public high school on Long Island, but was not one of the top 500 best high schools in America according to Newsweek. South was ranked, according to Newsweek: 41st best high school in America in 1999 33rd best high school in America in 2000 152nd best high school in America in 2005 264th best high school in America in 2006 294th best high school in America in 2007 299th best high school in America in 2010 333rd best high school in America in 2012 400th best high school in America in 2013 The Falcon Report The Falcon Report began broadcasting on November 22, 2002, as a 7- to 10-minute student-made weekly TV news report shown school-wide on Fridays at 8:28 during homeroom period (As of 2020, the show is shown at 7:50 AM during homeroom or viewed on the YouTube channel). All activity at South comes to a halt during the broadcast as all students and faculty watch the show. Full-footage news coverage is provided on 4 to 7 issues that are prominent in the mainstream news that week. Other elements typically shown are student-made commercials, a weather report, and a sports segment. Topics frequently covered include school events, recent trips, innovative projects in various classes, and unique happenings at the school. Taping of the show occurs throughout the week. The logo of the program is the symbol and mascot of Valley Stream South High School, a falcon. Notable alumni Lon Babby, president of the Phoenix Suns Deborah Oppenheimer, Academy Award Winner for her documentary, Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport Gary Portnoy, singer/songwriter, most notably the performer of the Cheers theme song, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" Larry Miller, comedian and actor, notably in Pretty Woman, Law & Order, Boston Legal, Bee Movie, The Princes Diaries, Seinfeld and 10 Things I Hate About You References External links VSSHS website Public high schools in New York (state) Valley Stream, New York Schools in Nassau County, New York Public middle schools in New York (state) Educational institutions established in 1955 1955 establishments in New York (state)