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East Islip High School senior Carson Tessitore signed a national letter of intent on March 28 to play football for Utica University, where he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health studies leading to a doctor of physical therapy degree.

Playing center and defensive tackle, Tessitore earned All-State and All-County honors as well as being named Long Island High School Football  Championship Defensive MVP and one of the National Football Foundation’s Golden Eleven. An AP Scholar with Honor and Scholar-Athlete, Tessitore was ranked in the top 10% of his class.

Date Added: 3/30/2022

East Islip High School students Christian Brabender, Ryan Deveraux, Robert Graziano, Ryan Jacobsen and Ruelin Man-Martinez participated in the Long Island Physics Teachers Association’s 2022 Physics Olympics, held on March 18 at Smithtown East High School. The annual LIPTA event returned after a two-year break due to the pandemic. After placing first in the Aerial Accuracy contest, and third in the Physics Bowl, East Islip’s team finished third overall in the contest.

Date Added: 3/30/2022

Students and staff at East Islip’s Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School ended the second annual Kindness Challenge by thanking one another in writing, passing out hearts with notes of thanks and kindness throughout the week. This weeklong endeavor was sponsored by the RCK Student Council.

“A student told me that at RCK, we believe it is important to take time to say nice things to our teachers and friends,” Principal Janet Jones said. “The week helped foster the culture of caring we are continuously cultivating here at RCK.”

Date Added: 3/28/2022

East Islip High School art teacher Amarilis Singh recently collaborated with another art teacher who lives and works in Florida. The two designed a workshop called “Interlacing Auto-Ethnographic Poems into a Community Tapestry,” utilizing poetry and weaving to reflect upon identity and community building.

Singh presented the workshop to other art teachers from across the country at the National Art Educators Association’s 2022 National Conference, held in New York City on March 3-5. Participants created an auto-ethnographic poem and visual imagery on a strip of fabric. The strips were then interlaced as an essential part to building a collective tapestry while opening a dialogue about equity, inclusion and community building through art.

Date Added: 3/25/2022

East Islip Middle School’s theater students presented a remarkable performance of “High School Musical Jr.” on March 11-12.

The stellar cast included Emma Casso as Jack Scott, Nick Lindstrom as Chad Danforth, Nora Mooney as Zeke Baylor, Anderson Ross as Troy Bolton, Kendel Gravano as Sharpay Evans, Eva Daugherty as Ryan Evans, Lauren Winiarski as Gabriella Montez, Alexa Sieklucki as Taylor McKessie, Charlotte Stabile as Martha Cox, Sienna Graber as Kratnoff, Olivia LaBella as Ms. Darbus, Alicia Rios as Coach Bolton, Olivia Primiano as Ms. Tenny, Mackenzie Godbout as Kelsi Nielsen, Aubrey Jonasson as Jamie, Nora Mooney as Susan, Abby Buonincontri as Cathy, Angelina Altamirano as Cyndra and Erin McLoughlin as Moderator.

“It has been truly incredibly to watch our students grow as people and performers over the course of this production,” director Alyssa Tripi said. “Our wonderful performances were a product of their hard work, dedication and talent. We are very proud of them.”

Date Added: 3/25/2022

Second graders at Connetquot Elementary School and Timber Point Elementary School recently had an exciting opportunity to get their drawings of a donut made into a real donut. The students sketched plans for colors, design and flavors for new donuts that were put into production and sold at Bay Shore’s North Fork Donut Company store for a limited time during the week of Feb. 21.

The students had been learning about the artist Wayne Thiebaud, best known for his paintings of desserts such as cakes, pies, ice cream cones, lollipops, cupcakes and donuts, and were taught how to paint a 3D slice of cake. This inspired art teacher Christina Spera-Bartlett to contact North Fork Donut Company and suggest collaborating on the donut project.  

