15 Photos
Hampton Bays High School freshmen Lilah Nydegger (French horn) and Willem Sarkis (bassoon) recently performed in the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association All-County Festival at Southampton High School. The two students were selected based on previous NYSSMA scores and teacher recommendations. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Southampton Elementary School hosted a month of March Madness literacy activities with more than 60 students and their families taking part in a literacy night that featured student book report projects, teachers reading books, crafts, a photo booth, snacks and prizes. A monthlong reading challenge also took place in which students collaboratively read a combined 149,337 minutes in school. The goal is to break 150,000 minutes next year. Students also enjoyed a Read Across America week with fun activities, dress-up days and drop-everything-and-read sessions. They read in a tent, in boxes and under tables with flashlights in the library. The month also included a Battle of the Books, where students voted on their favorite books and teachers revealed the winners with fun videos. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School’s cast and crew packed the house for its performances of “Chicago: Teen Edition,” held in the auditorium on March 22 to 24. COURTESY EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Westhampton Beach High School junior Nicholas Borruso was accepted into the Stony Brook Simons Summer Research Program. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Southampton High School robotics team, Team 9646 Marinators, were recently awarded a Rookie All-Star award at the international FIRST robotics competition at Hofstra University. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Westhampton Beach High School student Ava Failla recently collected and donated more than 1,300 books to Book Fairies of Long Island. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Westhampton Beach Elementary School recently named the winners of its 25th annual Math, Science and Technology Fair. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School seniors Sydney Flores and Gianna D’Alessandro were selected to exhibit at BAFFA’s annual high school juried invitational art exhibit. COURTESY EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Westhampton Beach Middle School students excelled during their first mock trial competition sponsored by Eastern Suffolk BOCES. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School students Heather Moran, Alexandra Stefanidis, Grace Martin-Tsoupas, (front, l-r) Hailey Reilley and James Kreiling were selected to exhibit at Bay Area Friends of Fine Art's annual high school juried invitational art exhibit in Sayville. COURTESY EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School seventh-graders Theresa Talmage, Aaliyah Parris, Aiden Griego, Peter Dunckelmann and Ava Reehil were winners of the school’s second annual Civics Fair. COURTESY EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Scout Christian Capolino, a sophomore at Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School, led Troop 221 in the construction of four benches, a flower box with sunflowers, as well as a sign on the entrance gate of the East Quogue School garden as part of an Eagle Scout project. Together, Christian and Troop 221 cleaned up the area in and around the garden to benefit the school and the community. Florence Lumber, John Linquist and Stephanie Rempe made donations that made the project possible. COURTESY EAST QUOGUE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Scout Christian Capolino, a sophomore at Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School, led Troop 221 in the construction of four benches, a flower box with sunflowers, as well as a sign on the entrance gate of the East Quogue School garden as part of an Eagle Scout project. Together, Christian and Troop 221 cleaned up the area in and around the garden to benefit the school and the community. Florence Lumber, John Linquist and Stephanie Rempe made donations that made the project possible. COURTESY EAST QUOGUE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Scout Christian Capolino, a sophomore at Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School, led Troop 221 in the construction of four benches, a flower box with sunflowers, as well as a sign on the entrance gate of the East Quogue School garden as part of an Eagle Scout project. Together, Christian and Troop 221 cleaned up the area in and around the garden to benefit the school and the community. Florence Lumber, John Linquist and Stephanie Rempe made donations that made the project possible. COURTESY EAST QUOGUE SCHOOL DISTRICT
As part of a Women’s History Month celebration, Southampton Elementary School third grade students in Jessica Gomez's and Stefany Gomez-Barrientos’ class had a visit from Southampton Village Police Chief Suzanne Hurteau. During the visit, they learned that Chief Hurteau was the first female detective, the first female sergeant and the first female lieutenant before becoming the first female police chief in the department’s 127-year history. Prior to the visit, the students had been presenting information about important women during their school’s morning announcements. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Westhampton Beach Junior Accepted to Prestigious Stony Brook Simons Summer Research Program
This summer, Westhampton Beach High School junior Nicholas Borruso will be attending the prestigious Stony Brook Simons Summer Research Program. He is the first Westhampton Beach High School student to earn entry into the highly competitive program; only 4 percent of all applicants are accepted.
