The Middle Country Central School District has a community of dedicated and exceptional students whose character and achievements continuously deserve to be recognized. Congratulations to Erin Ersoy, Angelie Falcones, and Kara Nunez.

Centereach High School’s senior student Erin Ersoy amazes the staff and her peers with her positive attitude and her approach to school, life, and the challenges ahead.  People feel inspired when around Erin. They are left in awe of her drive, dedication, and compassion for others. Many of her teachers agree that she is wise beyond her years and has used her own experiences to foster a unique sense of kindness and generosity.

Erin took some of the darkest days of her life and turned it into something positive. She is now giving back by helping raise awareness about childhood cancer and trying to help others who are faced with the same diagnosis she had. Erin, with the help of Mr. Joseph Mercado, the District’s Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics, spearheaded a school initiative that grew into a county-wide program. She spoke to all the athletic directors in Suffolk County, convincing them to buy into having all their athletes wear gold shoelaces in September to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. She raised thousands of dollars for the Daniela Conte Foundation.

Selden Middle School’s student Kara Nunez was a popular choice amongst the staff for nominations. Many of her teachers were quick to describe Kara as a wonderful and outstanding student.  She is self-motivated and takes pride in her work. Since her first quarter in sixth grade, Kara has maintained a quarterly average of 95 or better. She has improved her yearly GPA each year.

Kara’s favorite subject is Art because she likes to tap into her creativity. She also enjoys ELA and Social Studies. Kara is a member of the Drama Club and Art Club and she is currently the President of the Best Buddies Club. Outside of school, she is taking karate lessons.

Eighth-grade Dawnwood Middle School student Angelie Falcone is a wonderful and fantastic bass player.  She has been the bass section leader every year since sixth grade. Angelie’s overall average for her sixth and seventh grade school years is 96.6 and her average for the first quarter of this school year is also 96.

Angelie is involved in many activities outside of the classroom. She served as the President of the National Junior Honor Society and is currently the President of the Advisory Club. Angelie is also a member of the Yearbook Club, member of the Dawnwood Field Hockey Team, the Dawnwood Lacrosse Team, and the Dawnwood Basketball Team. Angelie participates in many hours of community service. This includes assisting children at the Middle Country Library with reading, arts and crafts, science projects, and crocheting. Angelie can also be found volunteering at the Old Towne Gardens scaring visitors in their haunted house.

 Newfield High School recently hosted a special event, welcoming back alumni from the classes of 1960-1969 to tour their Alma mater and witness its evolution over the years. The event was a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting academic excellence.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our alumni,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of  Music, Fine Arts, and Community Media Relations. “Their donation will go a long way in supporting our music program.”

The tour was led by members of the Newfield Tri-M Music Honor Society, a group dedicated to musical talent, academic excellence, school involvement, and community service. The Tri-M members showcased the school’s advancements and achievements, highlighting the school’s dedication to nurturing talent.

The alumni group, moved by the school’s progress and the students’ commitment to excellence, made a generous donation of $2,200 to the Tri-M chapter. This donation will be used to further support the music program and its students. The event was marked by the melodious tunes of a string ensemble, adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the occasion. Guests were treated to light refreshments, allowing them to reminisce about the high school days after the tour.

Centereach High School recently kicked off its Homecoming weekend with a spirited pep rally and class competition skits, setting the tone for a weekend full of school spirit, community involvement, and fun. 

“On behalf of Centereach High School, I would like to thank all the students, faculty, families, and community members who participated in the Homecoming weekend events,” said Thomas Bell, Principal of Centereach High School. “Their enthusiasm and support made the weekend a resounding success.”

The pep rally, a hallowed tradition at Centereach High School, was a vibrant display of school spirit and camaraderie. Students cheered on their classmates and showed their school pride, creating an atmosphere of unity and excitement. Following the pep rally, students participated in class competition skits. Each class was tasked with creating a skit resulting in various creative and entertaining performances. 

The Homecoming weekend festivities continued with the Cougar Carnival which featured various activities organized by school clubs such as indoor giant obstacles as well as bubble soccer. Students were able to showcase their interests and talents while engaging with the community.  The Cougar Carnival also encouraged community involvement, with local businesses and organizations contributing to the event. 

In a heartfelt display of support, unity, and grief, students and teachers from the Middle Country Central School District wore green to honor the memory of two Farmingdale School District educators who tragically lost their lives and the many Farmingdale students who were injured in a horrific bus crash on their way to band camp in Pennsylvania.

“The Middle Country Central School District extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the educators who lost their lives,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those families as well as our hope for a speedy and full recovery for those students who sustained injuries as a result of this unimaginable and frightening accident.” 

Students, teachers, and community members in the Middle Country Central School District sported Farmingdale’s color green. The color green also symbolizes hope, renewal, and growth. By wearing green, the students and staff of the Middle Country School District wanted to create a visual reminder of their unity and support for the Farmingdale community. 

The Middle Country Central School District honored Patriot Day on September 11, 2023, marking the 22nd anniversary of this tragic day. Patriot Day serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the bravery displayed by the first responders and citizens during that devastating event.

“Observing Patriot Day provides an opportunity for our students to remember and honor the lives lost. By observing this day, we can ensure that the memory of the victims and heroes are not forgotten,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “Throughout the day, various educational activities took place in classrooms, promoting understanding and empathy among students. Our students were engaged in meaningful discussions about the events of 9/11, emphasizing the importance of unity, resilience, and the power of community in times of adversity.”

At Eugene Auer, North Coleman Road, New Lane, and Jericho Road Elementary Schools, students participated in various classroom activities such as completing a heart-shaped flag and watching short clips about Patriot Day. Students read This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth  

by Sean Rubin, a compelling story about community resilience from the perspective of the Callery pear tree that survived the attack.

