Author: middle-country

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce the recipients of November’s Student of the Month honors, recognizing exceptional students for their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to their school communities.

The honored students for November are Centereach High School student Ben Taciak, Newfield High School student Thomas Lasher, Dawnwood Middle School student Jeffrey Arezzo, and Selden Middle School student Abyan Chowdhury. These outstanding students were selected by their teachers for demonstrating qualities that reflect the district’s core values of excellence, integrity, and community. Each of these students stands out not only for their academic accomplishments but also for their dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to helping others.

Ben Taciak has consistently demonstrated academic excellence while participating in various extracurricular activities. Ben serves as the school’s GO president. He was instrumental in the planning, and, through his efforts, a lot of the events were a major success. Since entering Centereach High School, Ben has been involved in class and school activities such as the math team, the Science Olympiad, and unified basketball. Ben is currently the president of Centereach High School’s National Honor Society. Ben represents the school and district athletically as well. He was a member of the golf team as well as co-captain of the wrestling team.

Academically, Ben truly excels. His SAT score is 1470 and his GPA ranks him fifth in the Class of 2025. Ben will graduate this year having taken 14 advanced placement classes and one additional college-level course. Ben applied to numerous Ivy League, including Harvard, Cornell, Yale, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania. At college, he plans to study finance in hopes of becoming an investment banker.

Thomas Lasher, a standout student at Newfield High School, has shown remarkable dedication to his academics. He thrives amongst the school’s top 25; he’s ranked 11th out of 383 seniors. He has the potential to graduate in June with more than 40 college credits. Through his years at Newfield High School, Thomas has been a member of the Pit Orchestra, a cast member of Little Shop of Horrors, a member of the Newfield Drum Club, a member of the Symphonic Orchestra, the jazz band, and the Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts Concert Band. He is also a member of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Educational All-County Band, All-State Band alternate, SCMEA All-County band, and the NYSBDA Honors Band. Thomas is the president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Historian of the Newfield Drum Club, and the Secretary of the jazz band. Thomas applied to Penn State University, Stony Brook, Binghamton, Notre Dame, and Northeastern.

Dawnwood Middle School student Jeffrey Arezzo demonstrates strong leadership skills and is a positive role model both academically and socially. He shines in mathematics, showing both strong problem-solving skills and a genuine curiosity and passion for learning. 

When Jeffrey is not in school, he’ll most likely be on a basketball court. He participates in the intramurals at Dawnwood Middle School and dedicates a big chunk of his time outside of school to his national travel team. He practices six days a week and has played in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. He also enjoys being a member of the National Junior Honor Society and participating in the various events and projects they do. Jeffrey also volunteers to give food during the holidays to children in residential facilities.  In the future, Jeffrey hopes to make it to the NBA and aspires to go to Duke University.

Selden Middle School student Abyan Chowdhury is a tremendous and consistent student who is very devoted to his studies. Though he excels in all his classes, he prefers math and science because he enjoys solving hard math problems and conducting experiments. However, Abyan’s devotion extends beyond the classroom. He engages in religious studies five days a week as he hopes to fully memorize the Quran. He enjoys learning how to play cricket from his father who was a professional cricket player in Bangladesh. He hopes to have a career in aerospace engineering where he can make advancements in space travel.

The Middle Country Central School District announced that several of its talented student-musicians have been selected to perform in the prestigious New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Music Festival. Centereach High School senior Shawn Edbert and Newfield High School senior Thomas Lasher have earned spots in the NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band, while Yohani Chen (flute/piccolo), Rowan Willis (voice), and Jillian Garcia (viola) from Centereach High School have been named alternates.

These outstanding musicians achieved the highest scores on the highest-level NYSSMA All-State Solos last spring, which earned them their coveted spots in the All-State Festival. Shawn will perform on French horn, and Thomas will perform on euphonium in the Symphonic Band. Yohani, Rowan, and Jillian will serve as alternates, with each representing the district at the highest level of music achievement.

This weekend, these exceptional students will have the unique opportunity to perform some of the finest music in the world under the baton of one of the greatest conductors at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester. The NYSSMA All-State Festival is a celebration of the finest student musicians from across New York State, and Middle Country is proud to have such talented representatives.

“We are thrilled to celebrate these students’ accomplishments,” said Dr. Roberta A. Gerold, Superintendent of the Middle Country Central School District. “Their dedication to music, combined with their hard work and passion, has led them to this remarkable achievement. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to their music teachers— Mr. Sevian, Ms. Bush, Dr. Goldstein, Mr. Austin, Mr. Hough, and Ms. Wesnofske—for their outstanding guidance and support.”

The district congratulates Shawn Edbert, Thomas Lasher, Yohani Chen, Rowan Willis, and Jillian Garcia on their extraordinary achievements and wishes them the best as they perform at this prestigious event.