As part of the six-week program, Borruso will be working on zebrafish research with Professor Dr. Howard Sirotkin in the department of neurobiology and behavior.
“This is very validating for me,” said Borruso, whose science research project relates to the developmental and behavioral effects of copper sulfate on zebrafish. “My interests align perfectly with Dr. Sirotki’s fisheries research.”
Borruso first became interested in zebrafish after taking an online summer course through Brown University. He previously took an online course about bioscience through Stamford University.
“Nick has shown a strong interest in zebrafish neuroscience since I’ve met him, and I am very excited that he has earned the opportunity to work with researchers at Stony Brook University this summer,” said Dr. Dianna Gobler, science research teacher.
To earn his spot in the summer program, Borruso was required to participate in a highly selective application process that included his impressive academic record and recommendations from his teachers.
He attributed his success to those teachers, noting, “The guidance of my science and math teachers has been exceptional.”
Apart from his research, Borruso serves as vice president of his school’s robotics team and is a member of Mathletes and Key Club.
Westhampton Beach Students Donate Books to Students in Need
To give back to the community, Westhampton Beach High School student Ava Failla recently collected and donated more than 1,300 books to Book Fairies of Long Island.
The sophomore decided to take action after seeing how the Book Fairies program worked in a school district where her mother works.
“Growing up, I had a lot of nice books and I wanted to help make a difference and provide books to underprivileged children,” said Failla.
To collect the books, Failla worked with the principals at Westhampton Beach and Quogue elementary schools to put out donation boxes.
She hopes to continue the momentum and collect books again next year.
When not working on community service projects, Failla can be found on the soccer and lacrosse fields. She also volunteers at the Southampton Animal Shelter and is a member of the Golden Canes Club, where she works to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
Southampton Robotics Team Earns Award
The new Southampton High School robotics team, Team 9646 Marinators, were recently awarded a Rookie All-Star award at the international FIRST robotics competition at Hofstra University. The team earned the award for constructing a robot appropriate to the game’s challenges, displaying a true partnership between school or organization and sponsors, and understanding the mission of the FIRST robotics competition.
“The fact we received it means the team really impressed the judges,” said Melissa Mitchell, assistant principal, volunteer mentor and team administrator. “This award isn’t given out to just anyone. Not every rookie team receives it.”
Prior to the competition, team members not only worked for eight weeks to construct a robot, but also held outreach efforts in the community. They spread awareness about adults with autism, donated food to a local homeless shelter during the holidays and shared their love of robotics with younger students during Community Science Night.
“The fact that the team made it as far as they did is a remarkable achievement for a rookie team, even though they didn’t make it into the final bracket,” said Mitchell.
The Marinators competed against 49 other teams from the United States, France, Canada and Chinese Taipei in the highest level of robotics competition for students in grades nine through 12.
Participating students were Sarah Barros, lead pit engineer; Ermir Bedrolli, scouting/outreach; Anthony Bonilla, game play/scouting; Anderson Carrera, construction team/field elements; Casey Cartegena, driver; Hudson Fox, scouting/outreach; Jhoseph Garay, construction team/field elements; Dylan Glanz, pit crew/outreach/team representative lead; Kyle Grigo, scouting/spirit; Colin Heaney, pit crew/human player; Madan Hegde, scouting/spirit; Paige Hopson, art department/outreach/spirit; Matthew Jimenez, scouting/spirit; Rosary Krezelak, scouting/outreach/spirit; Konstantine Lazarakis, scouting/spirit/pit crew; Carlos Lucero Reyes, construction team/field elements; Aubrey MacDonald, art department/outreach/spirit; Riley Mitchell, pit crew/graphic design; David Morales, scouting/spirit/engineer; Steven Morales , scouting/spirit/engineer; Waylon Morey, scouting/spirit; Ryan Pak, scouting/spirit; Daniel Palumbo, scouting/spirit/outreach; Pedro Pariz, scouting/spirit; Jeyden Ramos, pit crew/engineer; Lenin Riera Sibri, construction team/field elements; Jackson Romanow, scouting/spirit/outreach; Caitlin Schulman, social media; Chloe Voluck Sviedrys, driver operator; Isaiah Warden, scouting/spirit; Jacob Warden, safety captain.
