Great Neck North High School is proud to be honored by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) as a recipient of the Systems of Care Community award in the 2021 What’s Great In Our State program.
North High School is being recognized for its partnership with students, families, teachers, school administrators and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments. It prioritizes wellness in the school culture and organizes an annual Mental Health & Wellness Week with presentations, student workshops, and mindfulness activities.
"Great Neck North High School shows us ‘What’s Great in Our State’ by creating an environment that ensures students can achieve success academically, socially, and emotionally," said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. "Having a safe, stigma-free environment where children can address behavioral health struggles and promote mindfulness has a profound impact on their educational experience. We thank Great Neck North High School and all our honorees for their hard work and commitment to children’s mental health."
The award-winning North High Counseling Team includes school psychologists, social workers, and guidance counselors who work together to support the academic, social, and emotional needs of the school community. Team members include: school psychologists Dr. Anton Berzins and Dr. David Cheng; school social worker Oana Scholl; guidance department head Michael Neary; and guidance counselors Jordana Cohen, Kristen Corrigan, Peter Hidasi, Amanda Reilly, Kim Semder, and Corinne Tortorice.
Additionally, the North High Counseling Team partners with Marc Fernandez and Jackeline Gomez of the Family and Children’s Association of Long Island (FCA) Family First program to provide specialized support services for English as a New Language (ENL) learners and their families.
"The counseling team of North High School is pleased to be recognized for our efforts to provide support services and resources to our students, parents, and community," said Principal Dr. Dan Holtzmanl. "Our team is giving students the tools and skills needed to help them lead socially and emotionally healthy lives."
The OMH What’s Great In Our State program was established in 2010 to celebrate individuals, localities, agencies, and programs that support the mental health of children, youth, and young adults. Honorees are selected by an interagency committee made up of representatives from state child-serving agencies, mental health advocacy organizations, and family/youth-run organizations.
The OMH celebrated 2021 What’s Great In Our State honorees during a virtual event on May 4 via Zoom.
