To recognize the many contributions he has made to both the school and the community, Copiague School District dedicated its baseball field to Tom “T-Bone” Giordano at a ceremony on May 11. Surrounded by community members, school district administrators, board of education members and friends and family, the sign marking the field’s new moniker was unveiled.

Mr. Giordano has been involved in the baseball community for 71 years. He served as Copiague’s athletic director from 1968-1979. He has been a Major League player, a minor league manager and spent many years as a professional scout. Mr. Giordano is currently a scout for the Atlanta Braves. He was inducted into the Professional Scouting Hall of Fame in 2008.

Ray Negron, community advisor for the New York Yankees, and friend of Mr. Giordano, spoke about his guidance through the years. “You are a true mentor and have done so much for so many people,” he said. “And you are still doing it every day. Copiague, he is a part of you and 100 years from now, you can look at this sign and remember Tom Giordano.”

Copiague varsity baseball coach Bill Bennett, along with the Copiague athletic department, varsity and junior varsity baseball teams, presented Mr. Giordano with a Copiague baseball jersey and made him an honorary team captain. 

“There are so many people in Copiague, present and past, that played an important part in helping me become a member of the Copiague faculty,” Mr. Giordano said. “Copiague became a great part of my life. The years that I had at Copiague were not even paralleled by my years in baseball. This is where I started and this is why I am so happy to be here today.” 

Three students from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School ¬– Ashley Collado, Mariana Espinoza and Kembalee Rolle – were selected to receive the Students Building Bridges Award. They were honored for their efforts in building bridges across communities and creating a more civil society at Suffolk County’s Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) program at Suffolk County Community College on May 3. 

Each student was recognized with a citation from an elected official and a certificate from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island. The students listened to the story of survival from a Holocaust survivor, Elizabeth Heyn, whom they were able to meet after the ceremony. 

All three students are active members of various community clubs and activities in the high school. Ashley is a member of the One Mind Club, Tree Huggers, Global Ambassadors and BUTY (Bringing Unity Through Youth Club). Mariana has played a key role in the successful implementation of two of the school’s newest clubs: the Public Relations Club and Global Ambassadors. Kembalee is a member of Key Club and One Mind Club.

Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School girls varsity track team, boys varsity track team, girls varsity lacrosse team and the varsity club gathered at Great Neck Road Elementary School on April 26 to cheer on marathon runner Eva Casale. Casale ran seven marathons in seven days to raise money for the national nonprofit Hope for Warriors, which supports veterans and fallen heroes. As she ran past Great Neck Road, Casale stopped to hug all those who gathered. After she placed a rose on the veteran monument at Great Neck Road, the boys track members joined her on run for the rest of the day.

Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School varsity club took a cold swim for a good cause when they participated in the Suffolk County AHRC polar splash at Bay Shore Marina. The varsity club raised more than $200 in the weeks prior for the Suffolk AHRC, running carnival games during lunch periods. 

Members of the girls varsity track team from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School competed at the Penn Relays from April 26-28. The girls 4 x 100-meter relay team, (pictured) – Halle Moore, Akajia Atkins, Ajhani Carroll and Kerrice Harrison – placed first and brought home gold medals. The 4 x 400-meter relay team of Samelia Roberts, Akajia Atkins, Jasmine Jackson-Gomes and Ashley Jean-Raymond placed third.

Driver’s education students at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School had a hands-on lesson in the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence thanks to a program presented by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department on April 25. The S.T.O.P.P.E.D. program offers a simulated experience for young drivers to show the effects of distracted driving and driving under the influence. Sobriety tests were used to teach consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.

In an effort to help female students find their inspiration and voice, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School held its second annual voice to voice empowerment session in the school’s library on April 25. The mission of the initiative is to motivate and empower one another through teamwork and conversation. It was developed to provide opportunities for young women to gain awareness of their individual and collection skills, experiences and professional goals.

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School assistant principal Tamika Eason welcomed the attendees and introduced the school’s Women’s Madrigal Choir, who performed “Rise Up.” This year’s guest speaker, a fitting choice on Administrative Professionals Day, was Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School administrative assistant Jeanette Tobar-Garcia. Ms. Tobar-Garcia spoke to the students about her upbringing, her struggles in a new country and the importance of hard work, education and family. 

