The district’s Fall Night of Champions, held at the middle school auditorium on January 14, recognized more than 100 students who have demonstrated tremendous recent success in various areas including academics, athletics and music. In attendance at the celebration were district and school administrators, teachers, coaches and families.

Jeff Dailey, the district’s interim director for fine and performing arts, honored students selected to the Long Island String Festival; SCMEA All-County Divisions I, II and III; SCMEA Day of Percussion; and NYSCAME All-County.

Islip High School Principal Jon LaRochester, Assistant Principal Curtis Juengerkes and Assistant Principal Lisa Ward were on hand to recognize students awarded AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction and AP Scholar with Honors; AP Seminar and Research Certificate; AP Capstone Diploma; and National Merit Commended Student honors.

Athletic Director John Sparacio recognized high school student and Athletic Department Sportsmanship PSA honoree Chaiti Paul as well as Suffolk Zone leadership award winners, Suffolk County Volleyball Coaches Association League V Rookie of the Year Jacqueline Bryant, the Islip-Bay Shore undefeated league and county champion gymnastics team, and numerous All-State, All-County and All-League winners in sports from football and soccer to swimming and tennis. Sparacio himself was honored himself by Superintendent Ellen Semel for being named a Certified Athletic Administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

“To all the students recognized at this ceremony, I’d like to congratulate every one of you for your outstanding accomplishments,” said Board of Education President Philip Dineen. “You should all be very proud of yourselves.”