Centereach, New York—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) recently announced its October students of the month at its recent Board of Education meeting. Newfield High School senior Peter Marjowski, Centereach High School senior Robert Montano, Dawnwood Middle School eighth grader Kayla Gutmann, and Selden Middle School eighth grader Miranda Palumbo were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, abundant extracurricular participation and for providing a positive impact on their schools and communities.
“Now more than ever, this time of year is always an exciting time with students returning to the classrooms and becoming more acclimated with the Middle Country community,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “It is my pleasure to recognize Peter, Robert, Kayla and Miranda—four incredible students who have been selected to represent the district as students of the month for October. Each of them emulates the positive values and hard work of the entire Middle Country student body and I am thrilled to celebrate their achievements. Congratulations to all.”
Peter Marjowski, senior at Newfield High School, was selected as student of the month in recognition of his diligence in the classroom and continued effort towards being a role model for his peers. Peter, who has maintained an unweighted GPA of 95.2083, will graduate with a total of 10 completed college level and Advanced Placement (AP) courses giving him the potential to graduate with more than 30 college credits. Beyond his academic accomplishments, Peter serves as president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the newspaper club, as well as an active member of the foreign language club, debate club, and is a teen book reviewer for the Middle Country Public Library. Currently, he is a candidate for senior class president.
Peter is currently applying to colleges including Hofstra, Sacred Heart, and his first choice, Stony Brook, with a vision to study history and criminal justice. Peter aspires to attend law school and pursue a career in criminal law or civil litigation.
Centereach High School senior Robert Montano’s selection as student of the month is indicative of both his intelligence and outstanding work ethic. Come graduation, Robert will have completed nine college level and AP courses while balancing a professional singing and acting career. In previous years, Robert has been named an All-State vocalist; performed at Radio City Music Hall; played the lead role in the off Broadway hit, High School Musical; and most recently performed in a supporting role for the Warner Brothers feature film “The Many Saints of Newark.” He was one of only two students in Suffolk County that Newsday recognized as a Long Island Scholar Artist and was the only singer from New York State awarded a full scholarship to attend “Grammy Camp,” hosted by the University of Southern California and the Grammy committee. Robert is an active participant in CHS clubs like Men’s Choir and has played a lead role in all Centereach H.S. theater productions since entering as a freshman.
As a senior, Robert is applying to the University of Southern California, Belmont University, Pace University, and Ithaca College in preparation to pursue a doctoral degree in music while continuing his journey to sing and act.
Kayla Gutmann, eighth grade student at Dawnwood Middle School, was selected as Dawnwood Middle School’s October student of the month for her academic ability and continuous motivation in the classroom. Her teachers hold her in high regard, citing her contributions to class and her diligence as a student while maintaining an overall GPA of 98.3. Her favorite subject is social studies and she aspires to become an elementary school teacher after college. Beyond the classroom, Kayla is a member of the Dawnwood orchestra and plays soccer for both Dawnwood and her travel team. Miranda Palumbo, student of the month at Selden Middle School, was recognized for her dedication and determined manner with which she has applied herself to successfully deal with the most arduous tasks. Throughout her time in middle school, Miranda has distinguished herself on a path for success as she achieves the goals she sets for herself. She has not only worked diligently but has been highly involved in academic and extracurricular activities. Among her peers, she maintains energy, enthusiasm, and an optimistic disposition, inspiring her peers to follow suit. Miranda maintains a wonderful disposition and the domestic responsibilities required of her after school.
Peter Marjowski 
Robert Montano 
Kayla Gutmann 
Miranda Polumbo