Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Key Club received recognitions and scholarship winners were honored by the Kiwanis Club of Copiague during their annual breakfast.

Senior members of the Key Club were chosen for scholarships presented by Kiwanis Club president Phil Guerra. Although the scholarship amounts will not be announced until the school’s senior awards night in June, the following students were recognized as scholarship winners: Abigail Romero, Deana Simon, Brenda Reyes, Kriyal Patel, Joshna Ilyas, Ajhani Carroll, Owen Rosenberg, Jackson Bright and Darley Senat. 

Key Club president Abigail Romero and vice president Deana Simon spoke about the many volunteer activities in which the 163 members of the club participated in this year, such as blood drives, Pennies for Patients, community service projects and food drives. Alice Szabinski, president of the Middle School Builders Club, the junior version of the Key Club, also shared some of the various community service activities completed this year. 

Board of education trustees and Kiwanis Club members Kenneth Urban and Christopher Madden announced this year’s Outward Bound recipient, Gregory Jean-Baptiste. 

Copiague School District celebrated the many accomplishments of its student body during the Student Recognition Awards and Superintendent’s Art Gallery at the Copiague Middle School auditorium.

Board of Education members, administrators, friends and family gathered to recognize these select students for their contributions to both the district and community. Thirty-seven students from throughout the district were chosen for the special recognition by the Copiague Board of Education for their outstanding achievements. These awards are only presented twice year to a small number of students for their accomplishments. 

The district congratulates the following Student Recognition Award winners: Deauville Gardens East Elementary School: Jazlyn Bonilla and Emma Turcios; Deauville Gardens West Elementary School: Carolina Acosta-Rivera and Payton Lewis; Great Neck Road Elementary School: Flauren Marcelin and Jocelyn Mejia Salazar; Susan E. Wiley Elementary School: Savannah Myszke and Kayden Quinones; Copiague Middle School: Hadasa Argeuta Botzok, Wailin Baez Polanco, Ana Maria Cruz Hernandez, Rebekah Dorfeuille, Vaiva Kean, Tamia Robert and Kaylie Rodriguez; Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School: Jennifer Reyes and Carol Rodrigues-Rodriguez. 

Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Math Research Group were also acknowledged: Joseph Falco Jr., Zaiba Ismael, Liam Mahabir, Myra Mendoza-Rodriguez and Austin Nunez. Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School robotics team were honored: Ziair Clark, Tyrese Glen, Derik Gonzalez, Sebastian Grajales, Leslie Guzman-Nunez, Amelia Henningham, Gregory Jean Baptiste, Nolan Johnson, Gabrielle Kaufman, Oleksa Klymovets, James Marmol, Raul Mena, Carol Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Arianna Tirino and Adam Wiszowaty.

The Superintendent’s Art Gallery winners were also acknowledged as a special way to celebrate student achievement. This year, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon selected 40 works of art, which will be on display throughout the entire school district. The pieces of art are framed and feature a brass plate, nothing the student-artist’s name, grade level and the year the piece was completed.

Three special works of art are chosen as “crowd favorites.” Each year at the Fine Arts Festival, the district displays various pieces of student artwork and the Copiague community votes for their favorite selections. Winners are chosen at the elementary, middle and high school levels and receive a $100 gift card. This year’s crowd favorites are pieces by Raffy Maloloy-On (Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School); Madalyn Molina (Copiague Middle School); and Kayla Cooper (Great Neck Road Elementary School).

The district congratulates the following student-artists: Deauville Gardens East Elementary School: Deanna Demeo, Alexandra Monell and Jailah Rix; Deauville Gardens West Elementary School: Gianni Espinal and Delilah Larios; Great Neck Road Elementary School: Genesis Hylton, Hunter Natoli and Leanny Soto; Susan E. Wiley Elementary School: Derek Skadel; Copiague Middle School: Lisbeth Adames Estevez, Eliud Bonilla, Lena Fleckenstein, Cathalene Garafola, Isabella Greene, Angeni Hernandez, Emily Krysiak, Kenneth Meza Betanco, Jennifer Molina Salazar, Aleyda Olivia, Annamaria Pepe, Karen Pierre, Stephanie Velasquez, Mariely Vinas Marte and Alexa Zephirin; Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School: Shani Bennett, Jeudy Collado, Jahnay Cuffy, Skyy Edwards, Robert Elias, Tiffany Gallinat, Kayla Kelly, Olivia Krzyzoszczat, Joseph Maloloy-On, Piotr Piatkowski, Katherine Rivera Isaquirre, Evelin Ruiz, Breon Sutton, Arianna Tirino, Marlin Valerio and Johanna Vargas Baez. 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School student-athletes Tayanee Peay and Jackson Bright were recently recognized as the top senior male and female athletes from their school. The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk  and the Butch Dellecave Foundation honored the pair at an awards ceremony. The award is in honor of one of the founding fathers of the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame. Pictured, from left, Copiague School District athletic director Pete Cesare, Tayanee Peay, Jackson Bright and Bill Bennett, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School physical education teacher. 

