The Varsity Athletic Awards Banquet was held recently to honor top Lindenhurst High School athletes and coaches. Coordinated by the Varsity Club, Janine and Michael Cheskay and the district’s athletic department, the evening serves to recognize the effort, dedication and achievement of Lindenhurst athletes and coaches.

The banquet began with the grand procession of the Most Valuable Players for each team. Outstanding athletes were chosen for the Lindenhurst Hall of Fame and the Gold Key awards. Individual scholarships and recognition were presented to players throughout the evening.

“The evening celebrated the accomplishments of the student-athletes and coaches throughout the school year,” explained Anthony V. Amesti, Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Health. “The year overall was a tremendous success.”

Some Winners:
Athletes of the Year – Emily Clemens, Christopher DeLucie and Kevin Konarski
Spirit of Lindenhurst – Alyssa Barthelmes and Joseph Morhardt
Coach of the Year – Ed Colgan and Kevin Muscarello
Assistant Coach of the Year – Michelle Cicero and Angelo Cioffaletti
Superintendent’s Bulldog Award – Thomas McCandless

Students from throughout Lindenhurst participated in the Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, held recently at the Mitchel Athletic Complex.

Festivities began with a parade of athletes in the opening ceremony. Athletes, buddies, faculty, parents, aides and administrators were all there to cheer on the athletes in various track and field events, as well as slalom, swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis.

True Lindy Pride was evident, as participants wore green t-shirts to showcase their spirit. The students joined in spirited competition against each other and other schools from throughout Long Island. Students were excited to receive prizes for participation in various events.

This year’s games were coordinated by Courtney Whalley and Karen Parpounas.

Here are photos from the eighth-grade breakfast, held recently in the Lindenhurst Middle School cafeteria.

Breakfast One Slideshow

Breakfast Two Slideshow

Lindenhurst High School's PTSA will be filming this year's graduation ceremony and it will be available on DVD for $15. They need a firm order of 50 to cover the cost of filming. Please send order in by June 14.

Please review attached flyer for further information.

The twelfth annual Celebration of the Arts was held at Lindenhurst High School on May 18, showcasing the fine and performing arts from all of the district’s schools. Families and friends were invited to view the talents of Lindenhurst students in the visual arts, theater, dance, instrumental and choral performance.

The art exhibits included wire sculptures, photography, self-portraits, drawings, computer graphics and paintings. The music program featured band, orchestra and chorus performances. There were also special presentations from the Odyssey and Songbird singing groups, the dance ensemble, and fine arts, photography and graphic arts departments.

“The arts continue to have a strong impact on Lindenhurst students. We appreciate the community’s continued support of the fine and performing arts programs,” said Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts Rose Marvel.


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Lindenhurst Middle School’s Breakfast for Champions in June honored those students who gave a special effort in the areas of service. This group served the middle school as runners, announcers, officers of the honor society and student council.

Congratulations to the June champions: Nick Abbazio, Gina Alvino, Azem Azemi, Chris Cross, Nicholas Fleury, Bethany Gorman, Taylor Hazelton, Sean Healey, Erica Hines, Bobby Kirkland, Anna Kurianowicz, Conor McGowan, Aidan Mohan, Alexandra Pereira, Samantha Piccolo, Meagan Ramirez and Alexis Warren.

More than 300 students and over 50 countries were represented at Lindenhurst Middle School’s ninth annual International Day. In teams of two or three, middle school seventh and eighth graders and Mrs. Curran’s ESL students set up booths that detailed different countries from around the world. Students displayed photos and memorabilia and served traditional foods from the countries they had researched. They also played music native to these countries.

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The Lindenhurst Council of Parent Teacher Associations presented scholarships to rewarding Lindenhurst High School graduating seniors, as a part of the end-of-year meeting held recently at Lindenhurst Middle School.

Congratulations to the following winners: 

Caroline Rakus-Wojciechowski
Elizabeth Mackey
Patricia Pikura
Edward Kellerman
James Ahearn
William Liles
Nora McKenna
Kevin Schmidt

Additionally, Council of PTA President Julie Cicchetti and Public Information Officer Carol Hauser were recognized for their hard work and dedication and received special National PTA Awards. Congratulations to all of the award winners.