The Centereach High School Women’s Choir and Newfield High School student Thomas Lasher performed beautifully at the Centereach Fire House for the 9/11 memorial ceremony.  The choir opened the ceremony with the Star Spangled Banner and also performed The Rose and Sing Me To Heaven. Thomas majestically performed Taps on his trumpet. At Selden Fire House’s 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Newfield High School student Jasmine Recova sang the Star Spangled Banner and Amazing Grace.

The Middle Country Central School District’s community members, families, and businesses come together every year to donate school supplies and backpacks to share with the students who need them. This year, Port Jefferson Elks Lodge, Healing Waters Church, Old Navy, Oxhead Road Elementary School community members, Suffolk Transportation, and the District’s PTA Council donated school backpacks and school supplies for a drive-up giveaway event scheduled to occur on September 13, 2023, at Eugene Auer Memorial Elementary School from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s donations this year. Their generosity will make a significant difference in the lives of many students in need,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “ Their contribution will enable us to provide essential school supplies to our students who need them the most, ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed academically. The donated backpacks will not only serve as a means of carrying their belongings but also instill a sense of pride and confidence in our learners. It is through collaborative efforts like these that we can create a positive change in our community.”

The four Muccio siblings in the Middle Country Central School District – Isabella Muccio (tenth grade, Newfield High School), Michael Muccio (sixth grade, Selden Middle School), Giavanna Muccio (fourth grade, New Lane Elementary School), and Madelyn Muccio (first grade, Stagecoach Elementary School) –  ran a two-day lemonade stand during the summer and raised enough money to purchase $504 worth of school supplies for the District. 

The four siblings used the entrepreneurial and leadership skills they had learned in school and through their involvement in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to make their lemonade stand a huge success. They built the storefront stands, painted them, and set them up themselves in their driveway. 

“We are incredibly proud of the Muccio children. It’s inspiring to see their passion and willingness to help out their school community.,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “We are incredibly thankful for all that the Muccio family has done for our schools. These students are exemplary of the students that attend Middle Country Central School District. Great job!”

The Muccio siblings were able to purchase ten school bags and hundreds of school supplies. Many community members, including the Muccio students’ teachers and coaches, and District staff members, dropped by to donate to the fundraising efforts. A manager of a local Walmart in Centereach even heard about the students’ two-day fundraiser and donated over 20 filled backpacks to the District as well. 

The Muccios delivered all of the new school supplies and backpacks to Stagecoach Elementary School. These donations will be distributed throughout  Middle Country schools for students who need them.

The Middle Country Central School District held commencement ceremonies for the graduating classes of Centereach and Newfield high schools in June. The graduation ceremonies recognized the graduating seniors for their outstanding academic achievements and unwavering commitment to the community.

“On behalf of the Middle Country Central School District administration, Board of Education members, faculty, and staff, I would like to congratulate our Centereach and Newfield High School graduates on this momentous milestone,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “Our Middle Country graduates have exhibited excellence in academics, athletics, service, and the arts throughout their high school years. I am confident these young adults will be a constant source of pride and positive change in our communities.”

The Centereach High School commencement featured an address from Principal Thomas Bell, along with encouraging words from valedictorian Lauren Hoppe and salutatorian Derek Zheng. At Newfield High School’s commencement, Principal Scott Graviano delivered opening remarks, and the attendees heard from valedictorian Zarif Rezwan and salutatorian Leah Landron, who each shared what their high school journeys taught them. 

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to watch our Centereach Class of 2023 prepare for their next adventure,” said Mr. Bell. “We are extremely proud of our graduating students, and we know they will achieve great things and continue to make us proud.”

At the Newfield High School commencement ceremony, Principal Graviano noted to the graduates and those in attendance, “The graduating class of 2023 has shaped Newfield High School for the better. You and your families have so much to be proud of as we officially celebrate the culmination of your high school experience. We cannot wait to see how you tackle your future endeavors with grace and honor.”

 Newfield High School senior Cameron Unger and Centereach High School senior Finn Taich each received a music scholarship at the recent New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) luncheon. Cameron received a $1,000 scholarship donated by SCOPE and Finn received the $750 NYSCAME Jon-Michael Lasher Scholarship. Both these scholarships are awarded to deserving seniors based on their musical achievements, contributions to their school’s music program, community music production, and acceptance into a university music degree program.

“Congratulations to Cameron and Finn. This recognition and scholarship is a great achievement and testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for their music,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “Thank you to Dr. Goldstein and Mr. Hough for guiding these two student-musicians to excellence and keeping them motivated!”During the luncheon, Dr. Cook, Director of Music and Fine Arts for the Middle Country Central School District, along with the other members of NYSCAME, recognized and praised the two students for their accomplishments, virtuoso, and musical commitment Their teachers expressed their gratification, as well as congratulating the two seniors and wishing them all the best for their future musical careers.

Ornithologist Jim MacDougall visited third-grade students at North Coleman Road Elementary School recently to teach students about wild owls. Accompanied by Aria, his Eurasian Eagle Owl, Mr. MacDougall taught the students many fascinating facts about birds. North Coleman Road families and parents joined in to help students dissect owl pellets in a lesson aimed at learning about the diet of an owl.

“This was a great hands-on and engaging experience for students,” said Gretchen Rodney, Principal of North Coleman Road Elementary School. “Learning about the way these birds of prey behave in the wild teaches students the importance of their roles in the ecosystem and provides them with a basic understanding of the food chain.”

Jim MacDougall is a published ornithologist currently serving as the education coordinator and rescue transport volunteer for the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Refuge Center. He and Aria also paid a visit to the Middle Country Public Library recently in order to celebrate Museum Day.