A Community Milestone: Harborfields Earns Prestigious Blue Ribbon Distinction

GREENLAWN, NY — Harborfields High School was formally celebrated this week after earning a National Blue Ribbon distinction, a recognition that highlights exceptional academic performance and sustained achievement.

The National Blue Ribbon distinction is a high honor from the U.S. Department of Education that recognizes schools for exceptional academic performance or for making significant progress in closing achievement gaps.

Although the federal program was later canceled nationwide, district leaders held a celebratory recognition ceremony at the Nov. 19 Board of Education meeting to honor the school’s accomplishment and the work that led to it.

The evening began with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition signed by U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, followed by a New York State Senate Proclamation sponsored by Sen. Mario Mattera. Assemblymembers Steve Stern and Keith Brown also issued citations acknowledging the high school’s achievement.

Adding to the statewide recognition, New York State Regent Felicia Thomas-Williams attended the meeting in person to present a special Certificate of Recognition, praising students, teachers, and administrators for their commitment to excellence.

The Town of Huntington joined in the celebration as well. Councilman Dave Bennardo presented a proclamation on behalf of Supervisor Ed Smyth and the Town Board, describing the honor as “a special recognition for the entire Harborfields community.”

Superintendent Dr. Rory Manning then presented High School Principal Dr. Vincent Farrelly with a commemorative plaque from the Board of Education, symbolizing the collective effort behind the accomplishment.

“This recognition reflects years of dedicated effort by faculty, staff, students, families, district leadership, and community partners,” Farrelly said. “Excellence was already embedded in the fabric of this school long before I arrived, and I am honored to celebrate this milestone with our community.”