West Gates Avenue Elementary School’s student council members collected toys for patients in the Child Life Program at Good Samaritan Hospital. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the toy drive,” said advisors Pennie Hale and Joe Mancuso.

The Lindenhurst High School Art Service Club, under the leadership of advisor Cecelia Mattera, recently visited the Lindenhurst Rainbow Center senior citizens to work together to create beautiful silk scarf and necktie paintings. “It was a delightful afternoon for both the senior citizens and the students,” said Ms. Mattera.

The thirty-seventh annual Teachers Association of Lindenhurst (TAL) award ceremony was held recently at Lindenhurst High School. This year’s theme was “Strong Foundation, Strong Education, Lindy Strong.”

Teachers selected one student from each grade level in every school for recognition. “Tonight we are here to honor students,” stated co-chairperson and teacher John Savastano in his welcoming remarks. He chaired the event with Jennifer Kelly.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. The Geraldine Cuneo Scholarship was awarded to Nicole Saracino; the Teachers Association of Lindenhurst Scholarship was bestowed on Jorge Erazo and the Joseph Pozowicz Scholarship was given to Shelby Smith. This year, TAL presented the “Friends of Education” award to class of 1993’s Robert Byrne for going “above and beyond to help the community.”

Congratulations to the 60 newest members of the National Junior Honor Society, who were inducted at a special ceremony at Lindenhurst Middle School.

Holding lit candles symbolizing scholarship, leadership, character, service and citizenship, the students represent the best and brightest of the middle school. Principal Frank Naccarato stated, “These students truly are what Lindy Pride is all about. They are the future.” Students must maintain a 90 average, show leadership and participate in extracurricular activities.

Special thanks to Debbie Gloor and Michelle Corcoran, who serve as advisors to the society and coordinated the beautiful induction ceremony.


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Thank you to Rich Weeks' eleventh grade German class, who helped raise more than two thousand dollars for Riley McCandless, the daughter of LHS teacher and coach Tom McCandless.

Congratulations to the Lindenhurst High School athletes who signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the following colleges/universities:

Kevin Konarski - Swimming - University of Connecticut
Stephanie Kirgan - Softball - Mercy College
Lori Michalowski - Softball - State University of New York at Farmingdale
Cooper Sesselman - Lacrosse - Malloy College
Alexa Haines - Lacrosse - Mercy College
Trisha Serras - Lacrosse - Dowling College
Michael Renick - Lacrosse - New York Institute of Technology
Joseph Morhardt - Lacrosse - New York Institute of Technology
Nicolas Franco - Lacrosse - Providence College
Andrew D’Angelo - Lacrosse - Post University

Matthew Colton - Football - Hartwick College
Nicholas Charlock - Football - Alfred University
Joseph Jennewein - Football - Morrisville State College
Gennaro Piciullo - Football - Plymouth State University
Jack Sumski - Soccer - State University of New York at Cortland
Anthony J. Seara - Track - Adelphi University
Alyssa Barthelmes - Track - Bloomsburg University
Bonnie Pisciotta - Track - Quinnipiac
Emily Clemens - Volleyball - George Washington University
Christopher DeLucie - Volleyball - Sacred Heart University
Michael Comens - Volleyball - Sacred Heart University
Robert Sarneckis - Volleyball - Nazareth

The eleventh annual Teen Youth Theatre Awards presented by the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA) were held recently at North Babylon High School. The ceremony honored students in the Town of Babylon for outstanding performances in high school theater productions.

Lindenhurst High School students Michael Brinzer, Lucien Coppolla and Henry Horstmann received honors for their roles in Little Shop of Horrors and Don’t Drink the Water. In addition, a special recognition award was given to Leanne Casella, Deanna Gonzalez, Meghan Hanratty, Dori Lewis and Chabelly Pacheco for their roles in Little Shop of Horrors.

Congratulations to the Lindenhurst High School students who collected food, treats, money and toys for the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter. Chris Elton from the shelter came to thank the students personally. He brought his dog and spoke to students about the responsibilities of pet ownership.

There was also a collection from the high school main office employees. “We would like to offer our thanks to all those who donated to help the animal shelter,” said teacher Kristy Matchett-Evans. Also thank you to Sara Mc Guire and Christie Parker.

