Middle Country Central School District in the Media

Centereach High School’s drama department recently captivated audiences with its energetic production of Clue: On Stage, a lively and engaging performance that brought the iconic board game to the stage. This humorous and suspenseful drama, based on the 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, offered a delightful blend of intrigue and humor.

The production directed by Centereach Teacher Patricia Duryea kept the audience on the edge of their seats. With clever dialogue, and the perfect balance of comedy and suspense, the production delighted both fans of the classic movie and newcomers to the tale. The show’s whimsical atmosphere, memorable tunes, and witty script ensured that the audience was both entertained and fully immersed in the zany world of this whodunit.

The talented cast and crew of Centereach High School showcased their skills in acting and technical production. The performances promise to be full of suspense, humor, and surprises, making it a must-see event for families, friends, and local theater enthusiasts.

Hawkins Path Elementary School recently held a special assembly to honor its very own veterans, Dana Mullally (Army) and Michael Horry (Air Force), and their ongoing commitment to service. In a heartfelt display of support for both local veterans and service animals, the school partnered with Paws of War, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their service animals.

The assembly featured a donation drive where the Hawkins Path community generously contributed essential dog and cat supplies to Paws of War. These donations will directly benefit veterans in need and the service animals that support them. The event underscored the importance of supporting those who have served, along with the animals who assist in their recovery and everyday life.

“We are proud to honor Ms. Mullally and Mr. Horry, two veterans who are part of our school community,” said Principal Kristi Leonard. “Our students and families are always eager to show their support, and this partnership with Paws of War allows us to give back in a meaningful way to those who have served our country.”

Paws of War, an organization that supports veterans by providing service animals and ensuring they receive the care they deserve, plays a vital role in the lives of many military veterans. By donating supplies and raising awareness, the Hawkins Path community continues to show its appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and their service animals.

Fifth-grade students at Jericho Elementary School worked tirelessly on their first service project of the year—and their efforts have paid off in a big way. What started as a candy drive to support the veterans home in Stony Brook has turned into a community-wide success, with the students collecting enough donations to extend their generosity to multiple organizations.

“We are so proud of our 5th graders for their hard work, creativity, and teamwork,” said Elena Baldwin, Principal of Jericho School Elementary School. “Their efforts have not only made a difference for the Veterans Home but have also positively impacted many other organizations. This is a perfect example of how one small idea can lead to a much larger community impact.”

Through careful planning, enthusiastic promotion, and a shared commitment to giving back, the fifth graders were able to gather an impressive amount of candy. The students not only fulfilled their goal of providing treats for the Veterans Home, but they also managed to donate to several other local groups. These include the local police department, fire department, Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Hospital, a local church, and even our troops overseas.

The overwhelming response from the community reflects the dedication and compassion of Jericho students, who have shown that they understand the importance of supporting those who serve and make a difference in others’ lives.

Students from Centereach High School’s advanced art classes recently toured the Long Island Biennial exhibition at the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, engaging in an enriching, hands-on experience that will inform their upcoming capstone projects. Students in Ms. LaLima’s advanced sculpture and ceramics class, Ms. Petruzzo’s advanced drawing and painting class, and Ms. Holland’s advanced photography class explored the diverse works on display. 

The visit allowed the students to interact with museum educators and gain valuable insights into the art-making process. The Long Island Biennial features contemporary works by local artists and is on display at the Heckscher Museum of Art until January 19, 2024. Students explored a wide range of artistic media, from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media, while learning how to critically analyze art and incorporate new perspectives into their own creative practices.

During the field trip, students worked closely with museum educators to study specific pieces from the exhibition, discussing artistic elements such as composition, color, texture, and symbolism. These discussions will serve as the foundation for each student’s individual capstone project, which will showcase their skills and creative vision at the end of the semester.

The Long Island Biennial features a dynamic range of artworks that reflect the creativity and diversity of the Long Island artistic community. With more than 50 artists represented in this year’s biennial, the exhibition offers a rich source of inspiration for the Centereach High School students, whose final projects will reflect the knowledge and experiences they gained during the visit.