During the lesson, the second graders explored culinary design, viewed images of donuts, and learned what types of colors and decorations make them eye-catching to the consumer as well as which designs and toppings can be created on a real donut. NoFoDoCo provided small parameters that the students had to follow to make the creation possible on their end, which was discussed in the lesson. The students otherwise had complete creative freedom when designing their new donuts. 

After the designs from Connetquot and Timber Point were send to the donut purveyor, NoFoDoCo selected four East Islip winners: Connetquot student Gabriel Wilkinson (“Thunder Storm”) and Timber Point students Michaella Acevedo (“Out of the World”), Sean Joiner (“Starry Night”) and George Tassey (“Ocean”).

Each student winner had the opportunity to visit the NoFoDoCo shop to see and eat their donut creation. Their names and donut names were listed on the store’s glass and their original artworks were on display.

“I had so much fun with this project and the kids did the most amazing job,” Spera-Bartlett said. “They all worked so hard and took it very seriously while having fun.”

Date Added: 3/24/2022

For the first time in two years, East Islip High School held its annual 10th grade Breakfast of Champions. Each year, students are nominated by high school staff for their exemplary character and conduct, and a breakfast is served in their honor with their families in attendance.  This year, 15 students were nominated and recognized.

The March 18 ceremony began with greetings from Principal Mark Bernard. Assistant Principal Jean Marie D’Aversa, the event’s coordinator, then addressed the students and their guests. The nominating teachers read statements explaining why each of the students was selected for this honor. The students then received certificates and gifts commemorating their great achievement.  The ceremony concluded with an inspirational message by Superintendent John Dolan.  

“This Breakfast of Champions was extremely important and emotional for us at East Islip High School,” D’Aversa said. “It was the last event held in March 2020 before the COVID pandemic hit our area. It had been two years since we were able to have this event inside with everyone, and it was a great feeling to be back together again.”

Date Added: 3/24/2022

East Islip High School senior Kristy Murphy recently raised more than $1,200 shaving her head for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports finding cures for children with cancer.

Date Added: 3/23/2022

New York State Assemblyman Jarrett Gandolfo visited East Islip’s Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School last month to thank the students for writing more than 100 Valentine’s Day cards for local veterans.

Date Added: 3/17/2022

Last December, two talented East Islip High School music students spent a long weekend up in Rochester at the New York State School Music Association’s annual All-State Winter Conference. Senior James Mendolia and junior Tristan Hearth were accepted to this prestigious conference based on their high All-State NYSSMA scores from the previous school year. 

During the conference, both students rehearsed with a professional conductor and the best high school vocalists from New York State for four days, culminating in a concert in the Eastman Theatre. 

“Being selected to the All-State Choir was a dream I’ve had since entering the high school in freshman year,” Mendolia said. “Seeing everyone’s photos in the music hallway’s Wall of Fame, which includes teachers who work in the high school music department, made me want to join them and cement my legacy. The days I spent in Rochester ended up being the one of the best musical experiences I’ve had in my life, and I’m so happy I was able to participate.” 

“I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to take part in this incredible experience,” Hearth said. “All-State strengthened my love of music, and introduced me to some of the greatest people I have ever known. A big thank you to the friends and teachers who made it possible.”

“Congratulations to both James and Tristan on this honor,” East Islip Choral Director Bethany Affelt said.  

Date Added: 3/15/2022

Artwork by two East Islip High School students – “Swimming in the Sea of Light”by Aidan Kenny and “The Dance of Light” by Lindsey Roses – was chosen for the 31st annual New York State Art Teachers Association Legislative Student Art Exhibition, cosponsored by New York State United Teachers. 

Since 1990, the NYSATA Legislative Exhibit has been the flagship event for Youth Art Month and NYSATA’s largest public display of student artwork in a government building, the exhibit. It is held in the Legislative Office Building in Albany each spring. For COVID-19 safety reasons, this year’s NYSATA exhibit will remain 100% virtual through 2022, and is viewable at www.nysata.org/legislative-exhibit.

