Month: May 2024

Marching bands from Centereach and Newfield high schools joined forces to honor and commemorate the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes at the Centereach Fire Department’s Memorial Day Parade.

The parade, a cherished tradition in the community, commenced at the intersection of Middle Country Road and Horseblock Road, weaving through the heart of Centereach before culminating at the Centereach Fire Department Headquarters. Spectators lined the streets, waving flags and applauding as the marching bands filled the air with melodies, patriotism, and remembrance.

Under the skilled direction of their band teachers, Dr. Harold Goldstein, Tom Austin, and Allison Bush, the Centereach and Newfield marching bands showcased their musical prowess and unity, marching as they paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the county. Their stirring performances resonated with spectators, evoking a profound sense of pride and gratitude with the nation’s heroes.

Following the parade, attendees had the opportunity to gather at the Centereach Fire Department Headquarters, where they enjoyed refreshments and shared camaraderie in remembrance of fallen heroes. The sense of community spirit and reverence for the occasion was palpable as friends, families, and neighbors came together to honor the legacy of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

Selden Middle School opened its doors to welcome the ALS Ride For Life Organization recently as they embarked on their annual two-week ride. ALS Ride For Life, a non-profit organization founded in 1997 by ALS patient Christopher Pendergast, aims to raise research funds, support patients and their families, and raise awareness about this terminal motor neuron disease.

Selden Middle School students gathered to greet the riders, carrying banners and posters adorned with messages of hope and support. Even the school mascot made a special appearance to welcome the riders. The highlight of the event was an inspiring address by Christine Pendergast, wife of Christopher Pendergast, who rode for 25 years before passing away at the age of 71. Mrs. Pendergast expressed gratitude to the students for their unwavering support and shared the mantras that Chris instilled through the organization to never give up, never lose hope, and be ready to defy the odds.

Melissa Weaver—a dedicated teacher at Selden Middle School who played a pivotal role in bringing the ALS Ride for Life to the school—and Principal Andrew Bennett were honored with a plaque of appreciation from Christine and the ALS Ride for Life Organization. Their commitment to raising awareness and supporting ALS research was recognized as a crucial contribution to the cause. Throughout May, ALS Awareness Month, Selden Middle School sold bracelets to raise funds for the organization, further demonstrating their solidarity with the ALS community. As the riders departed, the students expressed their anticipation for welcoming them back next year.

The Middle Country School District is proud to announce that Aidan Soviero is Dawnwood Middle School’s Student of the Month for May, while Fauzan Bhutta represents Selden Middle School as the top student in May. Aidan and Fauzan have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to their communities. 

Aidan Soviero, a student at Dawnwood Middle School, embodies the essence of dedication and positivity in all his endeavors. With an overall GPA of 99.13 in his 6th and 7th-grade years—and an impressive 99.58 average for the first three quarters of this school year—Aidan consistently exceeds expectations with a can-do attitude. Beyond academics, Aidan actively participates in various extracurricular activities, including Board Game Club, Science Club, Lego Club, National Junior Honor Society, stage crew for drama productions, and as a clarinetist in the Dawnwood Band. Additionally, Aidan’s commitment to community service shines through his involvement as a Boys Scouts member, where he has earned the rank of Second Class, and as a STEM Buddy volunteer at the Middle Country Public Library, mentoring younger students in STEM-related topics. Aidan aspires to become a teacher or lawyer, driven by his passion for helping others and his love for argumentation.

Fauzan Bhutta, representing Selden Middle School, exemplifies self-motivation, personal responsibility, and academic excellence. With an unparalleled work ethic and remarkable grades throughout his middle school years, Fauzen consistently sets a high standard for his peers. Despite Urdu being his first language, Fauzan’s linguistic prowess extends to proficiency in five languages, with his current endeavor being the memorization of the Quaran in Arabic. He is an active member of the Foreign Language Club, and his interests span mathematics, reading, and community involvement. In his leisure time, Fauzan enjoys socializing with friends, bike riding, and volunteering at his mosque. With aspirations of attending NYU or Yale to pursue engineering, Fauzan’s determination and passion for learning are truly commendable.

Both Aidan and Fauzen serve as inspirations to their peers and embody the values of academic excellence, leadership, and service. Dawnwood Middle School and Selden Middle School congratulate Aidan Soviero and Fauzan Bhutta on their well-deserved recognition as May’s Students of the Month.

Newfield High School recently announced that several science students participated Long Island Science Congress research competition held at the iconic Cradle of Aviation Museum.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding performance at the Long Island Science Congress competition,” said Scott Graviano, Principal of Newfield High School. “Their commitment to scientific inquiry and pursuit of knowledge is truly commendable. We congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to witnessing their continued success in the world of science.”

The event brought together budding young scientists from across Long Island to present their innovative research projects across various scientific disciplines. Newfield High School students demonstrated their passion for scientific inquiry and commitment to academic excellence as they showcased their projects alongside their peers. Two of the competing teams won awards. Their projects explored research questions, demonstrating creativity, and critical thinking.

The Long Island Science Congress competition provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage with the scientific community, receive feedback, and gain recognition for their hard work and dedication. Participating in such events not only fosters a passion for science but also prepares students for future academics and professional endeavors.

The Middle Country Central School District recently announced that Michael Cosmo from Centereach High School and Saitta Roy from Newfield High School are their school’s respective class of 2024 valedictorians, while Gregory Mears from Centereach High School and Danica Lyktey from Newfield High School are the salutatorians. Throughout the four years in their respective high schools, these students excelled academically, were active community members, and participated in various extracurricular activities. 

