Connetquot High School alumna Alexa Sheryll recently visited with the kindergartners enrolled in Linda Ziegler Pennington’s class at Slocum Elementary School to speak with the students about her journey toward being named Miss Empire State 2019.

During her time spent in the classroom, Alexa talked to the excited students about her years as a Connetquot student, and the positive effect Mrs. Pennington had on her future career. After reading a book to the students about dealing with bullies, she answered their questions about growing up in Ronkonkoma, her experiences as Miss Empire State, and her real job as director of community affairs for the Town of Hempstead.  

The children were excited to talk about her pageant experience, her pageant clothing, as well as the volunteer community work she does to fight bullying and to register citizens to vote.

 “The children loved her; it was an honor to have her come back to visit my students and the district,” said Mrs. Pennington. “I am so very proud of the woman she has become, and honored to have worked with her as a student. We are all so very proud of Alexa.”  

Additionally, The Town of Oyster Bay declared April 16, 2019 as Alexa Sheryll Day due to her altruistic efforts. Alexa will represent New York at the USA National Miss Scholarship Pageant at Disney World this summer.