In an inspiring show of community spirit and generosity, the Muccio siblings of Middle Country Central School District hosted their fourth annual lemonade stand fundraiser to help fellow students in need prepare for the upcoming school year.
The week-long event, organized and run entirely by the Muccio children, raised funds to purchase school supplies and backpacks for students in Middle Country. This year, the siblings expanded their efforts, offering lemonade, chips, cookies, handmade bracelets, children’s clothes, shoes, toys, and household items to raise as much money as possible.
Last year, the Muccio kids raised an impressive $1,317, which allowed them to purchase 75 backpacks and hundreds of essential school supplies. This year, they built on that momentum and raised $2,255. After a successful fundraising week, the siblings spent three hours shopping at the Setauket Target, carefully budgeting 100% of their proceeds to maximize the impact of every dollar.
Thanks to Target’s 20% teacher discount and an additional 15% savings through the Target app, the Muccio family was able to purchase 135 backpacks and over 1,000 school supplies—all dedicated to Middle Country children who need them most.
Their annual lemonade stand has become a cherished local tradition—one that not only brings the community together but also teaches valuable lessons in empathy, budgeting, and civic responsibility. The Muccio family extends their heartfelt thanks to the community for their continued support and to Target for the generous discounts that helped stretch every dollar further.
Five talented music students from Newfield High School have returned from a three-week international performance tour across Europe as part of American Music Abroad’s Freedom Tour.
Alex Wagner, Caiden Davis, Xjung Todd, Umber Sharma, and Athan Forster, accompanied by their band teacher Dr. Harold Goldstein, had the extraordinary opportunity to perform in world-renowned venues and experience rich cultural landmarks across five countries.
Throughout the tour, the students performed in a variety of iconic locations, including historic amphitheaters, majestic cathedrals, charming gazebos, and grand auditoriums in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and France. These concerts brought together young musicians from across the United States to share their passion for music on a global stage.
Cultural highlights of the tour included:
Viewing Michelangelo’s Statue of David in Florence
Visiting the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
Riding gondolas through the canals of Venice
Exploring salt mines and hiking a glacier in Austria
Taking in the breathtaking Rhine Falls in Switzerland
Reflecting at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site in Germany
Wandering through medieval villages, castles, and cathedrals throughout Germany and France
“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Dr. Goldstein. “Not only did our students get to showcase their musical talents abroad, but they also immersed themselves in diverse cultures and histories that will stay with them forever.”
The Newfield community is incredibly proud of Alex, Caiden, Xjung, Umber, and Athan for their outstanding representation of the school, their musicianship, and their commitment to excellence.
Middle Country Central School District—along with many other school districts statewide—recently swore in for the first time two outstanding students as student board representatives for the 2025–2026 school year during the Board of Education’s annual organizational meeting.
Rose Miller of Centereach High School and Dyllon Blake of Newfield High School took their oaths during the meeting, marking the beginning of their roles as student liaisons to the Board of Education. Both students currently serve as Government Organization (GO) presidents at their respective schools.
Dyllon currently serves as the General Organization (G.O.) President and Vice President of the National Honor Society. He is also an active member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Jazz Band. Additionally, he holds the position of Vice President of the History Club. Rose is the General Organization President and a dedicated member of several school organizations, including the Class of 2026 Club, Best Buddies Club, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and the Girls Varsity Soccer Team.
As student representatives, Rose and Dyllon will provide valuable insight and perspective on behalf of their peers, helping to strengthen the connection between the student body and the Board. Rose and Dyllon’s leadership and dedication to student advocacy make them well-suited for these important roles.
“We are proud to welcome Rose and Dyllon to the Board in their capacities as student representatives,” said Dawn Sharrock, Board President. “Their voices will help guide our decisions and ensure that student concerns remain a central focus in our district initiatives.”
The Middle Country Central School District congratulates Rose and Dyllon on their appointments and looks forward to their contributions in the coming year.
Several staff members and one student in the Middle Country Central School District were honored at the most recent Board of Education meeting for their exemplary achievements in their school and community.
Board of Education Trustees Deborah Mann-Rodriguez and Doreen Feldmann presented Certificates of Appreciation to District teachers Michele Bradley, Traci Bernardino, Peggy Derasmo, Lauren Filomena, Karen Stratton and Liz Scott Pothier for guiding Career and Technical Educations students as they successfully completed their Career Exploration Challenge. All teachers championed the program with pride as they helped promote it through the Middle Country Business Advisory Board.
District Director of Science and Research PK-12 Dr. Rachel Ndembera presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School First-Grade Teacher Alyssa Hughes, who recently received the Elementary Level Science Teacher of the Year Award from the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS). She was honored for her exemplary performance as a science teacher, her outstanding leadership and her dedication to professional learning.
