The Middle Country Central School District announced its October Students of the Month at its recent Board of Education meeting. Centereach High School student Andrew Colletti, Newfield High School student Samantha Varone, Dawnwood Middle School student Kaitlyn Ippolito and Selden Middle School student Delaney Unger were all celebrated for their outstanding academic achievement, abundant extracurricular participation and providing an overall positive impact on their individual schools and entire community.
“Month after month, we have the incredible opportunity to celebrate four students who emulate the positive values and hard work of the entire Middle Country student body,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “We are thrilled to once again honor students who go above and beyond in the classroom, inside their respective school and throughout their surrounding communities— a representation of what all Middle Country educators seek to instill in our students.”
Centereach High School senior Andrew Colletti is the perfect example of a multi-talented student. Andrew has a GPA of 94.8 and is currently enrolled in five college level classes in addition to physical education and the Philharmonic orchestra. Andrew is a star in the classroom, is an active member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, and a star on the football field where he is a Suffolk County All-Division player. Andrew is a leader on the tennis court as well, where he was recognized by Suffolk County coaches for his outstanding sportsmanship.
Samantha Varone from Newfield High School has been recognized for both her scholarly and volunteer work. Samantha will graduate this June with 36 college credits, along with several other distinctions. The Newfield High School senior is the General Organization vice president, the treasurer of the environmental club, a member of the National Honor Society, a girl scout with a gold star, and an active member of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
What makes Samantha so remarkable is that it has not always been such an easy road for her. Samantha had brain surgery in 2010 to help overcome moyamoya, a rare brain disease that narrows the blood vessels in the brain. Samantha plans to continue to give back to children in the future—planning to pursue a career as a special education teacher.
Dawnwood Middle School eighth grader Kaitlyn Ippolito is a distinguished scholar-athlete. Kaitlyn’s current cumulative GPA is 99.5. She is a three-sport athlete, participating as a doubles player in varsity tennis, a member of the junior varsity basketball team, and a member of the varsity lacrosse team. Kaitlyn has been nominated for the Student of the Month honor by her teachers during every month of sixth and seventh grades.
Selden Middle School eighth grader Delaney Unger has faced adversity head-on and has continued to shine in the classroom. When Delaney was in sixth grade she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. Delaney returned to school last year after winter recess, and has maintained a 95 academic average through it all. She has become an activist for raising awareness for childhood cancer—traveling to Washington D.C. to speak with the staff of numerous members of Congress.
For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: http://www.middlecountry.k12.ny.us.
Centereach High School senior Andrew Colletti.
Newfield High School senior Samantha Varone.
Dawnwood Middle School eighth grade student Kaitlyn Ippolito.
Selden Middle School eighth grade student Delaney Unger.