Month: June 2025

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/.

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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/.

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 Edbert will 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/.

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 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/.

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