In honor of Veterans Day, elementary schools across the Middle Country Central School District participated in a series of heartfelt activities aimed at recognizing and celebrating the sacrifices made by military veterans. With a focus on education, reflection, and community, the district’s schools hosted classroom lessons, activities, and parades to ensure that students understood the importance of honoring the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces.

In the days leading up to Veterans Day, students engaged in a variety of educational activities, including learning about the history of Veterans Day, creating thank-you cards for local veterans, and researching the role of the military in protecting freedom. The lessons focused on instilling the values of gratitude, respect, and patriotism.

The elementary schools also took part in Veterans Day parades where they proudly displayed handmade banners, waved American flags, and cheered as veterans from the community participated in the festivities. These parades were a heartfelt demonstration of gratitude, with many local veterans joining the students to participate and share their experiences.

The Middle Country Central School District proudly congratulates the talented students who were selected to perform in the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education/Suffolk County Music Educators Association (NYSCAME/SCMEA) 11th-12th Grade All-County Concert. These exceptional musicians were chosen for this honor based on their outstanding NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) solo performance scores and recommendations from their music teachers.

The All-County Concert, which took place in November at the Hauppauge High School, is a celebration of musical excellence, bringing together some of the most gifted student musicians from across the region to perform in a collaborative setting.

The Middle Country Central School District is thrilled to announce the following students who have earned this prestigious recognition:

Centereach High School:

• Zachary Atkinson
• Yohani Chen
• Shawn Edbert
• Jillian Garcia
• Jayden Gonzalez
• Logan Millwater
• Matthew Suzzi Valli
• Zachary Voskinarian
• Gavin Wahlen
• Joelle Washington
• Sarah Williams
• Gavin Willis
• Allen Zeng

Newfield High School:

• Payton Astomovich
• Kyle Bogad
• Caiden Davis
• Justin Derosalia
• Ryan Gudelinis
• Thomas Lasher
• Alyssa Micari
• Grace Simonelli
• James Stafford III

These talented students have demonstrated remarkable skill, dedication, and passion for music, and their achievement reflects the high standards of the Middle Country Central School District’s music program. Congratulations to all the musicians, and to their dedicated music teachers, who supported and mentored students throughout their musical journeys.

“We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students and the hard work they’ve put into their musical development,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts and Community Relations. “This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we were excited to see them perform at the All-County Concert. Their participation in this prestigious event speaks to their talent, perseverance, and the strength of our music education programs.”

The All-County concert is a significant event on the academic and artistic calendar of the district and serves as a testament to the excellence of the Middle Country Central School District’s music programs, led by a team of dedicated educators committed to fostering the next generation of musical talent.

he Centereach High School Volleyball team hosted its annual “Dig Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness match, raising an impressive $1,200 for the Side-Out Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding stage 4 breast cancer research. This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked a major milestone in the program’s long-standing commitment to supporting breast cancer research.

In an exciting development, Centereach’s fundraising efforts were recognized on a national level. The Side-Out Foundation selected the Centereach Volleyball team’s fundraiser as one of the top 10 in the county, and in recognition of their outstanding efforts, the foundation will send an additional $1,000 to the cause on behalf of Centereach High School Volleyball.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our players, coaches, and community,” said Mike Weaver, Centereach High School Volleyball coach. “We are proud to have raised more funds than ever before for this important cause, and to have our efforts honored in such a meaningful way. Our team is committed to supporting breast cancer research, and this year, we have made a bigger impact than we could have imagined.”

In total—and thanks to the generosity of students, parents, faculty, and the local community—the Centereach High School Volleyball program has raised over $2,200 for the Side-Out Foundation, the highest total in the 13-year history of the fundraiser. This achievement highlights the continued growth and success of the event, which brings awareness to breast cancer.

The Dig Pink event, which included a volleyball match, a silent auction, raffles, and other fundraising activities, united the Centereach community in the fight against breast cancer. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Side-Out Foundation, which allocates funds directly to breast cancer research and patient support programs.