Dr. Ndembera also presented a Certificate of Pride to Dawnwood Middle School Science Teacher Shawn Pleickhardt, who recently received the 2025 STEM Star Teacher Award from the Long Island Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Education Leadership Association (LISTEMELA).
District Director of ELA and Grant Funded Opportunities PK-12 Dr. Kyrie Siegel presented a Certificate of Pride to Raymond Sabini, a dedicated Jericho Elementary School fourth-grade teacher and established author known as Raymond Bean. When he isn’t teacher or writing children’s literature, Mr. Sabini dedicates his time to inspiring others and sharing his writing expertise. He has presented numerous times at the District’s Literacy and Humanities Expos and has facilitated after-school professional development sessions regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the writing and publishing process. Last month, Mr. Sabini served as the keynote speaker of the Long Island Language Arts Council’s May Literacy Event.
Board of Education President Dawn Sharrock presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School fifth-grade student Reagan Attianese, who has qualified for the National Olympic Junior Luge team. In order to make the team, Reagan competed against 1,000 other children and completed numerous trials demonstrating her skills and dedication.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
Board of Education Trustee Deborah Mann-Rodriguez, left, and Doreen Feldmann, right, presented Certificates of Appreciation to Michele Bradley, left, Peggy Derasmo, and Liz Scott Pothier. District Director of Science and Research PK-12 Dr. Rachel Ndembera, right, presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School First-Grade Teacher Alyssa Hughes, left, and Dawnwood Middle School Science Teacher Shawn Pleickhardt. District Director of ELA and Grant Funded Opportunities PK-12 Dr. Kyrie Siegel, right, presented a Certificate of Pride to author Raymond Sabini.
Board of Education President Dawn Sharrock presented a Certificate of Pride acknowledging New Lane Memorial Elementary School fifth-grade student Reagan Attianese.
District Holds Spring Letter Signing to Recognize 15 Students Planning to Pursue Athletics in College
The Middle Country
Central School District recently held its Spring National Letter of Intent
signing event for 15 student athletes who will continue their athletic and
academic careers after graduation. Students displayed pride in their future
schools by wearing sweatshirts and other apparel with their colleges’ names and
logos.
“These students have not only excelled in athletics, but have also
demonstrated the academic commitment, leadership, and perseverance necessary
for success in college and beyond,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta
Gerold. “We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see all that they
accomplish.”
Newfield High School senior Matthew Evers will be playing football for
Alfred University, Newfield High School Dylan Alberto will be joining the
baseball team at Farmingdale State College and Centereach High School senior Ava
Annunziata will be playing lacrosse at Wheeling University.
Centereach High School senior Daniel Kahler will be running track at SUNY
Cortland, Centereach High School senior Addison Azmoun will join the equestrian
team at Sacred Heart University and Newfield High School senior Joshua Hayes
will be joining the basketball team at St. Joseph’s College.
Centereach High School senior Caragh Doyle will be playing softball at SUNY
Old Westbury, Centereach High School senior Andrew DiMondo will be playing
lacrosse at Tusculum University and Centereach High School senior Meaghan
Grieco will be joining the volleyball team at Farmingdale State College.
Centereach High School senior Brooke Gullo will be playing softball at
SUNY Oswego, Centereach High School senior Sarah Williams will join the track
team at Stony Brook University and Centereach High School senior Grace Boland
will be running track at SUNY Cortland.
Lastly, Centereach High School senior Alexa Carmody will join the
basketball team at St. Joseph’s College, Centereach High School senior Nelson
Oo will be joining the soccer team at Misericordia University and Centereach
High School senior Thomas Doyle will be joining the football team at St. Joseph
Fisher University.
This celebration marked a significant milestone in the lives of these
student-athletes, as they transition from high school to collegiate competition
while pursuing higher education. The District congratulates each student and
their families for their hard work and dedication.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
The Middle Country Central School District recently recognized 15 student athletes who signed their Letter of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers in college.
District Announces the Top Students of the Class of 2025 at NHS and CHS
The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce the top students of the Class of 2025 at Newfield High School and Centereach High School. Diya John and Jashandeep (Jash) Singhare the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of Newfield High School, and Shawn Edbert and Ben Taciakare the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of Centereach High School.
Newfield High School Valedictorian Diya John will complete her senior year with more than 50 college credits and the status of AP Scholar with Distinction. She was also selected as the winner of the Principal’s Leadership Scholarship awarded by the Suffolk County High School Principal’s Association.
In addition to her exceptional academic record, Diya is a member of the Districty’s Legislative Outreach Community Committee, Glamour Galz, Mock Trial Team, Dr. Gerold’s Leadership Club and the National Quill & Scroll Honor Society. In addition, she’s an active member of Newfield’s newspaper The Quadrangle, a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, National Honor Society president, and General Organization president.