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce that six student-athletes from Centereach High School (CHS) and Newfield High School (NHS) have signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The district celebrated this milestone during their signing day, recognizing the dedication, hard work, and commitment of these exceptional students.

The following student-athletes made their college commitments official:

• Parker Nathanson (CHS) – Baseball – Elmira College – Coach Cammaratta
• Christian Sultan (CHS) – Lacrosse – Allegheny College – Coach Siragusa
• Jack Cavalieri (CHS) – Lacrosse – Stony Brook University – Coach Siragusa
• Hannah Hughes (NHS) – Gymnastics – University of Wisconsin Oshkosh – Coach Valentino
• Giuliana Vitale (NHS) – Lacrosse – Georgian Court University, Coach Chiarenza
• Emma Haberstroh (NHS) – Lacrosse – Wilmington University – Coach Chiarenza

Signing day is a proud moment for these student-athletes and their families, highlighting their hard work—both in the classroom and on the field. This event is a testament to their commitment to excellence in sports, as well as the ongoing support from their coaches, families, and the entire Middle Country community.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and their accomplishments,” said Dr. Roberta A. Gerold, Superintendent of the Middle Country Central School District. “These young athletes exemplify the spirit of dedication and teamwork, and we are excited to see them continue to succeed at the collegiate level. Their hard work and perseverance are an inspiration to their peers, and we look forward to supporting them as they embark on this next chapter of their athletic careers.”

Each of these student-athletes has demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and leadership on their respective teams, and the Middle Country Central School District is confident they will continue to excel at their chosen colleges and universities.

Centereach High School’s drama department recently captivated audiences with its energetic production of Clue: On Stage, a lively and engaging performance that brought the iconic board game to the stage. This humorous and suspenseful drama, based on the 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, offered a delightful blend of intrigue and humor.

The production directed by Centereach Teacher Patricia Duryea kept the audience on the edge of their seats. With clever dialogue, and the perfect balance of comedy and suspense, the production delighted both fans of the classic movie and newcomers to the tale. The show’s whimsical atmosphere, memorable tunes, and witty script ensured that the audience was both entertained and fully immersed in the zany world of this whodunit.

The talented cast and crew of Centereach High School showcased their skills in acting and technical production. The performances promise to be full of suspense, humor, and surprises, making it a must-see event for families, friends, and local theater enthusiasts.

Hawkins Path Elementary School recently held a special assembly to honor its very own veterans, Dana Mullally (Army) and Michael Horry (Air Force), and their ongoing commitment to service. In a heartfelt display of support for both local veterans and service animals, the school partnered with Paws of War, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their service animals.

The assembly featured a donation drive where the Hawkins Path community generously contributed essential dog and cat supplies to Paws of War. These donations will directly benefit veterans in need and the service animals that support them. The event underscored the importance of supporting those who have served, along with the animals who assist in their recovery and everyday life.

“We are proud to honor Ms. Mullally and Mr. Horry, two veterans who are part of our school community,” said Principal Kristi Leonard. “Our students and families are always eager to show their support, and this partnership with Paws of War allows us to give back in a meaningful way to those who have served our country.”

Paws of War, an organization that supports veterans by providing service animals and ensuring they receive the care they deserve, plays a vital role in the lives of many military veterans. By donating supplies and raising awareness, the Hawkins Path community continues to show its appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and their service animals.

Fifth-grade students at Jericho Elementary School worked tirelessly on their first service project of the year—and their efforts have paid off in a big way. What started as a candy drive to support the veterans home in Stony Brook has turned into a community-wide success, with the students collecting enough donations to extend their generosity to multiple organizations.

“We are so proud of our 5th graders for their hard work, creativity, and teamwork,” said Elena Baldwin, Principal of Jericho School Elementary School. “Their efforts have not only made a difference for the Veterans Home but have also positively impacted many other organizations. This is a perfect example of how one small idea can lead to a much larger community impact.”

Through careful planning, enthusiastic promotion, and a shared commitment to giving back, the fifth graders were able to gather an impressive amount of candy. The students not only fulfilled their goal of providing treats for the Veterans Home, but they also managed to donate to several other local groups. These include the local police department, fire department, Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Hospital, a local church, and even our troops overseas.

The overwhelming response from the community reflects the dedication and compassion of Jericho students, who have shown that they understand the importance of supporting those who serve and make a difference in others’ lives.

Students from Centereach High School’s advanced art classes recently toured the Long Island Biennial exhibition at the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, engaging in an enriching, hands-on experience that will inform their upcoming capstone projects. Students in Ms. LaLima’s advanced sculpture and ceramics class, Ms. Petruzzo’s advanced drawing and painting class, and Ms. Holland’s advanced photography class explored the diverse works on display. 

