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