“I am incredibly proud of Aidan and Lindsey,” teacher Heather Toomey said. “They are both talented photographers and work really hard as student-artists.”

“It was cool to be selected for this exhibit,” Kenny said. “I really like making art.”

“It was an honor to be selected for my artwork,” Roses said. “Thank you to Mrs. Toomey for picking my photograph.”

Date Added: 3/14/2022

East Islip High School’s National Honor Society recently completed its second successful sports equipment drive. More than 60 bags and over 150 different articles of gently used and new sports equipment, ranging from baseballs to hockey sticks, were donated to Strength Heals, an Islip nonprofit that raises awareness for children who grow up in abusive situations. The organization helps abused children by providing an outlet through sports and an opportunity for them to build healthy relationships with coaches and mentors. 

East Islip’s NHS leadership project began last year with alumnus Ryan Thompson, and was continued this year by members Dylan Hernandez, Kevin Smith and Sean Smith.

“We were extremely pleased with the turnout,” Hernandez said. “We would like to thank all who donated and were involved with the drive.”

“This has been an incredibly inspiring drive,” said NSH adviser Nicole Ingram. “I love that our members decided to make this an annual collection. The amount of donations this year was incredibly impressive and the fact that it will directly impact victims of abuse makes all of us at NHS extremely proud.”

Date Added: 3/14/2022

Fourth- and fifth-grade student-athletes from Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and RCK recently competed in the 36th annual Town of Islip Sharp Shooter Basketball Contest, which builds on basketball skills taught in physical education classes. Sponsored by the Islip Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs since 1993, along with current cosponsors along Northwell Health, Islip Elks and Town of Islip Housing Authority, the Sharp Shooter “Just Say No to Drugs” program asks local students to score as many baskets as possible in one minute.

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’s in-school first-place winners were Marco Commande, Alyssa Corso, Sean Gomez and Pia Smaldone; Colton Ierardi, Brianna Kearney, Bilal Khan, Victoria Koehler and Jake Maloney finished in second.

RCK’s in-school first-place winners were Juan Carlos Benitez, Dylan Caldararo , Carli Caligeri and Amy Nunez; Abby Aloisi, Landon Burchard, Allyson Habel, Kona Jablonski and Eliana Vidal finished in second.

East Islip’s eight first-place winners moved on to compete in the townwide finals, held at East Islip High School on March 5.

Date Added: 3/14/2022

East Islip Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society recently partnered with Blankets of Hope, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide blankets to homeless families.

BOH provided 219 blankets to the NJHS, who then invited staff and students to help by writing letters of kindness to the families. Guided by NJHS adviser Betty Muller, the letters were assembled along with the blankets and donated to two Long Island organizations that help homeless families, 30 to Mercy Haven in Islip Terrace and189 blankets to Long Island Coalition for the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½less. In addition, BOH asked the school to continue this act of kindness within the community and invited the students to join their 21-day Kindness Challenge.

“The NJHS appreciates all the help within the school community to support families in need, Muller said. “It is amazing what a community can achieve when we all work together.”

Date Added: 3/10/2022

East Islip High School student-artists Lauren Holmes, Dom Nickson, Nick Winegard and Brianna Zinkiewicz were recently chosen for display at the 2022 Suffolk County Art Leaders Association’s All County and Senior Scholarship Art Showcase, with both Holmes and Nickson taking SCALA’s Best in Show awards.

Nickson, a student in Elizabeth Gibbons’ sculpture class, won first place in the multimedia art category for his sculpture, while Holmes, a student in Daniel Figliozzi’s Advanced Placement art class as well as Heather Toomey’s digital imaging and design course, earned the top spot in the digital media category.

Zinkiewicz, a student in Figliozzi’s AP art class, represented East Islip as the Senior Scholarship artist, with three of her works displayed.
Winegard, who studies photography with Amarilis Singh, exhibited his darkroom prints.

“I really feel honored to be a part of the show,” Nickson said. “It was a wonderful opportunity, and great seeing everyone else’s artwork.”

