Students in Ms. Santaly and Ms. Marcedo’s visual storytelling and foreign films studies classes at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School had a special visit from members of the Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project on April 10.

Younhee Shin and Kyung Pak spoke to students about Korean history and culture globally, emphasizing both historical contributions and modern innovations that Korea shares with the world. Students watched a video called “Hangul: The Language of Compassion.” Created by King Sejong in the mid-15th century, Hangul aimed to democratize the written language, making it more accessible to the general population than the Chinese characters used at the time and improve living standards.

Ms. Shin and Ms. Pak highlighted modern advancements in Korea, including digital innovations like mobile check-in for doctor’s appointments, prescription orders, digital payments, and advancements in medical procedures. Students then created their own authentic Korean lantern to take home and enjoy.

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Date Added: 4/15/2024

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of its student body at the National Honor Society induction ceremony held in the school’s auditorium on March 26. Surrounded by family, friends, district administrators and board of education members, 39 students were inducted in the Isabella M. Driscoll Chapter of the National Honor Society.

Following a welcome by club advisers Clare Nugent and Marie Accetella, the club’s officers spoke about the organization’s four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Each officer lit a candle to symbolize the pillars.

Each student was called to the stage one by one to be honored and receive their candle and certificate from an existing member of the National Honor Society. Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta spoke about the hard work and dedication of the students who were being recognized that evening. “Tonight we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students who exemplify the core principles of the organization,” he said. “Each of you had demonstrated unwavering commitment to academic excellence, showing that dedication and hard work are the keys to success. Your thirst for knowledge, coupled with your perseverance, had set you apart as scholars of the highlight caliber.”

Mr. Agosta then recited the National Honor Society oath for the new inductees to repeat, as they became official members of the organization. Congratulations to the following students: 12th grade: Jordyn Bell, Brian Gonzalez, La-von Green, Anahis Rodriguez and Kemmora Simmons; 11th grade: Mohammad Ali, Chloe Allen-Jackson, Yenifer Araujo Pena, Adriana Asturias Pacheco, Kaydee Bonilla, Tye Burrus, Cesar Fermin Jr., Lilian Gonzalez Amaya, Vaiva Kean, Alexis Lugay, Nicole Martinez Espinal, Maya Rybka, Michael Santos, Joy Scrivano, Maya Tyszko, Jonathan Valle, Davy Velasquez, Patricia Zepeda and Ethan Zheng; 10th grade: Hannah Alara, Damaris Bonilla, Amelia Bright, Heily Fernandez, Christian Franklin, Ronan Higgins, Mason Koziarz, Krzysztof Krasnowski, Kaia Malbi, Aneisa Nicholas, Rosa Solorzano, Sarah Theranus, Olivia Tyszko, Rosina Wickham and Carlos Zelayandia-Reyes.

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Date Added: 4/12/2024

Last year, Jaiden Urbina was in Mr. Jovic’s writing class, a new course which was offered to eighth grade students. As a hardworking, dedicated, and passionate writer, Jaiden entered a creative writing contest and became a finalist. Mr. Jovic then submitted the piece to the Young Writers Association where it was featured in its yearly publication. Mr. Jovic recently presented Jaiden with the book featuring his writing. Jaiden is pictured with Mr. Jovic (left) and Mr. Gaudioso, middle school English chairman.

Date Added: 4/4/2024

 

Date Added: 4/2/2024

Copiague School District students were recognized by members of the Knights of Columbus for their participation in the organization’s annual poster and essay contests at the March 11 board of education meeting at Copiague Middle School.

The poster contest, now in its 14th year, garnered more than 250 entries to tackle the issue of drug and alcohol abuse. Students received a certificate and gift card sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Ten students from Copiague School District were chosen as winners. The district congratulates the following students for their winning entries: Sophia Viacava (Copiague Middle School); Hailey Hitzel (Copiague Middle School); Aliyah Fernandez (Copiague Middle School); Nauddys Sanchez DeJesus (Copiague Middle School); Mia Guillen (Deauville Gardens East Elementary School); Olivia Charles (Susan E. Wiley Elementary School); Daniela Rodriguez (Susan E. Wiley Elementary School); Marek Gonzalez (Deauville Gardens East Elementary School); Sallyiah Abdullah (Deauville Gardens East Elementary School); and Yamila Guiterrez (Deauville Gardens East Elementary School).

This year’s annual essay contest focused on the concept of religious liberty. Each student winner received a gift card and council certificate. From Copiague Middle School, this year’s Knights of Columbus essay contest winners were: Keyrin Hernandez Burgos (first place), Jaden Rose (second place) and Aiden Lopez (third place).

Date Added: 3/25/2024

On March 18, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School hosted a successful college fair, where many seniors connected with college representatives from schools to which they applied and/or have been accepted. Juniors are beginning the process of speaking with college admissions counselors, with focus on exploring a variety of schools while learning about specific programs of interest.

Date Added: 3/21/2024

The 23rd annual winter sports awards were presented at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School for its varsity athletes on March 5. Sponsored by the Copiague Booster Club, the awards recognize the athletic and academic accomplishments of Copiague student-athletes both on and off the fields.
Coaches, central office administrators and Copiague School District’s Board of Education members congratulated athletes from girls bowling, boys bowling, girls basketball, girls winter track, boys basketball, boys winter track and wrestling teams. “Your dedication to your respective sports, academics and teammates does not go unnoticed,” said William Bennett, Director of Athletics and Physical Educat

ion. “You are all a great representation of our district.”
Coaches called athletes up front to be recognized and celebrated for both their individual and team achievements during the season. They also distributed individual awards, including the Coaches’ Award, Most Improved Award and the MVP Award, to worthy recipients. Special memorial awards were also presented to members of the wrestling and basketball teams.
Seven Golden Eagle awards were presented to students from each team with the highest cumulative grade point average. This year, Sara Mierzejewski (girls bowling), Andrew Falco (boys bowling), Joshua Osofsky (wrestling), Chloe Allen-Jackson (girls basketball), Karsten Spencer (boys basketball), Kemmora Simmons (girls track) and Ethan Zheng (boys track) were recipients of the Golden Eagle awards.

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Date Added: 3/15/2024

Date Added: 3/8/2024

In recognition of Black History Month, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School held a special evening celebration featuring song, dance, performances and the arts through the years on Feb. 29. The middle school and high school step teams showcased their dance skills and members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Madrigal Choir captivated the audience with their musical performances. The jazz band showcased the genre through the years, while numerous students took to the stage for poetry readings, musical numbers and informational speeches about the Black history movement. Check out our video montage posting on the website next week.

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Date Added: 3/7/2024