“As President of the Newfield National Honor Society, Diya is a natural leader and role model to her peers,” said Diana Cook, the district’s Library Media Specialist and National Honor Society advisor. “She is diligent, detail oriented, and truly cares about the success of her club. Diya is always willing to help others and goes the extra mile to make sure her fellow officers and club members will be successful in everything they do from event planning, to fundraising, to volunteer work for the community. She is the true example of a model student; always willing to help others, and always with a smile.”
Outside of school, Diya is a volunteer teen book reviewer for the Middle Country Public Library, an art and book buddy, a member of the library’s teen advisory council and a youth volunteer with the American Red Cross’s Disaster and Humanitarian Relief efforts. She also crochets in her spare time and donates her creations to causes throughout Long Island.
This fall, Diya will study psychology at Stony Brook University as a member of the WISE program, an honors program for students pursuing STEM majors and careers. Her plans also include attending medical school with a goal of following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a psychiatrist.
Newfield High School Salutatorian Jashandeep (Jash) Singh graduated with the rank of AP Scholar with Distinction. He is a member of the Newfield High School Pit Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, has twice been an all-county viola player, and has earned the Varsity music award for outstanding musical achievement. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Mock Trial Team, Foreign Language Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society. and has earned the rank of AP Scholar with Distinction.
“Jash embodies all of the characteristics set forth by our chapter: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character,” said Ms. Cook. “He especially fits the ‘character’ trait by being a model student, an example to his peers, and an all-around nice guy who is a pleasure to be around. Jash is always willing to help at community events and represents our school and our chapter with pride.”
Outside of Newfield High School, Jash is a volunteer at Mather Hospital and Middle Country Public Library as a Green Teen, where he creates crafts for children, plans events and takes care of the library garden. Jash also partakes in Sewa, of selfless service, at his Sikh temple by serving food every Sunday to his congregation.
In the fall, Jash will study biology at Stony Brook University. He plans on attending medical school with a goal of becoming a general surgeon or working in internal medicine.
Centereach High School Valedictorian Shawn Edbertwill graduate in June having completed 12 AP level classes and the potential to start college as a sophomore. He has played the French horn since elementary school and was selected to join the NYSSMA All-State band. He is a member of the Centereach High School Wind Ensemble and the Pit Orchestra for the school’s drama productions. Shawn was the captain and MVP of this year’s Varsity golf team, of which he was a member throughout high school, and led the CHS Robotics team to the World Championships in Texas this year.
“Shawn exemplifies excellence in and out of the classroom,” Centereach High School Math Teacher and Genereal Organization Teacher Laura Melfi said. “He is a quiet leader, one who leads with humility, integrity and kindness. His character and dedication make him a great role model.”
This fall, Shawn will be studying at the University of Pennsylvania, where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Fluid Dynamics.
Centereach High School Salutatorian Ben Taciak will graduate this year having taken 16 Advanced Placement classes and one additional college level course. Ben is the CHS General Organization President, through which he planned the school’s evening Pep Rally, Homecoming Cougar Carnival, Trick or Treat Street, Volleyball Marathon, Class Competition and other successful community events.
In addition, Ben is the CHS National Honor Society President and a member of the Math team, Science Olympiad and Unified Basketball team.
“Ben is one of the most compassionate students she has had the privilege to work with,” said Ms. Melfi. “His kindness and willingness to help others shines through every day. He excels academically and has proven to be a phenomenal leader as president of Student Activities.”
Ben will attend SUNY Binghamton in the fall and plans to study Finance with a goal of becoming an investment banker.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
Newfield High School Valedictorian Diya JohnNewfield High School Salutatorian Jashandeep (Jash) SinghCentereach High School Valedictorian Shawn EdbertCentereach High School Salutatorian Ben Taciak
The Middle Country Central School District proudly recognized the
academic excellence of 50 outstanding students during a special breakfast
ceremony held at Centereach High School. The honored students represent the top
25 graduates from both the Centereach High School and Newfield High School
Class of 2025.
Centereach High School Principal Thomas Bell
and Newfield High School Principal Scott Graviano joined teachers and staff to
celebrate the students’ hard work, dedication, and achievements throughout
their high school careers.
“These students exemplify the values of academic integrity, perseverance,
and excellence,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “We are
incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what the future
holds for each of them.”