“You will always make mistakes,” she said. “Knowledge is power and the most important thing you can do is educate yourself.” Following her speech, Ms. Tobar-Garcia answered questions from the audience as part of the voice to voice dialogue. Working together in teams, the students reflected on the lessons learned and shared their thoughts in a brief presentation with their peers. 

Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre recognized Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School science teacher Tammy Toro as a 2018 Woman of Distinction.  At the awards ceremony on April 13, Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre honored women in the community who are a positive force for change and whose work helps to forge a better tomorrow. 

Showcasing songs throughout the decades, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School presented its annual POPs concert in the auditorium on April 18.

The Madrigal Singers, lead by choral director Gina Occhiogrosso, kicked off the show with an evolution of music through the years. Jonah Ramdas performed “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire and was followed by the duo of Kyree Scott and Kaitlyn Besse showcasing Elton John’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” Ladrea Buffaloe and Kayla Urban took to the stage for Sia’s rendition of “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Darley Senat sang Demi Lovato’s “Tell Me You Love Me” and was followed by Jamila Jackson with Beyonce’s “Satellites.” 

“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves got the audience on their feet, performed by Jessica Chochorek, Liana Daubel, Aryana Arias, Ariano Tirino and Shannon Greenlee.  Nicholas Favichia gave a heartfelt performance of Gavin DeGraw’s “Not Over You,” followed by Kayla Dixon’s soulful version of “Praying” by Kesha. Closing out the first half of the show was Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It” performed by James Holland.

Elenys Diaz and Yaderson Espinal showcased their musical talent with Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Kyree Scott again took the stage for “Love Me Now” by John Legend. Samantha Sloane performed the 21 Pilots version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and Jillian Payne belted out Florence and the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over.” Nicholas Favichia, Kyree Scott, Oktay Yildiz, Kevin Buffalino and Jonah Ramdas showcased Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time.” Solo performances included Jonathan Angel with DJ Snake’s “Let Me Love You;” Taylor Sharpe-Adams with Sam Smith’s “The Writing’s on the Wall;” Andrew Szabo with Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life;” and Elenys Diaz with James Brown’s “This Is a Man’s World.” The Madrigal Singers and chorus closed the show with a powerful version of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” 

From March 15-17, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School presented “Bring It On: The Musical.” Performances took place in the high school auditorium.  Inspired by the motion picture “Bring It On,” the musical focused on the competitive world of cheerleading and team rivalries.

The musical was produced and directed by teachers Michelle Budion and Gina Occhiogrosso with the support of Copiague School District’s fine arts coordinator Jennifer Pierre-Louis. 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students Kelly Cheung and Giuseppe Dattolo have been awarded AAA’s Driver Education Award as the outstanding participants in their school’s driver education course. The pair was selected on the basis of demonstrated driving skills, knowledge of the rules of the road, and a mature attitude and approach to driving.

The award not only recognizes outstanding high school driver education students, but also is designed to encourage all young drivers to develop the skills and attitudes that help make them safe drivers.

 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School business students vied for a chance to be named the winner in this year’s Business Olympics on March 29. Four teams of students competed in this year’s “Shark Tank” themed event in front of a panel of more than 15 judges including board of education members, administrators and local business owners.

Team Vis, Team STOMP, Team Medrano and Team Flypack each presented their ideas during a 10-minute pitch. The judges had an opportunity for a question and answer period following the presentation during a networking session. Each team created a commercial along with supporting marketing and promotional materials.

The winning team was Team Vis for their lighted staircase product. Team members were Alleksandra Bugajczyk, Kriyal Patel, Iris Romero, Abigail Romero and Owen Rosenberg. All of the teams will share more than $3,000 in prizes.

Thirty-three new members from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School were inducted into the Isabella Driscoll Chapter of the National Honor Society during a ceremony held in the school’s auditorium on March 28. Administrators, board of education members, family and friends were on hand to witness the induction ceremony.

In order to be inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, students must exhibit the society’s four pillars ¬– scholarship, leaderships, service and character. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon addressed audience and spoke about the newest National Honor Society inductees. “You have distinguished yourself in the classroom and beyond and you should be very proud of the work you have done,” she said. “But more impressive is what you do outside of the classroom that has added to our school community.”

