Middle Country Central School District in the Media

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce the recipients of the April 2025 Students of the Month honors. The award recognizes students for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to their school communities. This month, four outstanding students were selected: Zachary Atkinson from Centereach High School, Logan Squillace from Newfield High School, Kara Zappasodi from Dawnwood Middle School, and Dylan Gregorio from Selden Middle School.

Centereach High School senior Zack Atkinson is a triple threat as a standout student both academically, athletically and socially. He has been on the CHS honor roll every quarter, he is an avid hockey player and a member of the CHS Junior fire department, and he runs his own business. Additionally, Zack is a singer and actor who showcased incredible range in playing Roger in the CHS musical production of Rent this year and Jack Kelly in the CHS production of Newsies last year.

“Zack is an exceptionally talented young man. He does a wonderful job in every aspect of our music department,” said Allison Bush, the band director for both musicals. “In preparing for his lead role as Roger, Zack took the time and initiative to learn to both the Electric and Acoustic Guitars specifically for the role. Zach is always willing to help with anything that the department needs. He brings great energy and enthusiasm to everything he does.”

Brian Hough, the director for both productions, also lauded Zack’s talents and said his work ethic, humility and leadership shine through daily and make him such a valued member of every ensemble.  Zack will attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, in the fall to study vocal performance.

Newfield High School senior Logan Squillace received 20 nominations for Student of the Month who cited his generosity, compassion and work ethic. Pamela Murolo, one of Logan’s former teachers, said “Logan is always looking to help others.  He is the student in class that looks to see how he can help when the wind blows the teacher’s papers fly to the floor or a student drops his pen.  He’s one of the most selfless students I have ever met.  He works hard in class to be successful and puts 100% effort into his academics.  Logan’s perseverance, work ethic, and motivation to succeed will ensure he does great things in life!” 

Michelle Westby, a former math teacher of Logan, said “Right out of the gate in 9th grade math, Logan was a standout student and human being. He always strived to reach his fullest potential, demonstrated maturity beyond his years, and exhibited kindness and compassion toward everyone he crossed paths with. Logan often received perfect scores on exams in my class and has continued on to more advanced math classes. He is a great example of a student who recognized early how he could utilize everything Newfield has to offer to his advantage. Logan is a wonderful role model for others as he has accomplished a great deal and has always remained extremely humble about his achievements.” 

Lastly, Margaret Derasmo, another teacher of Logan’s, said, “I had the pleasure of teaching him in Food and Nutrition, where his passion for cooking first began to shine. Since then, he has continued to develop his skills through the BOCES culinary program, showing both talent and determination.”

Logan is also on the verge of achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, a reflection of his leadership and commitment to service. For his Eagle Scout project, Logan asked if he could build a memorial bench and plant a tree in the front area of Newfield High School in memory of Robert Bush.

On graduating, he will be joining the U.S. Army reserves as a cook and combinie his culinary passion with a deep desire to serve his country. From there, Logan will be attending the Pennsylvania College of Technology as a member of its culinary program.

Dawnwood Middle School eight-grade student Kara Zappasodi is described by one of her formers teachers, Kelley Paternoster, as a wonderful, confident, smart and funny student.  “I have been one of Kara’s teachers since she was in fourth grade,” she said. “I first met Kara during Covid. Although we were in the same room, we had to sit very far apart.  It was a terrible situation, but she became comfortable enough to start chatting with me. From that time forward, we always make time for chatting in the beginning of our sessions. She tells me the ‘scoop’ of what is happening in school and then asks me questions about my day. We ‘laugh, eat, work.’ Kara is truly one of my favorite students.”

“Kara regularly recommends some fantastic places to eat.  She could have a side gig as a food critic. She is also a joy to spend time with during lunch, when our schedules match up. Kara brings kindness, positivity, and extra brightness to every day,” said Math Teacher Michelle Dellapina.