The visit allowed the students to interact with museum educators and gain valuable insights into the art-making process. The Long Island Biennial features contemporary works by local artists and is on display at the Heckscher Museum of Art until January 19, 2024. Students explored a wide range of artistic media, from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media, while learning how to critically analyze art and incorporate new perspectives into their own creative practices.

During the field trip, students worked closely with museum educators to study specific pieces from the exhibition, discussing artistic elements such as composition, color, texture, and symbolism. These discussions will serve as the foundation for each student’s individual capstone project, which will showcase their skills and creative vision at the end of the semester.

The Long Island Biennial features a dynamic range of artworks that reflect the creativity and diversity of the Long Island artistic community. With more than 50 artists represented in this year’s biennial, the exhibition offers a rich source of inspiration for the Centereach High School students, whose final projects will reflect the knowledge and experiences they gained during the visit.

In honor of Veterans Day, elementary schools across the Middle Country Central School District participated in a series of heartfelt activities aimed at recognizing and celebrating the sacrifices made by military veterans. With a focus on education, reflection, and community, the district’s schools hosted classroom lessons, activities, and parades to ensure that students understood the importance of honoring the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces.

In the days leading up to Veterans Day, students engaged in a variety of educational activities, including learning about the history of Veterans Day, creating thank-you cards for local veterans, and researching the role of the military in protecting freedom. The lessons focused on instilling the values of gratitude, respect, and patriotism.

The elementary schools also took part in Veterans Day parades where they proudly displayed handmade banners, waved American flags, and cheered as veterans from the community participated in the festivities. These parades were a heartfelt demonstration of gratitude, with many local veterans joining the students to participate and share their experiences.

The Middle Country Central School District proudly congratulates the talented students who were selected to perform in the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education/Suffolk County Music Educators Association (NYSCAME/SCMEA) 11th-12th Grade All-County Concert. These exceptional musicians were chosen for this honor based on their outstanding NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) solo performance scores and recommendations from their music teachers.

The All-County Concert, which took place in November at the Hauppauge High School, is a celebration of musical excellence, bringing together some of the most gifted student musicians from across the region to perform in a collaborative setting.

The Middle Country Central School District is thrilled to announce the following students who have earned this prestigious recognition:

Centereach High School:

• Zachary Atkinson
• Yohani Chen
• Shawn Edbert
• Jillian Garcia
• Jayden Gonzalez
• Logan Millwater
• Matthew Suzzi Valli
• Zachary Voskinarian
• Gavin Wahlen
• Joelle Washington
• Sarah Williams
• Gavin Willis
• Allen Zeng

Newfield High School:

• Payton Astomovich
• Kyle Bogad
• Caiden Davis
• Justin Derosalia
• Ryan Gudelinis
• Thomas Lasher
• Alyssa Micari
• Grace Simonelli
• James Stafford III

These talented students have demonstrated remarkable skill, dedication, and passion for music, and their achievement reflects the high standards of the Middle Country Central School District’s music program. Congratulations to all the musicians, and to their dedicated music teachers, who supported and mentored students throughout their musical journeys.

“We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students and the hard work they’ve put into their musical development,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts and Community Relations. “This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we were excited to see them perform at the All-County Concert. Their participation in this prestigious event speaks to their talent, perseverance, and the strength of our music education programs.”

The All-County concert is a significant event on the academic and artistic calendar of the district and serves as a testament to the excellence of the Middle Country Central School District’s music programs, led by a team of dedicated educators committed to fostering the next generation of musical talent.

he Centereach High School Volleyball team hosted its annual “Dig Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness match, raising an impressive $1,200 for the Side-Out Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding stage 4 breast cancer research. This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked a major milestone in the program’s long-standing commitment to supporting breast cancer research.

In an exciting development, Centereach’s fundraising efforts were recognized on a national level. The Side-Out Foundation selected the Centereach Volleyball team’s fundraiser as one of the top 10 in the county, and in recognition of their outstanding efforts, the foundation will send an additional $1,000 to the cause on behalf of Centereach High School Volleyball.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our players, coaches, and community,” said Mike Weaver, Centereach High School Volleyball coach. “We are proud to have raised more funds than ever before for this important cause, and to have our efforts honored in such a meaningful way. Our team is committed to supporting breast cancer research, and this year, we have made a bigger impact than we could have imagined.”

In total—and thanks to the generosity of students, parents, faculty, and the local community—the Centereach High School Volleyball program has raised over $2,200 for the Side-Out Foundation, the highest total in the 13-year history of the fundraiser. This achievement highlights the continued growth and success of the event, which brings awareness to breast cancer.

The Dig Pink event, which included a volleyball match, a silent auction, raffles, and other fundraising activities, united the Centereach community in the fight against breast cancer. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Side-Out Foundation, which allocates funds directly to breast cancer research and patient support programs.

The Centereach Volleyball Program has been participating in the Dig Pink fundraiser for 13 years, and the continued success of this event reflects the ongoing commitment of the team and the school community to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.