The Herricks Union Free School District is a school district located in western Nassau County on Long Island, in New York State. The district lies within the Greater New Hyde Park area and serves a number of communities including Herricks, Garden City Park, Manhasset Hills, Searingtown, North Hills, Williston Park and Albertson.
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The school in Herricks was established in 1813, making it one of the oldest in Nassau County. It was named for Herricks Path, a path that existed as early as 1659.[1] By 1898, the Herricks School was one of Nassau County's last single-room schools.[2]
The Herricks Community Center just south of the High School once also served as the Junior High school.
Herricks High School stands on Watermelon Hill. The land near the area was a burial ground for the Pearsall family starting in the 17th century, but the burial grounds were later removed.[3]
The High School opened in 1958 and had its first graduating class in 1960.[4]
Known as the "Herricks Prayer Case, Engel v. Vitale," in 1959 the Herricks School District a.k.a. Union Free School District #9 was sued by five district property owners. "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country." was recited as a daily procedure on the recommendation of the NY State Board of Regents. This case was decided by the U. S. Supreme Court, which ruled the prayer unconstitutional in 1962.[5] [6]