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.
Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce that Stagecoach Road Elementary School fifth-grade
students Grace Paplia and Peter Neu
have been named recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Physical Education
Elementary and Middle School Award by the Suffolk Zone of the New York State
Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD).
“Grace and Peter are
both exemplary students who show commitment and enthusiasm to physical
education, as well as in their classes and in their hallways,” said Stagecoach Road
Elementary School Shaun Rothberg. “We are so proud of them for earning this very
deserved honor and representing our community with pride and passion.”
The award ceremony, held
on April 29th at Bay Shore High School, celebrated the achievements of 320 elementary and middle school students across
Suffolk County who exemplify a commitment to physical fitness and positive
character. Grace and Peter accepted their honors alongside their physical
education teachers.
This prestigious
recognition is awarded annually to outstanding fifth graders who not only lead
active and healthy lifestyles in and out of school, but who also demonstrate
exceptional sportsmanship, character, civility, and citizenship. Grace and
Peter have consistently stood out as positive role models in their physical
education classes, achieving remarkable scores on their fitness assessments
through dedication and hard work.
The Middle Country
community congratulates Grace and Peter on this well-deserved recognition.
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/.
Stagecoach Road Elementary School fifth-grade students Grace Paplia and Peter Neu earned the NYS AHPERD 2025 Outstanding Physical Education Elementary and Middle School Award.
Several students and staff members in the Middle Country Central School
District were recognized at the most recent Board of Education meeting for
standing out in their school and community.
Board President Dawn
Sharrock presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Newfield High School senior
Rosmalin Paulino for her participation in the Longwood Annual Legislative Workshop
in February.
World Studies K-12 Director
Amy Pacifico and Newfield High School
Library Media Specialist Lisa Cook presented Certificates of Pride to several students
for contributing to Long Island History Day. Participants included Newfield High
School students Safina Afroz, Sreya Roy and Sylvia Zhao; Centereach High School
students Grace Bender and Julia Mahoney; Selden Middle School students Shaoda
Ahmed, Emma Crocco and Sarah Faridi, and Dawnwood Middle School student
Aishwarya Bhatee.
Science and Research
PK-12 Director Dr. Rachel Ndembera and Ms. Pacifico presented a Certificate of
Pride to Ms. Cook, who was recognized by the Long Island School Library
Association with the Fresh Start and Librarian of the Year awards.
Ms. Sharrock presented
Certificates of Pride to Newfield High School Earth and Space Science Teacher James
Nelson, Selden middle School Biology Teacher Edward Miller, and Centereach High
School Math Teacher Laura Melfi in honor of them receiving the Teacher Service
Award at SCOPE’s 24th Annual Awards Dinner in March.
Dr. Ndembera presented
Certificates of Pride to the several students who presented their science
research projects at the Long Island Science Congress, held in April at the
Cradle of Aviation Museum. Newfield High School Research Teacher James Nelson was
honored with his students Matthew Bedus, Julia Carter, Tiffany Gao, Umber
Sharma, Peyton Grieco, Abbas Laurence, Kiera Green-Wilson and Alishba Aziz. Centereach
High School Research Teacher Ms Malynda Nichol was honored with her students Isabella
Koch, Nathalie Teeple, Savanna Giordano, Gavin Astefanous, Keira Maliborski, Hayah
Khan, Janve Islam and Autumn Youngling.
Director of Music, Fine
Arts and Community Media Relations Dr. Diana Cook presented Newfield High
School senior and College Computer Graphics student Christian Gensinger with a
Certificate of Recognition for designing the winning “I Voted” sticker funded
by the Middle Country Education Foundation.
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 senior Rosmalin Paulino, left, was honored by Board of Education Presisdent Dawn Sharrock for her participation in the Longwood Annual Legislative Workshop in February. Newfield High School Library Media Specialist Lisa Cook, left, and World Studies K-12 Director Amy Pacifico, right, presented Certificates of Pride to several students for contributing to Long Island History Day.Ms. Cook left, was presented with a Certificate of Pride from Ms. Pacifico and Science and Research PK-12 Director Dr. Rachel Ndembera. Ms. Sharrock presented Certificates of Pride to Newfield High School Earth and Space Science Teacher James Nelson, Selden middle School Biology Teacher Edward Miller, and Centereach High School Math Teacher Laura Melfi. Students were recognized for presenting their science research projects at the Long Island Science Congress. Dr. Cook, right, presented Newfield High School senior Christian Gensinger with a Certificate of Recognition for designing the winning “I Voted” sticker, pictured above.
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/.
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
