At a recent Middle Country Central School District Board of Education meeting, students, teachers, and Board of Education members were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments, dedicated service, and contributions to the school community.
Among those honored were student interns from Centereach High School and Newfield High School, along with inaugural advisors Ms. Angelina Saladino and Ms. Margaret Derasmo, who were presented with Certificates of Pride for their work in helping launch and support the Cohen Strong Mental Health Program. Their leadership and commitment were instrumental in making the program a success. Students recognized included Lukas Wolpiuk, Anisha Nur, Mustafa Lodhi, and Emerald Compton from Centereach High School, as well as Janiah Forthe and Jada Matthias from Newfield High School. Rebekkah Peltz and Sreya Roy of Newfield High School were also recognized.
Board President Mrs. Dawn Sharrock presented Certificates of Appreciation to Ex Officio Student Board Members Rose Miller and Dyllon Blake in recognition of their dedicated time and service to the Board of Education during the 2025–2026 school year. In addition, Mrs. Sharrock presented plaques of appreciation to Board Trustees Mrs. Doreen Feldmann, Mrs. Deborah Mann-Rodriguez, and Ms. Laura Talamo for their passionate, diligent service and unwavering commitment to the students of Middle Country.
The meeting also featured special recognition from the New York State School Boards Association. Mr. Robert Vecchio, executive director of N-SSBA, presented Mrs. Dawn Sharrock with the Level 4 Lifetime Achievement Award and Mr. Robert Feeney, Board Vice President, with the Level 3 Board Mastery Award as part of N–SSBA’s Board of Excellence Recognition Program. Mr. Vecchio also presented former Board Trustee Ms. Kathleen Walsh with the N-SSBA Outstanding School Board Service Award. Mrs. Sharrock also presented Certificates of Pride to two Newfield High School science teachers for their professional achievements.
Ann Marie Hassett, a chemistry teacher at Newfield High School, was recognized for receiving a distinction at Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s second annual Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Award Ceremony. Hassett was honored in the Law Enforcement/First Responder category for her service to the community as a firefighter with the Coram Fire Department. As the department’s only female firefighter, she has become a role model for young girls and women.
Donna D’Auria, who teaches biology and AP Environmental Science at Newfield High School, was recognized for receiving the LISTEMELA STEM Star Award. A New York State Master Teacher, D’Auria was honored for her unwavering commitment to students and innovative instructional practices. She works with a wide range of learners, including ENL students, inclusion classes, and students in the Alternative Learning Center, consistently striving to make science meaningful, accessible, and engaging for all.
Also recognized at the meeting were students who earned the New York State AHPERD Suffolk Zone Health and Physical Education Leadership Award. Mr. Joseph Mercado presented Certificates of Pride to Centereach High School students Cemal Tastan and Madelyn Madrigal, as well as Newfield High School students Jason Krol and Lily Kolasinski.
Mr. Mercado also presented Certificates of Recognition to three seniors for their distinguished high school lacrosse careers: Joseph Farrugia and Jake Mikochik of Centereach High School, and Dominic Otis of Newfield High School.
In celebration of student achievement in career and technical education programs, Mr. Nick Cangero, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, introduced students who earned honors through DECA, the Career Exploration Challenge, SkillsUSA, and College Virtual Enterprise. Mrs. Liz Scott Pothier, Mrs. Michele Bradley, Mrs. Traci Bernardino, along with Rita Tsoukaris, presented Certificates of Pride to the Career Exploration Challenge winners.
The evening served as a meaningful celebration of the many accomplishments of Middle Country students, staff, and Board members, highlighting the district’s continued commitment to excellence, leadership, and service.