The graduates of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Class of 2019 were recognized and honored by members of the community and school administration at the annual senior awards ceremony. Gathered in the school’s auditorium, the seniors were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the last 13 years.

Following the national anthem sung by Darley Senat, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta welcomed the audience and praised the students for their passion and motivation. “You are here today because of your unwavering drive for success every day,” he said. “Thanks to the help of these scholarships and support of the local community, these students are beginning their college careers with a solid foundation.”

Surrounded by family and friends, as well as members of the board of education, central and high school administration and teaching staff, more than $93,000 in local, memorial and organizational scholarships were presented to deserving seniors. In addition, students were presented with the Principal’s Recognition Award and the New York State Department of Education Academic Excellence Awards. 

To close out the evening, Mr. Agosta presented awards to the Top 10 students in the Class of 2019. 

The Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Class of 2019 celebrated the 60th  commencement exercises on June 26 at the arena at Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood campus.

Led by administrators and members of the faculty, the students marched into the ceremony to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the concert band and director by Eric Dobmeier. Board of Education President Laura Gavey offered congratulatory remarks to the soon-to-be graduates. “The Class of 2019 has definitely made lasting memories both inside and outside the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School,” she said. “Graduation is a time to look at what the future has in store for each of you. Tonight is the beginning of the rest of your life, graduates. So set your course and begin your new life today and make a positive impact on the world.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon shared her wishes for the students to continue down the successful path they have forged. “You are to be commended for all the positive energy, effort and dedication you put into everything you accomplished while you were in high school,” she said. “When you left middle school, many of you were unsure what high school would hold for you. But you had hopes and dreams, many of which have come true. Now, as you leave high school, I know all of you have dreams of what your future might hold. My dream for each of you is that you live your happiest life.”

Class of 2019 salutatorian Abigail Romero reflected on the important lessons she has learned in Copiague. “I’ve noticed that there is a tendency for people to underestimate us from Copiague,” she said. “I’d like us all to prove those people wrong. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that Class of 2019 is a revolution. We have the enormous potential to make a real change in this world. We have the resources necessary to do so, and if we don’t, we will forge them. Let’s not waste the enormous potential that we have. One of the most beautiful things about this life is the ability to start over and over, each time getting closer to the person who you want to become. As we move forward into the future, together, who are you going to become?”

Echoing Abigail’s sentiments, valedictorian Aaron Eng urged his fellow classmates to seize every opportunity, especially if it pushes them outside their own comfort zone. “Don’t be content with maintaining the status quo,” he said. “Allow yourself to undergo growth and develop yourself into the person you want to be. I am glad to be able to call myself a graduate of the Copiague school district. I’m genuinely grateful for all that Copiague has had to offer over the past 13 years, not just regarding academics. Having such a diverse student population really fosters a mindset in which such diversity is celebrated, and differences are embraced. I know many of us will be departing to areas much more homogeneous, where we may feel out of place. My wish is for you to work beyond this, and to find a way to promote a message of diversity and acceptance wherever you go.”

The graduating Class of 2019 has an extra special place for Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta, who began his role as principal when the graduates were incoming freshman. “When you look back and reflect you will recognize that for much of these past 13 years, you have been supported by loving families, caring and dedicated teachers and administrators and a board of education focused on providing you with the skills needed to help you reach your true potential, stand on your own and take your place as productive world citizens,” he said. “Looking forward, much is expected from you and I have great confidence in your abilities. As you continue on your journey, I hope you look back at your years in high school with fond memories. I charge you with the task of continuing to put what you have learned to good use and to be a positive force in your community.”