The Centereach Volleyball Program has been participating in the Dig Pink fundraiser for 13 years, and the continued success of this event reflects the ongoing commitment of the team and the school community to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce its Students of the Month for October: Jeanlee Marcano Robles from Selden Middle School, Adam Khazanovich from Dawnwood Middle School, Diya John from Newfield High School, and Alexa Carmody from Centereach High School. These remarkable students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to their school communities.

Jeanlee is celebrated by her teachers for her respectful and polite demeanor. Despite balancing a busy schedule filled with sports and extracurricular activities, she remains dedicated to her studies, consistently earning honor roll status. Throughout her middle school career, Jeanlee has maintained excellent grades, and achieved honor roll recognition in six of her first eight quarters. She is well on her way to continuing this success in her eighth-grade year.

A vibrant and energetic presence in the classroom, Adam has been a member of the Board Game Club for three years and currently serves as its president. With an impressive overall average of 98.8 in his previous grades and a 99.7 for the first quarter of this year, Adam’s academic excellence is matched by his involvement in multiple activities, including the 8th-grade orchestra, soccer, and various music lessons. Adam aspires to be a doctor or lawyer and dreams of giving tours in Iceland after a recent visit that he found truly spectacular.

Diya is an exceptional student, currently holding the top position in her class with a 103.1 weighted GPA. By the end of this school year, she will have completed 17 advanced placement and college-level classes, potentially graduating with over 50 college credits. Outside the classroom, Diya actively participates in various clubs and community service initiatives, including the National Honor Society, Mock Trial Team, and youth volunteer work with the American Red Cross. She plans to major in psychology, aspiring to become a psychiatrist and follow in her mother’s footsteps in the mental health field.

An academically outstanding student, Alexa is set to graduate having taken five AP courses and six additional college courses. She serves as president of the National Honor Society, leading initiatives that benefit the community. In addition to her academic achievements, Alexa has excelled in athletics as captain of the basketball team and showcases her musical talent as a member of the Select Vocal Ensemble. She is currently exploring colleges with a focus on forensic psychology and pre-law.

The Newfield High School Class of 2025 came together on a beautiful fall day for their anticipated “Paint Your Parking Spot” fundraiser. This vibrant event allowed seniors to showcase their creativity while transforming the school’s parking lot into a colorful canvas, all with the support of family and friends.

Under the guidance of dedicated advisors Ms. Derasmo and Ms. Ziegler, students spent the day painting unique designs that reflected their personalities and school spirit. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, collaboration, and a sense of community as the seniors bonded over their artistic endeavors.

“We are so proud of our seniors for coming together to create such a memorable experience,” said Ms. Derasmo. “This event not only supports their class activities but also fosters a sense of unity among students and their families.”

The “Paint Your Parking Spot” fundraiser was an opportunity for students to express their individuality and raise important funds for senior events throughout the year. The success of this event reflects the strong sense of community at Newfield High School and the commitment of its students, families, and staff.

In a heartwarming moment, Air Force Airman First Class Chelsy Lazo-Lazo recently visited her sister Adrianna Siguencia’s 4th-grade class at Hawkins Path Elementary School. Welcomed by teachers Ms. Villani and Ms. Catti, Chelsy took the opportunity to read a book and share her experiences and insights about her career in the United States Air Force.

The students were captivated as Chelsy spoke about her journey, the values of service and dedication, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. Her presence not only provided a unique educational experience but also served as a powerful reminder of the commitment and sacrifices made by those in the military.

“Having Chelsy in our classroom was a wonderful experience for our students,” said Ms. Villani. “She brought a real-world perspective that inspired them and sparked their interest in service and community.”

Chelsy’s visit reinforced the idea of community and the significance of role models in the lives of young students. Her willingness to share her story left a lasting impression, fostering a sense of pride and admiration among the students. A big thank you to Chelsy Lazo-Lazo for her service and for taking the time to engage with the next generation. Your commitment to serving our country is truly commendable!