During the Jan. 14 public meeting, the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education celebrated the most recent recipients of Lakeville Elementary School’s coveted Golden Sneaker Award. Twenty fifth-grade students were applauded by the Board, district and school administrators, faculty, and audience members for demonstrating excellence in Physical Education.

Lakeville Principal Emily Zucal presented the details of the Golden Sneaker initiative, which looks beyond athletic ability to recognize attitude, sportsmanship and responsibility, while encouraging engagement, kindness and personal improvement. “These skills shape students into well-rounded individuals, capable of handling future challenges beyond the gym,” explained Ms. Zucal.

The Golden Sneaker trophy is awarded to classes that demonstrate these skills during their twice-weekly physical education classes. The most recent Golden Sneaker Award recipients are fifth graders in Julie Hughes and Gianna Aurisano’s class: Alina Akeemana, Caden Chan, Julia Chan, Brenton Hong, Kaitlyn Huang, Anna Jacob, Amelia Kiernan, Tyler Lobdell, Mark Reese, Aayden Sillah, Kimi Shao, Lianna Skye, Rachel Sohn, Charlie Tang, Aalisha Thapar, Colton Xu, Ryder Yu, Preston Yun, Chloe Zhang and Edwin Zhang.

 In addition to recognizing the Golden Sneaker Award recipients, Ms. Zucal also applauded Lakeville’s physical education coaches—James Bailin, Michael Galeotafiore, Jean Igoe and Alyson Lamonte—who foster essential life skills alongside physical development and participation.