Southampton Class of 2024 Summa, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude Named
Southampton High School has announced that 18 members of the Class of 2024 will be graduating summa cum laude in June. These students earned this distinction by maintaining an overall GPA of 95 or above during their high school journeys.
“We are pleased to present these students to the community,” said Principal Brian Zahn. “They have etched themselves in the history of the school. They worked hard throughout their high school careers and are very deserving of this honor.”
In addition to maintaining a high GPA, the students have each displayed a commitment to their school and community and will be attending college after graduation. As part of the honor, their senior portraits will be hung in the school’s “Summa Cum Laude” display.
Additionally, the high school recognized seniors who will be graduating magna cum laude and cum laude. Those who earned the prestigious magna cum laude and cum laude distinctions maintained overall GPAs of 92-94 and 89-91, respectively, during their high school journeys.
“We are very proud of these seniors who have worked hard and remained dedicated to their education,” said Zahn. “They are highly deserving of this honor.”
The Top 18 are Ronan Brady, Casey Cartagena, Lilly Conklin, Marielle Costa-Helmstead, Jeorgiana Gavalas, Anthony Glanz, Mia Gonzalez, Lily Halsey, Jerome Halsey, Rosary Krezalek, Julian Misut, Riley Mitchell, Jack Nastri, Lucas Nielsen, Nicholas Race, Kimberly Reyes Flores, Erion Ruhani and Mason Stevens. Magna cum laude students are Linda Alfaro Baires, Thomas Armandi, Emily Bartolon, London Bess, Liam Blackmore, Junia DeAlmeida Goulart Marques, Paul Delzatto II, Ava Doherty, Stephanie Garcia, Deily Gonzalez, Luke Haley, Jaslyn Lopez Silva, Joseph Lucas, Thea Morse, Anna Petrie, Christopher Sullivan, Andrea Uruchima Cabrera, Georgia Wilutis and Daniela Yanza.
Cum laude students are Emily Amador, Declan Barbour, Danny Bustamante, Samantha Dudley, Emma Gaeckle, Ava Guillo, Anne Hattrick, John Hernandez, Carlos Lucero Reyes, Luz Matamoros, Sa’Naya Morris, Antonio Muller, Andres Raynor, Lenin Riera Sibri, Taylor Robinson, Linda Rojas, Vanessa Rubin, Alison Schneider, Patryk Schneider and Dyson Smith.
Winning Projects for Future Scientists
Students at Westhampton Beach Elementary School displayed their knowledge of science at the school’s 25th annual Math, Science and Technology Fair.
The event showcased a variety of science projects by students in grades one through five, with topics ranging from dog anatomy and beach erosion to screen time and cleaner water. This year’s fair winners were Sophie Dwyer and Elizabeth Williams, kindergarten; Kenley Montpetit, first grade; Ben Williams, second grade; Max Searles, third grade; Cora Montpetit, fourth grade; and Xavier Kalisak, fifth grade. The winning students are now eligible to compete in Brookhaven National Laboratory’s annual Elementary Science Fair Competition.
East End Music Programs Recognized
Both Hampton Bays School District and Southampton School District have earned a Best Communities for Music Education designation from the nonprofit NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
It’s the fifth time Hampton Bays School District has been honored with a the designation and the ninth for Southampton School District.
To receive the recognition, the districts demonstrated outstanding achievement in its efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The districts were required to answer detailed questions about its program, including funding, music class participation, instruction time and support.
Westhampton Beach National Junior Honor Society Inductees Named
Westhampton Beach Middle School has announced that 71 students have been named National Junior Honor Society members. The students were officially inducted during a candlelighting ceremony.