Centereach High School class of 2024 valedictorian Michael Cosmo achieved outstanding academic success during his high school tenure. His weighted GPA of 103.9 is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Michael’s academic achievements include completing an impressive 13 AP classes alongside two additional college-level courses. He is a distinguished member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Beyond academics, Michael has made significant contributions to all facets of Centereach High School. He serves as the GO Treasurer, demonstrating his leadership and involvement in school activities. Michael’s talents extend to the arts and athletics, as well. He excels as a musician, playing the trumpet in the school’s jazz band and pit orchestra, and as a varsity basketball player and captain of the varsity tennis team. He has been recognized as an Academic All-county player by Suffolk County basketball coaches. Moreover, Michael has shown a strong commitment to community service, tutoring elementary students, volunteering at basketball camps, and participating in Tri-M Music Honor Society-sponsored events. After graduation, Michael plans to pursue a career in law at Georgetown University, building on his internships with local lawmakers during high school.

Centereach High School class of 2024 salutatorian Gregory Mears also achieved remarkable academic success. His combined SAT score of 1530 places him in the top 1 percent of all students nationally. Gregory has completed 11 AP classes and four additional college-level courses, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit Scholarship Commended student. He is a valued member of the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

In addition to his academic achievements, Gregory is deeply involved in Centereach High School’s co-curricular activities. He holds the position of vice president of the science club, co-founded the school’s chess club, and actively participates in Tri-M Music Honor Society-sponsored events. Gregory’s commitment to community service is evident through his hours spent with the Avalon Nature Initiative in Stony Brook. As a talented musician, he serves as principal bassist in the Philharmonic and chamber orchestras, 

Gregory embodies the spirit of the music department and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. After graduation, Gregory plans to pursue English Literature at Colby College in Maine.

Newfield High School class of 2024 valedictorian Saitta Roy boasts a weighted GPA of 102.1913 and will have the potential to graduate in June with more than 30 college credits. She keeps herself busy as a member of the school’s mock trial team. the crochet club, the newspaper club, and the pit orchestra. She is also the vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and president of the National Honor Society.

Outside of school, Saitta works at the Middle Country Public Library and serves as a tutor, also known as a homework pal, for elementary-age students. Saitta has accumulated over 100 hours of community service as a book buddy, making donations to Stony Brook Hospital through the crochet club, serving food at the New Lane Elementary School MVP dance, and running a station at Bicycle Path Literacy Expo through the National Honor Society. Saitta will be attending the University of Notre Dame, at which she will major in mechanical engineering on her way to law school.

Newfield High School class of 2024 salutatorian Danica Lyktey earned the number two spot out of 324 seniors maintaining a 101.6888 weighted GPA. She took a total of 15 advanced placement and college-level classes throughout her high school career, Danica’s got the potential to graduate with more than 40 college credits. 

Danica is an active member of the Spanish Honor Society. the National Honor Society. and is also part of the school’s varsity kick line. Outside of school, she is a competitive dancer at Inspirations Performing Arts Centre and this year she is teaching her class for 3- to 6-year-old students. Danica will be attending SUNY Binghamton in the fall, majoring in psychology.

Hawkins Path Elementary School received a generous donation of $5,000 from the new Burlington store located at College Plaza in Selden. The donation, made in conjunction with AdoptAClassroom.org, will provide vital support for the school’s educational programs and initiatives.

“We are deeply grateful to Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org for this generous donation,” said Hawkins Path Elementary School Principal Kristi Leonard. “This contribution will have a meaningful impact on our students and teachers, providing essential resources and support for our educational programs.”

The $5,000 donation will be used to fund classroom supplies, educational materials, and enrichment activities at the elementary school. The support from Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org will help provide the resources students need to succeed academically and thrive in the classroom.

Seventh-grade students from Dawnwood and Selden middle schools visited Stony Brook University, where they proudly presented their research projects at the prestigious Offshore Wind Energy Symposium.

The symposium provided a platform for students to explore the world of renewable energy and learn about the potential of offshore wind power. Under the guidance of dedicated teachers and mentors, students from Dawnwood and Selden Middle Schools researched various aspects of offshore wind energy, developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

During the event, students showcased their findings through presentations and interactive demonstrations. From exploring the environmental impact of offshore wind farms to designing efficient turbine models, the students’ projects covered a wide range of topics, reflecting their passion for sustainability and renewable energy.

The symposium also served as a valuable learning experience for the students, who had the opportunity to engage with experts in the field, participate in hands-on activities, and experience climate simulation models through the virtual reality deck at the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology. By immersing themselves in the world of offshore wind energy, the students gained a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainable practices and the role they can play in shaping a greener future.

Newfield High School hosted an unforgettable International Night recently showing the vibrant tapestry of cultures within its student body and community. The event, held in the school’s gymnasium, captivated attendees with mesmerizing performances, tantalizing cuisines, and immersive cultural experiences. 

From captivating dances to soul-stirring songs and rhythmic drumming, the International Night at Newfield High was a testament to the rich diversity that defines the school and its surrounding community. Students from various cultural backgrounds enthusiastically participated, infusing the evening with their unique talents and traditions.

One of the highlights of the evening was the cultural attire worn by students, illustrating the kaleidoscope of traditions represented at Newfield High School. Attendees were transported on a global journey as they meandered through the gymnasium, encountering interactive booths representing different countries and cultures.

“International Night is a celebration of who we are as a school community: diverse, inclusive, and vibrant,” remarked Scott Graviano, Principal of Newfield High School. “It’s a testament to our commitment to embracing and honoring the rich cultural tapestry that enriches our school environment.”

The event provided an opportunity for attendees to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of various cultures. From sampling cultural foods to learning about customs and traditions from around the world, guests were immersed in a global experience. Newfield High School’s International Night exemplified the power of unity in diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect among students and the wider community.