October Students of the Month Honored at Middle Country

Four Students are Recognized For Their Academic and Extra-Curricular Achievements

Centereach, NY (November 2, 2015) — Four students from the Middle Country Central School District were recently named October Students of the Month for achieving excellence as leaders in the areas of academics, athletics, music and extracurricular activities. Centereach High School senior Isaiah Washington, Newfield High School senior Brianna Reyes, Dawnwood Middle School eighth grader Joshua Ackerler and Selden Middle School eighth grader Tyler Alestra are this month’s honorees.

“These students not only impress us academically, but through their positivity, values and character,” said Middle Country Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “We are extremely proud of the people they are becoming in the classroom and beyond.”

Centereach High School senior Isaiah Washington will graduate in June 2016 having completed four Advanced Placement (AP) courses and seven college-level courses. Outside the classroom, Isaiah is heavily involved in the musical department. He has been in musical productions since his time at Dawnwood Middle School. In his NYSSMA competitions, he has earned perfect scores for his vocal and piano solos for six years and was recently selected to participate in the NYSSMA All-State festival in Rochester, NY. He was also recognized to perform this year at the NAFME All-National Festival in Nashville, TN. Isaiah is also involved in a lot of charity work through his church where he worked with disabled, orphaned children in Ecuador and sang for patients at St. Charles Hospital. After college, Isaiah hopes to pursue a doctorate in Music Education and teach music at the high school or college level.

Newfield High School senior Brianna Reyes is currently enrolled in four college level courses and one advanced placement course. Brianna is the G.O. President, playing an active role in the planning, execution and participation in events such as Homecoming, Trick or Treat Street, Holiday Lane, blood drives and many other day-to-day tasks. She is also a member of National Honor Society, the varsity field hockey team and varsity lacrosse team. Brianna plans to attend William Paterson University where she was scouted to play field hockey and will major in elementary education.

Joshua Ackerler has maintained High Honor Roll status since entering Dawnwood Middle School in sixth grade. He is now an eighth grader and is praised by teachers for the pride he takes in his work. Josh’s strong character was commended by his teacher who added that it is a rare find for someone at Joshua’s young age.

Tyler Alestra has shown dedication and diligence toward his school work. Tyler was a member of the Selden Fire Department Juniors and a competitor on a community soccer league, which he has temporarily put on hold to focus on his studies. He is admired by Selden Middle School staff for his positive attitude and character, having helped a student when visibly upset about an interpersonal conflict. Tyler aspires to become a psychologist to help those around him.

For more information regarding Middle Country Schools and district happenings please visit the district’s website: middlecountry.k12.ny.us.

CHS PHOTO 1Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School October Student of the Month Isaiah Washington will graduate in June 2016 having completed four Advanced Placement (AP) courses and seven college-level courses. Outside the classroom, Isaiah is heavily involved in the musical department. After college, Isaiah hopes to pursue a doctorate in Music Education and teach music at the high school or college level.

NHS PHOTO 2Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School Student of the Month Brianna Reyes is currently enrolled in four college level courses and one advanced placement course. Brianna is the G.O. President, playing an active role in the planning, execution and participation in events such as Homecoming, Trick or Treat Street, Holiday Lane, blood drives and many other day-to-day tasks. Brianna plans to attend William Paterson University where she was scouted to play field hockey and will major in elementary education.

SMS PHOTO 3Middle Country Central School District’s Dawnwood Middle School October Student of the Month Joshua Ackerler has maintained High Honor Roll status since entering Dawnwood Middle School in sixth grade. He is now an eighth grader and is praised by teachers for the pride he takes in his work. Josh’s strong character was commended by his teacher who added that it is a rare find for someone at Joshua’s young age.

DMS PHOTO 4Middle Country Central School District’s Selden Middle School October Student of the Month Tyler Alestra has shown dedication and diligence toward his school work though he sometimes struggles. He is admired by Selden Middle School staff for his positive attitude and character, having helped a student when visibly upset about an interpersonal conflict. Tyler aspires to become a psychologist to help those around him.