Senior class vice president Kriyal Patel presented the class gift – a donation to the incoming freshman class – to Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Assistant Principal Jonathan Krawchuk. Krawchuk and Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Assistant Principal Tamika Eason announced the names of each graduate. Graduates made their way across the stage and were congratulated by Mr. Agosta and Dr. Bannon. After each name was called, Mr. Agosta instructed the students to turn their tassels and pronounced them graduates of the Class of 2019. 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School’s 2019 valedictorian, Aaron Eng, was honored for his achievements, dedication and commitment at the 25th annual Suffolk County School Superintendents Association Valedictorian Luncheon. He was recognized along with his fellow valedictorians from throughout Suffolk County. Aaron is pictured with his family and (back, from left) Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon, Board of Education President Laura Gavey and Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta.

Copiague School District administrators and Board of Education members recognized the faculty and staff members who will be retiring at the end of the 2018-2019 school year and also acknowledged teachers who were granted tenure during the June board of education meeting.

Superintendent of School Dr. Kathleen Bannon, board of education members and district administrators offered their congratulations to the seven retirees, who have more than 170 years of combined service to the district. Retiring at the end of the school year are: Pete Cesare, director of physical education and athletics (32 years); Monica Csorny, science teacher, Copiague Middle School (23 years); Lorraine DeLuca, office assistant, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School (16 years); Carol Geakel, assistant cook, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School (15 years); Victoria Miranda, office assistant, Susan E. Wiley Elementary School (27 years); Diana Murphy, food service worker, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School (28 years); and Sarah Rowan, ESL teacher, Copiague Middle School (31 years). 

Seven Copiague School District teachers – Brittni Ferlazzo, Copiague Middle School mathematics teacher; Courtney Folan, Copiague Middle School music teacher; Susan Graber, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School special education teacher; Brittany Jones, Copiague Middle School special education teacher; Maria Kennedy, Copiague Middle School psychologist; Lauren Lupinacci, Copiague Middle School special education teacher and Melissa Maggio. Great Neck Road Elementary school teacher – who were recently granted tenure, were also celebrated prior to the board of education meeting.   

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School senior and salutatorian Abigail Romero was awarded a $2,000 scholarship by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies on May 23. Abigail was recognized for her video submission on how technology has affected her life. All of the ASSET scholarship receipients were honored at a luncheon celebration in Bay Shore. Abigail is pictured with Copiague School District’s director of technology Kelly Urraro. 
 

Copiague School District has named William Bennett as the new athletic director, effective July 1. He will replace Peter Cesare, who announced his retirement in April. 

Mr. Bennett has been a physical education teacher in the Copiague School District since 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education/teacher education from Adelphi University and a master’s degree in health education from Adelphi University. Mr. Bennett also holds a certificate in educational leadership.

Mr. Bennett has served as a coach for both baseball and football in for the Copiague School District since 2006 and in his current role as the head coach of the varsity baseball team since 2013. 

Twenty-four senior athletes from Copiague School District have committed to continue to play their sports at the college level this fall. In addition, Jackson Bright (boys track, Binghamton University) and Tayanee Peay (girls basketball, Queens College) have received scholarships to play in college. The district congratulates the following student-athletes: 

• Jackson Bright: boys track, Binghamton University
• Chris Carbajol: boys track, Suffolk County Community College
• Luis Castillo: boys cross-country/track, SUNY Stony Brook
• Bobby Elias: boys cross-country/track, Suffolk County Community College
• Aryes Garrett: boys track, SUNY Plattsburgh
• James Holland: boys track, SUNY Buffalo
• Vinosky Saintil: boys track, SUNY Buffalo
• Eric Tavarez: boys track, Farmingdale State College
• Tayanee Peay: girls basketball, Queens College
• Melinda Harris: girls basketball, SUNY Old Westbury
• Davandra Daniel: girls basketball/soccer, St. Joseph’s, Brooklyn
• Paul Illicete: wrestling, Nassau Community College
• Christian Ramirez: baseball, Queensborough Community College
• Gabriela Ordonez: girls soccer, John Jay College
• Faith McCombs: volleyball, Alfred State
• Brian Reyes: boys soccer, SUNY Cobleskill
• Mike Delgado: boys soccer, SUNY Cobleskill
• Jonathan Panameno: boys soccer, SUNY Canton
• Lorenzo Concepcion: football, Erie Community College
• Victor Gamarra: football, SUNY Morrisville 
• Julian Armstrong-King: football, Utica College
• Peter Auriemma: football, Western Connecticut State University
• Joshua Olivo: football, SUNY Morrisville 
• Erik Blanco: football, Western Connecticut State University

The Copiague School District celebrated the accomplishments of its student-athletes both on and off the playing field during the 19th annual spring sports awards dinner sponsored by the Copiague Booster Club.