Newfield High School honorees included Fatima Ali, Mehek Ansari, Jordan
Brooks, Cole Clark, Olivia Fallon, Emma Geraci, Bryce Goodman, Emma Haberstroh,
Diya John, Kayla Laccesaglia, Thomas Lasher, Julia Lizewski, Ariona Mucaj,
Miranda Palumbo, Rosmalin, Paulino, Michael Ramos Cody, Benjamin Rasmussen,
Madisyn Rodriguez, Addison Rothwell, Ifra Shaid, Asim Sheikh, Jashandeep Singh,
Gabrielle Smoller, James Stafford III and Muhammad Zain.
Centereach High School honorees included Josangel Almonte, Eloisa
Alvarez, Adrian Borawski, Kiara Callado, Yohani Chen, Emma Dawson, Lorenzo
DeMarco, Aidan Eck, Shawn Edbert, Gianna Forys, Jillian Garcia, Fatima Gilani,
Brooke Gullo, Kayla Gutmann, Ameera Joda, Catherine Lucero Amaya, Philip Mucha,
Cara Robbert, Vanessa Roe, Leticia Ruiz, Matthew Suzzi, Benjamin Taciak, Ceylan
Tastan, Sarah Williams and Allen Zeng.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
The Middle Country Central School District recently celebrated its Top 25 students from each high school. They are pictured with Newfield High School Principal Scott Graviano, left, and Centereach High School Principal Thomas Bell, right.
The Centereach High School robotics team showcased their engineering
prowess and technological skills at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship,
held May 9–11 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
The prestigious international event welcomed over 840 teams from more
than 45 countries, uniting the world’s top young engineering minds in a
celebration of creativity, collaboration and innovation.
Centereach’s team, named the CouGears, competed in the highly competitive
Engineering Division and stood out for their technical acumen and collaborative
spirit. Their outstanding sportsmanship and commitment to excellence earned
them the coveted Worlds Sportsmanship Award, a distinction given to teams that
exemplify kindness, respect, and teamwork both on and off the competition
field.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and character of our
students,” said Centereach High School Principal Tom Bell. “Their passion for
STEM and ability to work together under pressure was on full display. We
couldn’t be prouder.”
The CouGears’ success at the world championship is the culmination of
months of preparation and problem-solving, reinforcing Centereach High School’s
commitment to STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
The Centereach High School robotics team recently competed at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship, held May 9–11 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
The Middle Country Central School District proudly showcased the
creativity, talent, and dedication of its student artists at the annual
district-wide art show, held recently at Centereach High School.
“The annual art show is a true celebration of student expression and
creativity,” said District Director of Music, Fine Arts and Community Media
Relations Dr. Diana Cook. “We are incredibly proud of the remarkable work our
students produce and the dedicated educators who nurture their artistic talents
throughout the year.”
Centereach High School was transformed into a vibrant art museum,
featuring more than 3,000 pieces of student artwork. The festive atmosphere
reflected the hard work and imaginative spirit of students from all schools
across the district.
The event also included the District’s Kindergarten Folk Dance Festival,
featuring a festive may pole ceremony and series of festive dances to ring in
the spring.
Students and families could witness the engaging dance festival before
viewing a rich and diverse collection of visual art, encompassing various media
and artistic disciplines. From intricate drawings and vivid paintings to
digital designs and three-dimensional sculptures, each piece demonstrated the
students’ unique perspectives and artistic development.
The event drew families, faculty, and community members together in
appreciation of the arts, underscoring the district’s continued commitment to
arts education and fostering student growth through creative opportunities.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
The Middle Country Central School District recently showcased 3,000 pieces of student artwork during its district-wide art show at Centereach High School.
The Middle Country
School District Boys Lacrosse team recently hosted its annual “Goals for
Giving” fundraiser at Newfield High School, marking another successful year of
community spirit and charitable giving. Organized by Regina Giambone, the event
rallied widespread support from the District’s athletic department,
administration, students, parents, and teams.
“We are incredibly proud
of the boys lacrosse team and the entire district community for coming together
in support of such a meaningful cause,” said Newfield High School Principal
Scott Graviano. “It was great seeing the enthusiasm and joy in the air as
everyone represented their teams, schools and Middle Country with pride.”
Funds raised during the
event will directly benefit the Middle Country School District’s Special
Education Program, with this year’s contributions earmarked for enhancing
sensory rooms across the District’s schools by adding new, adaptive equipment.
Supporters showed their
enthusiasm and solidarity by purchasing and proudly wearing event T-shirts
featuring the official “Goals for Giving” logo, both during the school day and
at the evening game. The event also featured a spirited 50/50 raffle and a
variety of gift baskets, generously donated by local businesses and community
members.
The District extends its
heartfelt thanks to all who participated, contributed, and made this event possible.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for next year’s Goals for Giving!
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
The Middle Country School District Boys Lacrosse team recently hosted its annual “Goals for Giving” fundraiser at Newfield High School.