 “Kara is a shining example of excellence in every sense of the word,” said Teacher Aimee Scotto. “Not only has she maintained a perfect average in ELA, she also consistently demonstrates a passion for learning. Kara is a gifted writer, using her creativity and insight to bring depth and beauty to her work. Her ELA skills are exceptional, and she is an inspiration to all!”

Kara’s overall average for her sixth and seventh-grade school years is 96.1 and Kara’s average for the first three quarters of this school year is 98.5. Outside of the classroom, she is a member of the Girl Scouts where her mother is her troop leader. Kara enjoys spending time with friends and drawing.  Kara has a photographic memory and when she sees something, she memorizes it and then draws it.  

Selden Middle School eighth-grade student Dylan Gregorio has maintained consistent grades each quarter of his middle school career and has been a fixture on his school’s Honor Roll. His favorite subject is social studies and he has a particular love for learning about the bravery and dedication of soldiers during World War I and World War II.

Dedication is something that Dylan has embraced himself and applied to his love of wrestling as an athlete for Newfield and two community teams. He looks forward to travelling out of state to New Jersey and Philadelphia to take part in tournaments there. Dylan also likes archery and the band Nirvana.

Dylan’s teachers describe him as a hard worker, a polite young man with an outstanding work ethic, a great role model and a conscientious student who leads by example.

 “He asks questions, comes for extra help, and will redo assignments until he is pleased with the results,” said Dylan’s English Language Arts teacher, Danielle Pernicone. She added that he “genuinely cares about doing well and shows great maturity.”

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/.

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The Middle Country Central School District April Students of the Month are, from top-left, Centereach High School senior Zachary Atkinson, Newfield High School senior Logan Squillace, Dawnwood Middle School eight-grade student Kara Zappasodi and Selden Middle School eight-grade student Dylan Gregorio

Three teachers in the Middle County Central School District were recently awarded the Teacher Service Award by SCOPE at its 24^th Annual School District Awards Dinner at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook on March 24.

“The Middle County Central School District proudly congratulates these distinguished teachers for their hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “Each of these teachers are a staple of the community and continue to leave an everlasting impact on their students and school.”

Selden Middle School Biology Teacher Ed Miller is an anchor within his school’s Science Department who strongly believes that all students can achieve success. He is constantly striving towards continuous refinement of his teaching practice. Often, Mr. Miller can be found on his own non-instructional time mentoring teachers across content areas and expanding across all 14 buildings in the school district. Teachers know that they can ask him questions on any topic. He fosters curiosity in students and worked with them over spring break so that they could present their Growing Beyond Earth research findings to NASA and mentors the Science Computing Club in partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Newfield High School Earth and Space Science Teacher James Nelson is an active faculty member within the Science Department and broader District community. He has taken on leadership roles through participation in curriculum writing and professional learning communities. Through his role as Newfield High School’s Research Teacher, he has developed collaborative partnerships with scientists at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. He has supported his students and helped train them to use the National Synchrotron Light Source II, where they conducted detailed analysis of invasive species found locally at Prosser Pines Nature Preserve. Mr. Nelson is known by students for bringing science to life with his interactive lessons and use of large-scale models in his classroom. 

Centereach High School Math Teacher Laura Melfi has taught the subject for 20 years and distinguished herself as an exceptional educator who cares deeply about her students. Ms. Melfi was instrumental in growing and developing the District’s AP Calculus program, and her students consistently outscore the state and national averages. She also teaches Algebra 2 and participates in item writing twice a year in Albany. Ms. Melfi is seen as a leader who views challenges as opportunities to innovate and ensure all her students succeed. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Melfi is a field hockey coach and club advisor. She is also the CHS GO advisor, through which she oversees all advisors and students while planning events such as Homecoming Carnival, Trick or Treat Street, Deck the Halls and Class Competition. 

