Recognition of service – both past and future – was one of the key themes at the Islip School District’s June 18 Board of Education meeting.

First, students entering the military after graduation were recognized, among them Kathryn Quinn, who was accepted as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Suffolk County West Point Admissions Coordinator David Goldstein was on hand to personally present Quinn with her certificate of appointment. Other Class of 2025 seniors who will be proudly wearing our nation’s uniform include Tatyana Carter (U.S. Navy), Michael Guerrero (U.S. Army), Caleb Rader (U.S. Marine Corps) and Caden Tierney (U.S. Navy).

Seniors recognized for making the choice to pursue vocational training and provide much needed services to our society included Katelyn Cavanagh, Carmine Conti, Richel Galban Rodriguez, Vincent Martell, Jake Minsky, Evelyn Napoleone, Jashua Pena, Jasiah Pena, Lauryn Pena and Luke Truhn.

Next, athletic achievements of Islip High School’s spring varsity sports teams – girls golf, baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, boys spring track and girls spring track – were recognized.

Finally, the district honored those who are retiring after decades of faithful service, including Assistant Superintendent for Business Michael Zeterberg, Islip Middle School Principal Tim Martin and Board of Education trustee Danielle Flora. Other recognized retiring teachers and staff members were Donna Hennigan from Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School; Jeaneen Dehler, Theresa Hanna, Edwin Palm and Karen Maisano from Islip High School; Janet Algeri and John Wenzel from Islip Middle School; and Rose Ann Apostolico from central administration.  
  
“We are here to celebrate the remarkable careers of our colleagues,” Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Administrative Services and Operations Donna Brower said. “These individuals have dedicated many years of service to the Islip community and have significantly impacted our schools, our students, our staff and all of you sitting here. They leave an incredible mark on our school district as they enter into their retirement in the next few days. On behalf of the Islip School District, please accept our heartfelt gratitude. We wish you much happiness in your retirement and this next chapter of your lives. It is certainly well deserved.”

Date Added: 6/25/2025

Islip High School senior gymnast Isabella Field recently competed in the National High School Gymnastics Association Senior Showcase Invitational at the Estero Recreation Center in Estero, Florida, finishing her high school gymnastics journey in the most meaningful and celebratory way possible.

Field was one of five senior gymnasts representing New York, four from Suffolk County and one from Nassau, all of whom train together at New Image Gymnastics in Brentwood. Despite competing against teams more than triple their size, Team New York placed second overall out of nine states, with Field placing eighth in all-around, 10th in beam and 15th in vault and bars.

Date Added: 6/24/2025

Islip High School seniors Nicole Matute and Kaiden White were recently nominated for the Butch Dellecave Award for the best scholar-athletes in Suffolk County. Both students attended the June 8 brunch ceremony held at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. Each Long Island high school nominates a male and female student from that year’s’ graduating class for the award, which is named in memory of famed educator and coach Gaetano “Butch” Dellecave and presented by the Butch Dellecave Foundation with Newsday and the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk. 

Date Added: 6/23/2025

Five Islip High School seniors recently signed national letters of intent, confirming their commitment to continue their sport at the collegiate level this fall. The student-athletes were joined by their proud families, coaches, and school administrators for a joyful recognition ceremony in the school’s cafeteria on June 11.

Students signing letters included Reese Breslin, who will join the dance program at Adelphi University; Josiah Patterson, who will compete in track and field for the University of Albany; Evan Rahner, who will join the track and field team at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology; Adrian Sanchez, who will play soccer for SUNY Delhi; and Kaiden White, who will compete in track and field at Indian Hills Community College.

“This is truly a testament to your hard work and dedication, and your commitment to your sports and the Islip program,” Athletic Director John Sparacio told the seniors. “You are going on to bigger and better things.”

Date Added: 6/20/2025

Thirty-eight members of Islip High School’s Keep Islip Clean and Interact clubs, guided by KIC adviser Wayne Mennecke, ventured to the local Seatuck Environmental Center for Pond Day on May 21 to assist the staff with removing invasive flag irises from the property’s waterways. Islip’s students participate in these clubs to earn community service hours through acts of environmental stewardship, local cleanups and beautification projects.

The flag iris is an invasive species, native to parts of Asia; but in the United States, the plant can quickly cover the surface of an entire pond or small lake. This reduces the ability of native plants and animals to properly use the pond as a home or food source. Students spent four hours pulling the heavy, waterlogged irises from the pond and piling them on land so they can dry out and be disposed of by Suffolk County.  

Date Added: 6/18/2025