Wyandanch, NY – Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg recognized a pair of county residents, Naya Pierce and Reynolds Hawkins, for their accomplishments and contributions to the 15th district at the legislature’s general meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
“It was my honor to recognize two very special people who both help make the 15th district a better place in their own unique ways,” said Legislator Richberg. “I’ve known Naya Pierce since she was a child and I am thrilled, but not surprised, to see the strong and accomplished young lady that she has grown into. Reynolds, or ‘Coach Hawkins’ as he is more commonly known, has been a leader in the Amityville community for decades- supporting his students on and off of the field and helping guide them to their full potential. His induction into the county’s Coaches’ Hall of Fame is beyond well-deserved.”
North Babylon High School sophomore Naya Pierce was honored for winning multiple titles and awards in pageants this past year, including the 2021 Young Miss East Coast USA, the 2021 Divine Dollz Ultimate Grand Supreme, and many more. Naya is 15 years old and serves as her school’s 11th grade class president as well as a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Equity Team, and Students for a Better World. Naya, who now resides in the 17th legislative district, was recognized with a joint proclamation from Legislator Richberg and Legislator Tom Donnelly.
“Ms. Naya Pierce is a wonderful student-leader who is committed to improving our school and community,” said North Babylon High School Principal Jonathan Klomp.
Amityville Memorial High School Track and Field coach Reynolds Hawkins was honored for being named a member of the inaugural class of inductees to the Suffolk County Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Coach Hawkins, who graduated from Amityville High School, has been a coach for 24 years and in that time has led his teams to 13 divisional titles, 16 league titles, and has been named Suffolk’s Coach of the Year 10 times.
“Thank you Suffolk County Coaches for this highest honor. Being inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame means Amityville will always be recognized as a dominant Track & Field program,” said Reynolds Hawkins. “To be recognized by your peers unexpectedly is priceless. I am blessed to have been honored to represent Amityville's community for 6 years as an athlete and 24 years as a coach alongside some of the greatest and most dedicated student-athletes. Thank you Legislator Richberg for making me feel special!”