National Junior Honor Society members chose the evening’s guest speaker, Minett Hall, Advanced Placement biology teacher. “It is your hard work, combined with many other admirable traits, that has gotten you here,” she said. “It was a very rigorous selection process and those standing here today for induction represent the best of the best. I wish you every bit of success for your reminder of time in high school and beyond. Remember that good grades will only take you far, but what will take you even further is good character. Harness all of your abilities for the better and be the most positive influence you can.”

After each of the newest inductees was called to the stage for recognition, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta led them in the National Honor Society Oath. 

The district congratulates the following students:
12th grade: Michelle Cox, Kayla Dixon, Jennifer Lopez-Fernandez, Wiktoria Portka and Gabrielle Swenton
11th grade: Alfredo Carillo, Kahlia Claro-Sanchez, Jonathan Conlon, Aaron Eng, Jocelyn Fernandez, Joshna Ilyas, Maybi Mendez, Melinda Mercedez, Yamilex Quiroz Vargas, Darley Senat and Angie Vasquez Sanabria
10th grade: Kiara Bennet, Jonah Breskin, Ladrea Buffaloe, Christopher Canenguez, Gabrielle Diegue, Isabella Galarza, Melanie Garcia, Nicole Hernandez, Jamilia Jackson, Marvin Pineda Lobo, Blanca Reyes, Allison Reyes, Abel Rivera, Donna Rivera, Kenia Rodriguez, Maya Wilson and Kayla Urban. 

As part of Junior Achievement’s High School Heroes program, 20 Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students enrolled in the leadership class became teachers for a day at Great Neck Road Elementary School on March 27.

The high school students spent the day in the third- and fourth-grade classrooms teaching five different lessons. Materials were provided for the lessons and both the high school students and the third-grade teachers completed a training program through Junior Achievement. 

The Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students acted as teachers for the day, following Junior Achievement’s Our City module. “The high school students followed the teacher schedule and were able to make some great connections with the staff and students,” said Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Assistant Principal Jonathan Cutolo. “The elementary student were extremely excited about the High School Heroes and some made welcome signs and asked them for their autographs.”

The curriculum introduces students to financial literacy and learning objectives for social studies, including the characteristics of cities, the importance of economic exchange, and how people and businesses in cities manage their money. At the end of the day, the third-graders were each provided with a certificate of completion.

“Copiague is a great place to learn and our high school students were able to give back to their community and at the same time work on skills that will make them successful young adults such as time management, organization, responsibility, preparation and commitment,” Cutolo said. “One of the most important aspects of bringing our leadership class to the elementary school is that it gives the younger students the opportunity to interact with the high school students as role models.”

The High School Heroes program is a service learning project that provides high school students the opportunity to become role models by teaching and empowering elementary students within their school district. High School Heroes work in teams to mentor students with hands-on, interactive lessons to students centered around work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. 

It was a morning of creativity, community and collaboration, as Copiague Public Schools held its annual Community Summit Breakfast on March 17.

Focusing on its theme “Creativity Abounds in Copiague,” the board of education and administration welcomed various community organizations, local legislators, students and families to spotlight its programs and celebrate its successes. “Across the grades, from kindergarten to high school, a goal of the district has been to infuse our curriculum with the most cutting-edge technology, inquiry-based instruction and instruction that taps into students’ multiple intelligences,” said Dr. Kathleen Bannon, superintendent of schools. 

“I believe it is very important for our community members to see and hear what our students and staff are doing on a daily basis,” Board of Education President Laura Gavey said. “Because of the support of our community and our legislators we are very lucky that we are able to keep our programs alive in the ever-changing education system. We are fortunate that we have been able to budget properly over the last few years and our programs are still intact.”

Gavey continued her speech to discuss the need for increased state and federal funding in order to maintain its educational programs. 

During her “State of the District” address, Dr. Bannon focused on the district’s multitude of positive accomplishments and provided an update on the district’s ongoing capital project. She also mentioned the district’s 2018-19 budget process and the need for increased state funding. 

“In a perfect world, there would be adequate and equitable funding for public education,” she said. “Funding that is predictable, transparent and sustainable. So that we can plan for the long term, rather than year to year.”

The summit also featured student musical performances, spotlights on various creative student programs and projects and an introduction of the Class of 2018 top 10 students. Additionally, New York State Sen. John Brooks, Brendan Cunningham, Chief of Staff for New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, and Town of Babylon Supervisor Richard Schaffer were in attendance.