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 is proud to announce the recipients of the March 2025 Students of the Month honors. The award recognizes students for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to their school communities. This month, four outstanding students were selected: Meaghan Grieco from Centereach High School, Charlotte Farrugia from Newfield High School, Aurelio Luna from Dawnwood Middle School, and Emily Makiani from Selden Middle School.

Meaghan Grieco is a standout athlete, musician, and student leader whose GPA has her ranked just outside of the top 10 percent in her graduating class. She has taken a rigorous schedule over her four years, including five Advanced Placement courses and eight college level courses. What stands out with respect to Meaghan’s academics is the success that she has had in such a wide array of courses.  She has taken and excelled in an AP level class in all of her core areas. Meanwhile, she has proven herself in college courses that also span all disciplines including electives such as College Virtual Enterprise and College Business Law. She has successfully taken advantage of all that our district offers.

Meaghan has played Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Basketball since her freshman year. In volleyball, she was a four-year starter and captain who earned All-League Honors twice and All-Classification honors while leading her team to the playoffs this year. In basketball, she was voted the Rookie of the Year award her freshman year by the varsity basketball coaches in her league. Meaghan was also recognized by the coaches as an All-League player the past two years. Due to an injury she sustained in volleyball, Meaghan required surgery and had to sit out this basketball season. Nevertheless, she played an integral role to the team’s success this year. She was at every practice and game, providing the players with encouraging words and the coaches with suggestions and advice. Meaghan has been a member of the Wind Ensemble for the past two years, playing Tenor Saxophone, and a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society for the past four years, with which she has volunteered at various school and community service events. Next year, Meaghan plans to study to become a pediatric nurse at SUNY Farmingdale.  There she also plans to continue playing volleyball as she is almost all healed from her injury. 

Charlotte Farrugia is ranked 31 out of 383 seniors with a weighted GPA of 98.5370. She has the potential to graduate in June with more than 25 college credits. Through her high school career and currently she’s a member of Dr. Gerold’s leadership committee, DECA, Glamour Gals, The Environmental Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and The Foreign Language Honor Society. She also serves as the secretary of the National Honor Society, secretary of the newspaper club, vice president of the Quill and Scroll Honor Society, and secretary of the class of 2025. She was also the winner of the Middle Country Career Exploration Award last spring. In addition to her academic career, Charlotte works as a babysitter for multiple families, was a seasonal farm worker at Harbes Farm in Riverhead, is a council member on the Teen Advisory Council at the Middle Country Public Library, volunteers at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church assisting the outreach program and is a girl scout who last June earned her Gold Award. Charlotte plans to attend Stony Brook University in the fall with the plan of working toward becoming certified library media specialist or teacher.

Aurelio Luna plays the cello in both the 8th grade Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra. He is always ready to help or participate in class and goes above and beyond in everything he does. Aurelio’s overall average for his sixth and seventh-grade school years is 94.2 and Aurelio’s average for the first and second quarter of this school year is 93.2. Aurelio is involved in many activities at Dawnwood. He is the president of our National Junior Honor Society, a member of the eight-grade orchestra, chamber orchestra, peer leadership club, the singing club, and the student activities club. Aurelio is also a member of drama club, where last year he played the leading role of Sebastian in our production of the Little Mermaid. Outside of school, Aurelio is part of a group that perform songs in sign language for the community. Aurelio also loves playing with his three dogs and singing karaoke.

Emily Makiani has been described by teachers as humble, hardworking, motivated, and kind. She finished her sixth-grade year with an overall yearly average of 98.3 and bested that in seventh grade with an overall yearly average of 98.4. Looking at her quarterly grades this year, she is set to have her best year yet as she had a nearly perfect first quarter report card two 99s and five 100s. Having spoken to Emily about her dedication to her studies, I am quite sure she will keep up that exceptional work. Emily is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and enjoyed her community service work where she prepared and packed lunches for those in need. She likes to write stories and is enjoying reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders right now.

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/.