LILT is taking a planned one-year hiatus from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027 to strengthen the organization from the inside out. During this time, the Executive Board will focus on reviewing our governance, modernizing our Constitution and Bylaws, reorganizing leadership structures, improving technology and communications, and developing a strategic plan for the future.
No. LILT is not dissolving or ending its mission. This is a temporary and intentional pause in regular programming so that we can return as a stronger, more sustainable organization.
Our goal is to relaunch in September 2027 with:
We’re also exploring the possibility of a special “Welcome Back” or kickoff event to celebrate LILT’s next chapter.
Throughout the year, the Hiatus Committee and Executive Board will be working on initiatives such as:
Absolutely! While regular programming will pause, members will have opportunities to share ideas, provide feedback, volunteer on committees, and help shape the future of LILT. We believe the strongest organizations are built with input from their members.
Yes. We are committed to keeping our members informed throughout the year. Updates will be shared through NYSAFLT, the LILT website, email communications, and social media as milestones are reached.
LILT has served language educators for more than four decades. As education and professional organizations continue to evolve, our governing documents should evolve as well. This review will help ensure that our structure, leadership, and policies continue to support LILT’s mission and future growth.
Our vision is for LILT to return in Fall 2027 as a stronger, more connected professional organization—one that continues to champion world language education while providing meaningful professional learning, leadership opportunities, collaboration, and advocacy for educators across Long Island.
Congratulations to our Student World Language Contest Winners
American Sign language
Authentic Production Video – Authentic Speaking Task.
B – Grades 6-12 (Level 1) – Zoe Varkaris & Emma Salvatori (North Shore HS)
B – Grades 6-12 (Level 2) – Mika Ikawa & Lia Serravalle (North Shore HS)
B – Grades 6-12 (Level 3) – Grace Ryan & Janessa Reyes (North Shore HS)
American Sign Language
Authentic Production Video – International Vocal Music & ASL Song Interpretation
B-Grades 6-12 (Level 3) – Sophia Ancona, Zahrah Chin, Ava Connelly, Sophie Leigh, Ashley Levy, Nylise Rosario, Haoran Shi, Kate Spieler, JacK Begley (North Shore HS)
French
Authentic Production Video – Poetry Recitation
1st Place – B- Grades 6-12 (Level 1) – Ariande Patsalides (Willets Road Middle School)
2nd Place – B- Grades 6-12 (Level 1) – Alex Dunn (Willets Road Middle School)
3rd Place – B- Grades 6-12 (Level 1) – Lucy Morgan (Willets Road Middle School)
French
Written Original Poetry
B – Grades 6-12 (Level 3) – Samantha Wo (Old Westbury)
Italian
Authentic Production Video – International Dance
B – Grades 6-12 (Level 4) – Ashka Tercius, Alexandra Saccone, Jennetta Saul, Ashish Kaur (Sewanhaka High School)
Spanish
Written Original Essay
1st Place – A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Manuel Gomez Martinez (Cutchogue East Elementary)
2nd Place – A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Yoni Gomez Martinez (Cutchogue East Elementary)
3rd Place – A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Gage Meehan (Cutchogue East Elementary)
Spanish
Written Original Poetry
1st Place – A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Gabrielle Opisso – (Cutchogue East Elementary)
2nd Place – A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Renata Opisso – (Cutchogue East Elementary)
3rd Place – A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Arianna Ramirez – (Cutchogue East Elementary)
Spanish
Authentic Production Video – International Dance
1st Place – A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Lillian Connolly, Amelia Dantes, Theia Stetler, Gabriella Duran Dunbar, Adeline Galgano, Ella Eschbach, Ella Warner (Cutchogue East Elementary)
2nd Place – A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Alisson Pinto, Liam Walters, Denis Girón (Cutchogue East Elementary)
Spanish
Authentic Production Video – Poetry Recitation
A – Grades K-5 (All Levels) – Siena Roseto – (Cutchogue East Elementary)
Spanish
Written Original Poetry
B- Grades 6-12 (Level 2) – Annemarie Alfonsi (Floral Park Memorial High School)
Spanish
Authentic Production Video – Poetry Recitation
1st Place – B – Grades 6-12 (Level 4) – AnnaBelle Deaner (Hills East)
2nd Place – B – Grades 6-12 (Level 4) – Emily Wong (Sewanhaka Central High School District)
Spanish
Authentic Production Video – International
1st Place – B – Grades 6-12 (Level 4) – Silvia Izquierdo (Massapequa High School)
Spanish
Written Original Essay
1st Place – B – Grades 6-12 (Level 4) – AnnaBelle Deaner (Hills East)
2nd Place – B – Grades 6-12 (Level 4) – Chloe Goldberg (Massapequa High School)
Spanish
Written Original Poetry
1st Place – C – College/AP/IB/Honors – Lily De Bei (Ward Melville High School)
2nd Place – C – College/AP/IB/Honors – Ava Perrotta (Ward Melville High School)
3rd Place – C – College/AP/IB/Honors – Shirley Xiong (Ward Melville High School)
Questions? Please contact our Member-at-Large, Dina Pannone
LILT is approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) as a sponsor of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE). The approval is pursuant to section 80-6 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. Attendance at our LILT General Membership Meetings, LILT Annual Conference and LILT Professional Development Workshops can count towards satisfying the required 100 hours of Professional Development every five years.
