We met Jim Gounaris and his wife Georgia 20 years ago when his oldest daughter and our son began kindergarten at Denton Avenue. Since that time, we have become close family friends as our middle sons became very friendly. We were actually pregnant with each of our fourth children at the same time and our two daughters became the best of friends participating in the Herricks Language Immersion. How amazing it is that these two young girls participated in the program and laughed all the way through it. Jim was one of the driving forces for this program.
Fifteen years ago, when the Language Immersion program concept was brought up for discussion and implementation, Jim immersed himself in trying to get the program started. He regularly attended board meetings as well as committee meetings in an effort to have the program begin. Unfortunately, certain restraints halted the program at that time.
When we asked Jim why he felt so passionate about the program, he told us that it was the concept of a new educational program that would be available for any child who wished to join. It was not reserved for any one specific category of student; all could participate in this. He felt strongly that we needed to begin moving the district into new programs that would continue Herricks’ education excellence. He was disappointed but told us not to worry — that in time a great program like this would come back for implementation, which now we know it did a few years later.
Jim’s passion for all the children of Herricks is clear. He does not believe that the accolades bestowed upon the Herricks School District belong to any one particular group. He believes it starts with all the families that live in the district that provide a magical support system for the students. Whether they are “empty nester” retirees, families with children, or our wonderful Herricks employees, Jim thinks everyone together deserves the credit.
We have worked together with Jim on several PTA events and functions. He was an important facet of the Cub Scouts as one of its local co-sponsors. He has offered his time to the Girl Scouts, soccer clubs, baseball teams and to anyone in need. He has served all in this district and the community in a way that very few have and deserves to be re-elected for another term to the Herricks Board of Education.
We feel there is no better candidate for the Herricks School Board than Jim Gounaris. His business skills, honesty, integrity as well as his humanity are exactly what we need as a trustee of the Herricks School Board. Join us in voting for the best candidate in this election for Herricks School Board.
Cast your absentee ballot in supporting the budget, re-electing our good friend Jim Gounaris and his teammate Henry Zanetti as soon as you receive them. Jim Gounaris is HERRICKS STRONG, and a friend for one and all!
George Jr. and Jeanne P. Theodoropoulos
New Hyde Park, NY
