Month: August 2025

In an inspiring show of community spirit and generosity, the Muccio siblings of Middle Country Central School District hosted their fourth annual lemonade stand fundraiser to help fellow students in need prepare for the upcoming school year.

The week-long event, organized and run entirely by the Muccio children, raised funds to purchase school supplies and backpacks for students in Middle Country. This year, the siblings expanded their efforts, offering lemonade, chips, cookies, handmade bracelets, children’s clothes, shoes, toys, and household items to raise as much money as possible.

Last year, the Muccio kids raised an impressive $1,317, which allowed them to purchase 75 backpacks and hundreds of essential school supplies. This year, they built on that momentum and raised $2,255. After a successful fundraising week, the siblings spent three hours shopping at the Setauket Target, carefully budgeting 100% of their proceeds to maximize the impact of every dollar.

Thanks to Target’s 20% teacher discount and an additional 15% savings through the Target app, the Muccio family was able to purchase 135 backpacks and over 1,000 school supplies—all dedicated to Middle Country children who need them most.

Their annual lemonade stand has become a cherished local tradition—one that not only brings the community together but also teaches valuable lessons in empathy, budgeting, and civic responsibility. The Muccio family extends their heartfelt thanks to the community for their continued support and to Target for the generous discounts that helped stretch every dollar further.

Five talented music students from Newfield High School have returned from a three-week international performance tour across Europe as part of American Music Abroad’s Freedom Tour.

Alex Wagner, Caiden Davis, Xjung Todd, Umber Sharma, and Athan Forster, accompanied by their band teacher Dr. Harold Goldstein, had the extraordinary opportunity to perform in world-renowned venues and experience rich cultural landmarks across five countries.

Throughout the tour, the students performed in a variety of iconic locations, including historic amphitheaters, majestic cathedrals, charming gazebos, and grand auditoriums in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and France. These concerts brought together young musicians from across the United States to share their passion for music on a global stage.

Cultural highlights of the tour included:

• Viewing Michelangelo’s Statue of David in Florence
  
  
• Visiting the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
  
  
• Riding gondolas through the canals of Venice
  
  
• Exploring salt mines and hiking a glacier in Austria
  
  
• Taking in the breathtaking Rhine Falls in Switzerland
  
  
• Reflecting at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site in Germany
  
  
• Wandering through medieval villages, castles, and cathedrals throughout Germany and France
  
  

“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Dr. Goldstein. “Not only did our students get to showcase their musical talents abroad, but they also immersed themselves in diverse cultures and histories that will stay with them forever.”

The Newfield community is incredibly proud of Alex, Caiden, Xjung, Umber, and Athan for their outstanding representation of the school, their musicianship, and their commitment to excellence.

Middle Country Central School District—along with many other school districts statewide—recently swore in for the first time two outstanding students as student board representatives for the 2025–2026 school year during the Board of Education’s annual organizational meeting.

Rose Miller of Centereach High School and Dyllon Blake of Newfield High School took their oaths during the meeting, marking the beginning of their roles as student liaisons to the Board of Education. Both students currently serve as Government Organization (GO) presidents at their respective schools.

Dyllon currently serves as the General Organization (G.O.) President and Vice President of the National Honor Society. He is also an active member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Jazz Band. Additionally, he holds the position of Vice President of the History Club. Rose is the General Organization President and a dedicated member of several school organizations, including the Class of 2026 Club, Best Buddies Club, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and the Girls Varsity Soccer Team.

As student representatives, Rose and Dyllon will provide valuable insight and perspective on behalf of their peers, helping to strengthen the connection between the student body and the Board. Rose and Dyllon’s leadership and dedication to student advocacy make them well-suited for these important roles.

“We are proud to welcome Rose and Dyllon to the Board in their capacities as student representatives,” said Dawn Sharrock, Board President. “Their voices will help guide our decisions and ensure that student concerns remain a central focus in our district initiatives.”

The Middle Country Central School District congratulates Rose and Dyllon on their appointments and looks forward to their contributions in the coming year.