Many districts on Long Island have successfully established educational foundations that allow members of the community and alumni to contribute to special projects. The Alumni Association, in partnership with the Long Beach School District, has been working diligently to make this a reality for Long Beach schools through the creation of a 501c.3 non-profit organization.

This organization will enable us to fundraise and put those funds towards projects and programs that will benefit the Long Beach school community. Members of the alumni association, community, and retired board members are currently volunteering their time to establish a mission and goals, and organize a fundraising event to help the foundation grow. More information to follow!

As this year comes to a close, it is my hope that your family finds time to BE TOGETHER, and enjoy each other's company. Let us use this summer to rest, relax and recharge for another successful school year!

Brand new to the alumni community, Tyler Collinson is a graduate of the Class of 2021, and will attend Cornell University in the fall of 2021 for pre-veterinary animal science. Her teachers describe her as inquisitive, kind, humble, and intrinsically motivated. She is an IB diploma candidate, participating in the most rigorous college prep program Long Beach can offer students. When asked what she will miss most about Long Beach High School (LBHS), Tyler shares that she will miss the staff, who she describes as supportive, understanding, and passionate about the subjects they teach; and of course, the beach!

Tyler is passionate about volunteerism, writing and veterinary medicine, which is evident by her participation in several student mentor experiences through the organizations Big Brothers Big Sisters, Athletes Helping Athletes, and Odyssey of the Mind.

Additionally, Tyler is the editor and staff writer for the Long Beach Tide, LBHS's newspaper, as well as the editor and contributor to Fragments, the school's arts and literary magazine. In both capacities, she leads weekly meetings, designs layouts, edits and writes. It was a no brainer to ask Tyler to interview our next alumni spotlight, Mr. Michael Robinson, Class of 1958. Not only is she extremely gifted in the area of writing and editing, but they are some of her favorite things to do!

In closing, Tyler encourages current Long Beach students to continue working towards their goals, no matter how impossible they seem. She continues, "it's your effort that will achieve what you want, so put your all into everything you do!" Good luck at Cornell, Tyler!

Coming from a family of LBHS alumni, Michael Robinson has always felt a deep connection to the Long Beach community. He grew up in Long Beach, attended East Elementary School, and graduated from LBHS in 1958. He worked as the manager of the high school baseball team and was a patrol leader of his Boy Scouts troop. After graduation, Michael attended Michigan State University for business, then worked in finance for Waverly Textiles and later in long-term care insurance. He also served as a board officer of the Lawrence Golf Club.

Michael fondly recalls his days at LBHS, and he still maintains a strong sense of pride for LBHS and the Long Beach community. His favorite memory is of “Senior Class Day,” when the entire senior grade played truant and rode their bikes to the Atlantic Beach Bridge. Sometimes, students would race to the beach to see who dared enter the ocean first in April. Another fun Long Beach tradition was Friday Convocation, in which students participated in a schoolwide activity like a Talent Show. During the snowy winters, Michael recalled how Long Beach parents would drive around town, towing their kids in sleds. He also noted that even in 1955, the Long Beach versus Oceanside rivalry was going strong.

Although Long Beach has changed much since 1955 (from an almost rural suburb to the small city it is today), Michael reflected that the surrounding community and support has not. He noted that his class of 222 students was very tight-knit and still keeps in contact today. His teachers were always there to help their students and foster success, of which LBHS students had a lot. Many of his classmates went on to successful careers in athletics, acting, science, and local law enforcement and emergency services. The Long Beach community, which Michael recalled was inclusive to everyone, taught students to put up with a wide array of people from different backgrounds and interests.

Michael is currently enjoying his retirement in Florida, but he notes that Long Beach was the best place he has ever lived in. He advises current students to enjoy their final years of school before they’re over and make memories to remember these formative years. - Tyler Collinson

Are you in need of responsible high school employees? Fill out the google doc below! Jobs are listed on the counseling webpage at the high school for students to review.

Mr. Leo Padalino taught Social Studies at LBHS with grace and humor for 32 years – and was also remembered by students and faculty as an avid Yankee fan. For many years he was Chief Executive Officer of the Long Beach Teachers Federal Credit Union. Before he began teaching, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. Leo was the beloved husband of Carla of 55 years, loving father of Mary, Lisa, and Deborah (all are teachers), cherished Nonno of John Dominick, Emma, and Luke, and endeared uncle of his nieces and nephews.

Following his passing on March 16, 2021, his former students have chosen to honor him with a memorial scholarship. An annual scholarship will be awarded to a deserving college bound LBHS senior who has performed significant community service, excelled in Social Studies, and proven financial need. Donations in any amount may be made by check, payable to "LBSD Scholarship Fund" with "Leo Padalino Memorial Scholarship" written in the memo section. Checks should be mailed to the LBHS scholarship coordinator:

Deanna Lavelle

LBHS, LBHS Counseling Department

322 Lagoon Drive West

Lido Beach, NY 11561

Leo will be missed by his family and friends near and far.

Complete the registration form to become an official member of the Long Beach Alumni Association. Membership will afford you inside information on events specifically geared towards alumni, and access to our newsletters. Click here to join the Alumni Association!

Email: alumni@lbeach.org
Location: Long Beach, NY, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongBeachAlumni/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Email: alumni@lbeach.org
Website: www.lbeach.org
Location: Long Beach, NY, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongBeachPublicSchools/
Twitter: @LBSchoolsNY