Coaches, administrators, board of education members, friends and family gathered to share the notable accomplishments of the sports teams in varsity softball, boys lacrosse, girls track, girls lacrosse, baseball and boys track.

Coaches called athletes up front to be recognized and celebrated both their individual and team achievements during the season. They also distributed individual awards, including the Coaches’ Award, Most Improved and the MVP award, to worthy recipients. 

Six Golden Eagle Awards were presented to students from each team with the highest cumulative grade point average. This year’s receipients were: Kiara Bennett (girls track); Christopher Caneguez (boys track); Victor Gamarra (boys lacrosse); Henry Molina (baseball); Kriyal Patel (girls lacrosse); and Carol Rodriguez Rodriguez (softball). 

Three special memorial awards were presented to student-athletes for boys lacrosse and baseball. The Jared J. Pennington Memorial Lacrosse Award was given to Tquan Wint, D. Johnson Moline was the recipient of the Sean Ryan Noonan Memorial Lacrosse Award, and Justin Taveras received the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Baseball Award.

Fifteen student-athletes were named Gold Key winners. The Gold Key Award is the highest honor in the section that an athlete can receive for sports participation. It is awarded to student-athletes who letter in eight junior varsity or varsity seasons in grades 10-12. Copiague School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon presented each winner with a special pin. Winners were: Jackson Bright, Christopher Carbajal Vargas, Ajhani Carroll, Luis Castillo, Nia Cooper, Robert Elias, Emmanuel Espinal, Aryes Garrett, Melinda Harris, James Holland, John Jerrick, Faith McCombs, Kriyal Patel, Melissa Perdomo and Eric Tavarez. 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School art students in Christie Layden’s ceramic class had an in-school Raku firing field trip with guest artist Gina Mars. Students learned how to build an outdoor kiln, fire their work using traditional Raku techniques and then learned techniques on the potter’s wheel.

Copiague School District showed off the many talents of its student-artists and student-musicians during its annual districtwide art festival at Great Neck Road Elementary School. The hallways featured art pieces from all of the schools in the district and gave guests a glimpse into the students’ hard work and dedication. Guests also voted for their favorite elementary artwork. The superintendent’s art gallery was also on display, featuring the art pieces hand-selected by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon to be hung in the administration building.  Throughout the evening, the elementary school choruses took turns sharing the stage and entertaining audiences with a sampling of their vocal talents.

Check out the high school students working on their ceramics project.

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School celebrated the many successes of its science research students during the fifth annual science symposium held in the school’s cafeteria. Invited guests, district administrators, board of education members, Town of Babylon officials and local members of the science community gathered at the symposium to recognize the students’ accomplishments.

“[Almost 10 years ago], we had the idea we should have a science research program; we knew we had science students walking through our halls who could achieve great things in science,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon. “We had a germ of an idea to start the science research program; that was nurtured by [science research teachers] Mrs. Locker and Dr. Lecesse. They took that idea and grew it into what you see today.”

Research students – from the introduction to research, independent and advanced research classes – had the opportunity to showcase their project during a poster presentation walk before and after the symposium, allowing attendees an opportunity to speak with the students about their projects. Thirteen science research students presented a brief overview of 10 different projects to the audience, many of which have garnered notable awards throughout the school year. 

“The research and recognition you receive at competitive events speaks to the quality and timeliness of your projects,” said Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta. “Your successes also speak to the support and guidance you receive from your mentors both at the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School and the variety of institutions with which you collaborate. We celebrate the scientific knowledge of our outstanding students today. These intellectual powerhouses have demonstrated that they can recognize problems, understand experimental methods, organize and interpret data, understand how data relates to the solution of a problem, plan experiments and test hypotheses and make generalizations and assumptions. These are the students that will change the world.”