Pearl River School Board Recognizes Shine, Hires Music Teacher

The Pearl River Board of Education opened its meeting Tuesday by recognizing the accomplishments of Pearl River High School Senior Molly Shine.

Shine, a standout in cross country and track, received an ESPNHS Monday Night Football Chalk Talk RISE Above award Sept. 19 for her ability to overcome obstacles to succeed.

Pearl River Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Morgano read a letter he wrote to Shine before giving it to her.

"You are an outstanding student, athlete and young adult," Morgano said. "Your determination and perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a model for others to follow. It is my honor to congratulate you on your recognition by the ESPN High School Rise Above Achievement.

"Being diagnosed with asthma would have halted the sports careers of most students, but your personal determination proved stronger than your illness and you succeeded where others would have failed."

Morgano also acknowledged Shine's charitable efforts. Shine brought the award she received during a presentation last week and talked about her experience. Though Shine grew up watching the New York Giants, she admits she did not know all of the people she met.

"(Giants' defensive lineman) Justin Tuck, I'm pretending to know who that is," Shine said, drawing a laugh from those in attendance. "He signed this (football). My mom got (former Giant) Amani Toomer to sign a ball for my brother. I got to shake Antonio Pierce's hand. That was cool."

Other Board Business

• The Board of Education held a first reading of 20 policy revisions, ranging from staff evaluations to bullying and media relations.
• The board also approved reserve increases for 2011, putting money aside for projected expenses. This included a $400,000 increase in the account for tax settlements. The primary reason for this is that Blue Hill Plaza recently filed a challenge of its taxes to the district, though it may take two years before that issue works its way through the system. The district also added to its reserves for retirements and capital projects.
• Danice Claud Desir was provisionally hired as a music teacher, replacing Amy Restholder. Restholder had been hired in June, but later resigned.