The Middle Country Central School District is proud to recognize two middle school students—Julia Zabinsky and Liana Chivu—as students of the month for May. The two students were recognized for their academic excellence, participation in school activities and clubs, and brilliant attitudes.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I acknowledge Julia Zabinsky and Liana Chivu for their academic success and distinguished character,’ said Dr. Roberta Gerold, superintendent of Middle Country Central School District. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to watch the growth of these two students, who are positive role models for their peers. I can’t wait to see their journey in high school in the coming years.”
Selden Middle School eighth-grade student Julia Zabinsky was nominated as student of the month for her maturity, intelligence, and positive attitude every day. Julia’s unmatched work ethic is shown through her meticulous lab work and constant desire to complete extra credit assignments, despite having a perfect grade score of 100 for the quarter. Julia also had a perfect 100 each quarter in her living environment class.
Although Julia is a strong student academically, she is much more than her grades. Julia is devoted to community service and helping others. She is a Junior Environmental Steward with the Town of Brookhaven and has helped with clean-ups and wildlife preservation on south shore beaches. These projects helped save diamondback terrapin turtles who have been consuming litter and are in danger as they move about crossing roads. Julia also enjoyed helping with the Happy Hearts project in which she assisted special needs students with their sewing.
Julia is also a lover of animals, especially those that are challenged. She has adopted three special needs cats, two of whom are blind and the third who is partially blind. She also appeared on television during the Kitten Bowl which airs on Super Bowl Sunday to advocate for special needs animals. Julia’s dream is to become a veterinarian one day.
Dawnwood Middle School seventh-grade student Liana Chivu was nominated as student of the month for her great respect for her fellow classmates and her remarkable spark for learning and education. She is an active member of the classroom as she helps her friends and contributes her thoughts, ideas, answers, and questions.
Liana is a member and the president of the Dawnwood National Junior Honor Society. She is involved in many clubs and activities at Dawnwood including Peer Leadership Club, Technology Club, American Sign Language Club, and Drama Club. Liana is also a member of the Competitive Sachem Swim Club and devotes many of her lunch periods to volunteering at the school store. Liana’s overall average for her sixth grade school year was 99.67 and her average for this school year is 98.8. She plays clarinet in the Dawnwood band and often works with students in her ENL afterschool study sessions. She has career hopes of working in the field of space exploration.