Students at Lindenhurst Middle School participated in a moving assembly, led by John Halligan. Halligan’s son, Ryan, committed suicide at the age of 13 in 2003, after being bullied by classmates both at school and via the Internet. Since then, Halligan has been outspoken about the need for more education and prevention of bullying, cyberbullying and teen suicide.

Halligan spoke openly about the tragedy with Lindenhurst students, including the events leading up to it. He believes that holding teens accountable for their behavior online is vital to stopping the kind of cyberbullying that his son suffered. After every presentation that Halligan leads, he hopes students will gain awareness of how they speak to others. He also hopes to influence states to pass laws on bully prevention.

“If one student benefits from hearing John Halligan’s story, then the presentation was successful,” explained Lindenhurst Middle School Administrative Assistant for Discipline Patricia Natale.

Albany Avenue Elementary School’s first-grade students were treated to a special lesson, as a part of their learning about community helpers. Suffolk County Police Officers William Krolikiewicz and Mark Sacco, along with their canine partner Beamer, visited Albany to give a lesson about the roles of police officers and their canines in the community. The students have been learning about the community and community helpers.

The officers showed the students various skills Beamer is trained to perform. Beamer showed students his personality by entertaining with some clever tricks such as fetching a rope and running to catch a ball. Student loved watching Beamer perform tricks.

“Real-life experiences are especially important to young students,” explained first-grade teacher Jennifer Sowinski. “The students were excited about the hands-on canine police lesson.”

William Rall Elementary School students shared its annual fun day with students from Harding Avenue Elementary School’s kindergarten, first- and second-grade students, who were hosted by Rall students after Superstorm Sandy.

Congratulations to the Lindenhurst School District students who received special certificates at the annual Special Education PTA (SEPTA) awards night held recently in the Lindenhurst High School auditorium. Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services Barbara Brown welcomed administrators, board members, staff, parents and students.
 
Students from each of the elementary schools, the middle school and the high school were presented with certificates in recognition of their achievements.

Many thanks to SEPTA President Mary Gallo, past president Mary Ellen Rama and vice president Joanne Morris, who coordinated a beautiful ceremony.

Congratulations to eighth-grader Alexis Warren who helped Lindenhurst Middle School receive a $1,000 grant to use towards a recycling project from the Disney Friends for Change. “I wanted to show how even small actions can make a difference,” said Alexis. “I applied for this grant to help the school for all recycling projects.” The project will include the addition of new wood chips in the courtyard. Also, sixth-grader Luke Cawley spearheaded efforts to raise money to purchase two Linden trees, inspired by learning about the history of Lindenhurst. Luke collected funds with Team NYU.

The two students were honored for their hard work and dedication at a recent ceremony in the middle school courtyard. Also attending the ceremony were Town of Babylon Councilman Thomas Donnelly, Ann Parmaly, a representative from New York State Senator Philip Boyles’ office; Superintendent Richard Nathan and several Board of Education members.

“We are proud of all the hard work Lindenhurst Middle School students did to encourage recycling,” said Councilman Donnelly. Middle school students planted two Linden trees, flowers and seeds in the courtyard with the help of staff members during lunch periods.

William Rall Elementary School hosted Junior Achievement (JA) during which corporate volunteers shared real world, hands-on math lessons with kindergarten, first- and second-grade students. The program makes a connection between what students learn in the classroom and how it can be applied in the real world.

Each grade level enjoyed a different program. The kindergartens listened to compelling stories, read aloud by the volunteer, along with hands-on activities to demonstrate helping, working, earning and saving. First-grade classes emphasized the roles people play in the local economy and engaged students with activities about needs, wants, jobs, tools, skills and interdependence. Second-graders explored the roles of workers in a community, the work they perform and how communities work.

Thank you to Math Specialists Jennifer Cooke and Michelle Schor for coordinating the Junior Achievement volunteer visit to William Rall.

English as Second Language (ESL) students from Lindenhurst High School and Albany Avenue Elementary School united to enhance language and leadership skills. The students joined together, under the guidance of teachers Danielle Mule and Joanna Tofano and created sock puppets. Then they recorded a dialogue between the puppets, using iPad technology.

