (All Conference), Matt Rummenie (All County), Jon Rosen (All Conference). Captains: Nick Demeo, Matt Rummenie and Jon Rosen. Seniors: Anthony Antoniades, Brendon Benish, Philip Curran, Nick Demeo, Ed Kennedy, John Laurino, Jon Rosen, Matt Rummenie and Sam Ebne-Ymain. Other special awards went to: Phil Curran (All Conference) and Matt Honovic (All Conference), Nick Demeo (All County and MVP).

Girls Spring Track

This team was selected as a New York State Scholar Athlete Team. Individual honors were received by Diana Fichtel (200 Coaches Recognition Award; Kara Krebs (All Division); Erin Chan (All Division); and Rebecca Goldstein (All Division), Rebecca Goldstein (All County Pentathlon); Kara Krebs (All County 1500 meters). Seniors: Diana Fichtel, Stacy Goldstein, Jane Yoon, Kim Portnoy, Christine Yang, Chae Lee and Tejal Bhatt.

Boys Spring Track

Coach Wizbicki, Nathaniel Eichler, Peter Galalis (MVP, All County and All Division), Russ Monti (MIP) and Assistant Coach Forziat. Seniors: Peter Galalis, Steven Garmise, Chris Chang, Nathaniel Eichler, Greg Lum, Viral Gandhi and Rob Lee.