I would like to continue with the sentiments that Joe Rizza had so eloquently stated in last week's issue of the Mineola American and thank John Cloghessy for all his work with the Mineola Athletics Booster Club over the years. John was the president for many years and has worked diligently to make sure the student athletes get the recognition and the awards that they deserve.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank all of the members of the Mineola Athletics Booster Club, Inc. It has been such a pleasure meeting and working with all of you over the years. You are an amazing group of people. You have made my time as Booster Club president such an incredible experience. As I said at the Varsity Dinner, my father was the president of the Booster Club and both of my parents worked very hard at the concession stand, and selling sportswear when I was a student athlete at MHS. As a teenager my house was literally "Booster Club Central." I was truly blessed to have such wonderfully giving and loving parents that dedicated so much time and energy to the Mineola Schools. The friendships they made and their great times with Booster Club is what inspired me to volunteer to be president after John Cloghessy. I envisioned that during my presidency I would have the same great times that my parents had and hoped that I could develop the same friendships as they did so many years ago. Not only were my expectations met, they were surpassed! I have met and worked with some of the most dedicated and giving parents. The children of Mineola are so lucky to have such a wonderful support system in these people.

I would like to thank the 2004-2005 Mineola Athletics Booster Club, Inc. Executive Board: Correspondending Secretary - Mary Boeshore, Recording Secretary - Donna Tiseo, Treasurer - Mathew Sanderleaf and last but not least Vice President Gina Hahn. I would also like to thank the Committee Chairpersons: Lynn Bencivenga, Sue Hock, Jane Lapin, Laura Granath, Maura Gaffney, Mike DeStefano, Donna Strein and John Cloghessy. All of these people go that extra mile to make sure our athletes' needs are met... thank you all for your hard work!

I would also like to thank the coaches. As I said at the dinner, my coaches made my experiences as an athlete worthwhile. I would like to thank the dedicated coaching staff of the Mineola Schools. They give so much time and energy to our student athletes and it is appreciated. I would like to thank them for their support of our fund-raising events and the Booster Club. In particular I would like to acknowledge Coach Kristin Degnan for bringing track back to Mineola. Our daughter had great experiences with the field and track team over the years. We owe her more than we can put into words for allowing us to be a part of such a great program. Both Coach Degnan and Coach Mike Santamaria spend countless hours with the athletes at meets and practices and we would like to thank them both for their time, love and dedication to our kids and to the sport.

I would also like to thank the District Supervisor of Health and Physical Education, Ralph Amitrano. I don't know if I would have been able to get what needed to be done for our kids without his support and guidance over the past two years.

I will truly miss our times in the Mineola Schools. No matter what life brings, I will always have the wonderful memories of our times with the Mineola schools. I have a lot of pride in this district, the parents and our children. My hope is that our community will continue to support the children in the way that they have grown accustomed to in their strive for excellence. I know the incoming board of the Booster Club will continue with this very important task. I wish all the best to the incoming president of the Mineola Athletics Booster Club, Inc., Mike DeStefano and the incoming board. I know they will do a great job.

As a parent it has been so important to me to be involved with the Mineola Schools, no matter which one of the three parents groups at Mineola High School. I have met and made some great friends. It definitely makes life with a teenager so much easier, when you have the support of other parents and the school. We have such knowledgeable parents in this district that have given me the support and help I have needed to make it through the turbulent high school years as a parent. People are always willing to give advice and willing to lend a hand when you need it. I would like to thank all the members of the three parent groups, PTSA, Mineola Music Parents and Mineola Athletics Booster Club, for their dedication to the Mineola students and for just being there when I needed them. I would like to thank them for helping make my daughter's high school experience amazing. The events sponsored and donations these groups have given over the years, have not only made her time at MHS special, but my time special, too. Thank you!

I would also like to thank the administration and staff of the Mineola High School. Our time at Mineola High School has been wonderful. The high school years are a very difficult time in the life of a child. I believe that all the caring individuals that work in our schools have made this time a little bit easier for Jessica. Everyone that works at MHS truly cares about the kids and works hard for them. Jessica has been afforded many incredible opportunities’ thanks to the teachers and administration. There are so many people that have truly enriched our lives that I wouldn't know who to begin to thank. I do want to thank Dr. Nagler, Mr. Escobar, Mr. Puccio and Ms. Bernstein for creating an environment where our children can learn and grow into adults. Also....thank you to all the teachers and staff that have worked with Jessica over the years!

One last thank you and goodbye to the Class of 2005. I know I am biased when I say that I think you are one of the best classes to graduate from MHS. You are truly a special group of students, athletes, musicians, thespians, and people. You have left your mark at Mineola and have set a higher standard for the underclassman to live up to. You are role models inside and outside of the classrooms/fields/stage. One topic in this world that could keep me talking for hours would be the vast accomplishments of the members of the Class of 2005. That is how special I think you are. I wish you the best of luck in the future. Keep that Mineola pride with you wherever life may take you during this next phase of your life. You will always have a special place at Mineola and in my heart.

Thank you again.

Lori Donahue