The assignment began with students asking each other questions to learn about their native countries. Family background, popular foods, important facts, clothing, games, holidays and places to visit were all included in the discussions. Next, students designed sock puppets using their creativity. If students needed additional inspiration, they were encouraged to use the iPad. Students then recorded animated conversations about each other using the sock puppets on the iPads.

This collaboration was intended to enhance the high school students’ experience and provide them with additional background information that they will use to create a children’s book for their final project. The book will compare and contrast countries using writing and images.

“The technology helped make the lesson come to life,” explained Ms. Mule. “Students developed an interactive activity and at the end of the project watched the sock puppets talk to each other.”

Seventy-seven Lindenhurst High School students participated in the seventh annual Bulldog triathlon, coordinated by the high school’s physical education department. Student-athletes swam 1/4 mile, biked five miles and ran/jogged/walked two miles.

The overall male winner was Corey Birsner with a time of 32:23. The second and third place male winners were Tim Steinman and Francis Zuber, respectively. The top female winner, Alyssa Barthelmes concluded with a time of 43:48. The second and third-place female winners were Kiersten Gustavson and Nora McKenna, respectively.

Students trained and documented workouts prior to the big day. On the morning of the triathlon, warm-up stretches were mandated. There were aid stations with water and race bibs, simulating an actual triathlon. At the end, each competitor received a medal.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the successful Bulldog triathlon.

Harding Avenue Elementary School fifth-graders were treated to a special educational program with doctors and nurses from Vietnam to learn about Vietnamese culture.

The Lindenhurst Rotary International sponsored doctors and nurses from Vietnam to enhance their knowledge about medical procedures in United States hospitals. While the doctors and nurses were in New York, they were interested in visiting a school. Through Harding’s reading specialist Maria Bohrer and under the leadership of Dr. Chinh, a group recently visited Gina Krumholz and Staci Snair’s fifth-grade classrooms at Harding Avenue. The visitors spent time in the classroom answering questions about life in Vietnam.

Harding fifth-graders learned that their counterpart Vietnamese students wear uniforms to school and attendance is required six days per week on the elementary level. Students learned that the most common pet in Vietnam is a dog, but that many families have cats and hamsters, as well. Vietnam, the people enjoy rice, soup and fish more than cheese and french fries. Harding students also enjoyed learning about Vietnamese currency, sports, driving, television, weather, taxes and religion. Students were also given details about the medical field in Vietnam compared to the United States.

“The students and visitors established a wonderful connection,” said Ms. Bohrer. “Everyone enjoyed the special lesson.”

Students at Alleghany Avenue Elementary School thoroughly enjoyed the McGruff program, which offers children important lessons on personal safety and bully prevention. The program seeks to give students the social tools they need to recognize bullying behavior, prevent it from occurring and handle it effectively when confronted with a tough situation.

To build these skills in students, Officer Everett Oliver from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department came to the school once a week for four consecutive weeks. Each participant received an award certificate at the end of the program, which culminated with a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog.

“Alleghany students loved when they saw McGruff the Crime Dog,” noted social worker Florri Krefsky. “The program truly gave insight on recognizing bullying behavior.”

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Awards Slideshow

The Lindenhurst Middle School gymnasium was transformed into a gallery of research as the school hosted its annual science fair. Sixth- and seventh-grade students presented their projects using the scientific method – including their hypotheses, findings, research, data and conclusions – in a variety of interesting topics.

Examples of students’ experiments included how to best filter drinking water, which insulation can withstand floods, how much gluten is found in the foods we typically eat, whether video games affect responses to stimuli, how age affects peripheral vision and what type of evacuation plan is best during a disaster.

“The community supported the students’ work, learned about student research and voted for our best projects,” said Janna Ostroff, the district’s science coordinator. “I give kudos to the efforts of each student who participated and the teachers who helped organize the scientific experiments.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners at the science fair.

Sixth-grade winners:
1st Place – Thomas LaBianca
2nd Place – Lily Barbara
3rd Place – Robbie Tringone
Most Innovative – Josh Burns

Seventh-grade winners:
1st Place – Blake Waszmer
2nd Place – Danny McKenna
3rd Place – Nicole Rinaldi
Most Innovative – Johnathan Rood

Sandy Inspired Science Award – Bridget Dietz

People's Choice winners:
Lora Odeah and Azem Azemi