The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce that Josangel Almonte, Parker Kozlowski, Madisyn DiRocco, and Sofia McArdle have been named the District’s Students of the Month for December. Each has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, a strong commitment to their school communities, and a positive influence on their peers.
Centereach High School student Josangel Almonte is an outstanding student, citizen, and leader. Academically, Josangel’s GPA ranks sixth in his graduating class of 375 seniors. His SAT score ranks him in the top two percent of the country. He has taken 14 advanced placement courses and two college-level courses. He has attained the highest possible score of five on nearly all the AP exams he has taken to date, earning him recognition by the College Board as an AP Scholar with Distinction.
Outside of the classroom, Josangel is involved in various school activities. He is the secretary of the National Honor Society, vice president of the math team, member of the Science Olympiad team, and a member of the Spanish Language Honor Society. He is a member of the Best Buddies Club while in school and also volunteers through his church. He has accumulated more than 1,000 hours of community service, and every summer he goes to the Dominican Republic to assist people with clothing donations. Josangel is waiting to hear from several prestigious schools. Most recently he was accepted to Notre Dame with a significant scholarship. His top choice is Boston University. There he plans to major in Biomedical Engineering before heading off to medical school.
Newfield High School student Parker Kozlowski is on the honor roll with a GPA of 93. Parker is an exemplary student and a leader in the classroom who sets the tone every class period with his diligent work habits and positive attitude. The level of respect and kindness he displays is amazing. Parker is the ideal student who consistently goes above and beyond all expectations put forth by his teachers. After high school, Parker plans to attend Suffolk Community College for two years before transferring to SUNY Cortland where he will study to become certified as a P.E. teacher.
Dawnwood Middle School student Madisyn DiRocco embraces the challenges of middle school with enthusiasm and grace. Her positive attitude shines through in everything she does. Madisyn is an active member of the Peer Leadership Club, where she has participated in initiatives such as the food drive and Kindness Day activities.
Madisyn was born at just 25 weeks and weighed 1 pound 6 ounces. She spent her first 28 days on a ventilator and battled many serious, life-threatening medical conditions. After 114 days in the hospital, Madisyn was able to go home. Her positive outlook and determination were present at an early age and still are present today. Madisyn’s story was published at Stony Brook’s NICU and presented on Stony Brook’s NICU’s Wall of Hope.
Selden Middle School student Sofia McArdle is a kind, responsible, and helpful student. She takes pride in her culture and heritage and is a leader both in and outside of the classroom. During the first nine quarters of her middle school career, Sofia maintained a quarterly average that dipped below 99 only twice, and those quarters, one in the sixth grade and one in the seventh grade were 98.8 and 98.9. In her first quarter of eighth grade, Sofia had a perfect 100 average and she may continue that trend in the second quarter.
Sofia is the secretary of her chapter of the National Junior Honor Society; vice president of the chamber orchestra, where she plays violin; and the concertmaster of the eighth-grade orchestra. Sofia used to kickbox and she has enjoyed doing community service at her church.