To be eligible for membership, the students were required to maintain an unweighted GPA of 92 or better, meet the standards of leadership, service, citizenship and character, and complete community service.
Westhampton Beach Middle School congratulates the following inductees: Caleb Ali, Leonidas Anastasopoulos, Adriana Armijos, Taylor Bigora, Chloe Blowes, Jason Bookamer, Ava Borruso, Abigail Camacho, Colbie Canty, Briana Carmona, Jude Dawson, Charlotte Dennehy, Serafina DiBiaso, Teagan Dorn, Louis Farano, Casey Farrell, Clare Farrell, Jemma Farruggia, Jaynelle Breanne Fernandez, Heather Gdula, Jack Gibbons, Darryn Green, Sophia Guzman, Penelope Hahn, Emilia Harrington-Matros, Grace Hart, Jake Hart, Harry Hebberd, Travis Hefter, Hailey Heptig, Winter Hinck, Cameron Hipp, Kai Katevatis, Lily Krentzman, Niko Leontaritis, Michael Litjens, Jordan Lukert, Jonathan Marden, Mia Mastropierro, Isabelle McCarthy, Morgan McCarty, Noah Murphy, Christian Naclerio, Julianna Najdzion, Maeve O’Connor, Channing O’Neil, Nicholas Paga, Lucas Palmer, Benjamin Presutti, Leah Ravin, Angela Rea, Sebastian Rivera, Maria Rodriguez, Jacob Ryvicker, Katelyn Salerno, Levi Salvi, Filip Sanczenko, Samuel Sarocky, Ari Schneider, Daniel Schumacher, Madeleine Sinclair, Samuel Snyder Jr., Edgar Socop Chan, Zion Stokes, William Sultan, Rowan Toolan, Beatrice Tunney, Mia Velez, Lily Warchol, Sophia Zaleski and Elly Ziccardi.
Westhampton Beach Students Excel in Mock Trial Competition
Westhampton Beach Middle School mock trial class members won three out of four cases during the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Annual Mock Trial tournament at Suffolk County Community College.
“This was super impressive for Westhampton’s first time competing,” said teacher Kelly Massaro. “Far more important than the win was seeing my students suited and confident, thinking critically, and using their voices to enforce the law.”
During the competition, 31 mock trial students competed against four other middle schools in a mock criminal case. The cases were presided over by Supreme Court judges and district attorneys. Prior to the competition, Westhampton Beach students prepared two defense and two prosecution teams that included lawyers and witnesses. They also conducted legal research and mastered all aspects of a trial, including openings, closings, objections, submitting evidence, creating a theory for the case, direct examination, cross examination and redirect.
The students were also fortunate enough to have private practice lawyer Thomas Gibbons assist in preparing them. “He is an expert not only in the law, but also in guiding the students through all the intricacies of criminal trials in a way that helped them grow as thinkers and potential lawyers,” said Massaro. “We are so grateful for his generous donation of time and teaching.”
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School Holds Civics Fair
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School seventh-graders Aiden Griego (first place), Aaliyah Parris (second place), Peter Dunckelmann (third place), Theresa Talmage (fourth place) and Ava Reehil (fifth place) were winners of the school’s second annual Civics Fair.
The students were instructed to identify a current civics issue and to connect that issue to an amendment to the Constitution. They also had to come up with a solution or action plan for the issue and include their research on a poster board to present at the Civics Fair. Some of the topics researched included fair housing, taxes on Long Island, bail reform, cannabis use, education equality, climate change and gun reform, all issues facing Americans today. The projects were judged on their contents, whether they were measured to an action plan, the focus on the amendment and design of the poster board.
The Eastport-South Manor Central School District’s Office of Curriculum and Instruction is providing students with the opportunity to acquire a Seal of Civic Readiness as an alternate pathway or as a stand-alone seal upon graduation. Beginning as early as junior high school, students can work toward acquiring this seal by demonstrating proficiency in civic knowledge and civic participation. The Civics Fair is one of the opportunities for students to work toward acquiring a Civic Readiness Seal.
Staff Writer on Apr 8, 2024