“I am so thrilled that Dom won the Best in Show award,” Gibbons said. “He continues to impress me with his creative solutions, his artistic initiative and skill level. Dom brings a level of sophistication to the classroom environment that elevates not only his artwork, but his classmates as well.”

“I was so surprised that my piece was entered and even more honored that it was chosen for the All County award,” Holmes said. “I am very passionate about digital art and design and am planning to pursue it in my future career.”

“I am so proud of all of the student-artists exhibiting at SCALA this year,” Toomey said. “The students and art teachers work extremely hard, and it is such a wonderful opportunity to showcase their work. I’d like to give a special congratulations to Lauren and Dom for their awards. Lauren is constantly working hard and creating innovative, creative and high-quality professional digital illustrations.”

“I’m so honored to have been chosen for the SCALA show,” Zinkiewicz said. “For a young artist, it is so important to get my artwork out there any chance I get, so I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity.”

“It was an honor to be picked for SCALA,” Winegard said. “I love the darkroom, knowing that not many schools have one anymore.”

“It is such a wonderful opportunity that SCALA provides for young artists,” Singh said. “It was a pleasure to pick Nick, who excels in darkroom photography and is an excellent student. I am so proud of all the student-artists who exhibited.”

Date Added: 3/9/2022

Date Added: 3/8/2022

East Islip High School sophomore Kailyn Bloch and freshman Dakota Collins were named to the Section XI All-Star girls bowling team that will compete at the New York State tournament on March 12 at at AMF Strike-N-Spare Lanes in Syracuse.

East Islip placed third at the Suffolk team championship last month at Bowlero Sayville. Bloch finished third in the county with a 217.03 average while Collins finished with a 207.96. Both athletes were also named All-League and All-County.

Date Added: 3/8/2022

In the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships, held on March 5 at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. East Islip High School’s Kevin Smith finished 11th in the 55-meter dash and Joseph Norrby finished 13th in the high jump. Both athletes will move on to compete in the Nike Indoor Nationals on March 11-13 at Ocean Breeze.

Date Added: 3/8/2022

Fourth-grade scientists in Amy Elliott’s class at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ recently dissected owl pellets, discovering various bones that were then collected and classified as they were extracted from the pellets. The students were able to identify what animals the avian predators had recently consumed.  

Date Added: 3/2/2022

High school sophomore Sebastian Regis became only the seventh East Islip wrestler – and the first sophomore in New York State history – to make the state finals.

In the first round of the tournament, held at MVP Center in Albany from Feb. 25-26, 13th-seeded Regis defeated Middletown’s Rahmiere Bradley by a score of 6-2. He then beat Fox Lane’s Mark Berisha in round 2 and Lockport’s Stefaan Fearon in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Regis scored a major upset by knocking out top seed Konrad Krzyston of Frontier. In the contest for first place, Regis lost a hard-fought battle against Charlie Tibbitts of New Hartford/Saquoit Valley. The final match went to an overtime tie-breaker before Tibbits finally came out ahead, 3-2.

Date Added: 3/2/2022

Continuing an annual tradition, East Islip Middle School’s wrestlers were paid a visit by one of East Islip’s most beloved alumni, the acclaimed wrestler, powerlifter and motivational speaker Rohan Murphy. Born with severe birth defects that resulted in the amputation of his legs at age four, Murphy persevered with athletics at East Islip, Penn State and beyond, becoming a success story and inspiration for all.

“Rohan comes back every year to speak with our wrestlers, and it’s always our favorite practice of the year,” said physical education teacher Ron Croteau, who was instrumental in convincing Murphy to try wrestling as a high school freshman. “We are so fortunate to have him. He is a truly an incredible and amazing man. He speaks about life, wrestling and demonstrates moves with our team. Rohan answers so many questions from the kids. Just watching the wrestlers’ faces and reactions is priceless.”

Date Added: 3/1/2022