Islip High School proudly held its 100th commencement ceremony on June 27 at the school’s football field. With valedictorian John Oggeri and salutatorian Ryder Miranda leading the procession, this year’s seniors were welcomed into the ranks of Buccaneers alumni. 

“Every class that comes through our high school has a personality, and you, the Class of 2025, are no exception,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez told the students. “You are an extraordinary group of graduates. As a class, you were known for your leadership, for being inclusive, for being kind, generous and compassionate."

Superintendent Dr. Dennis O’Hara addressed the graduating class with pride and words of encouragement.

“Class of 2025, you were raised in a fantastic community,” O’Hara said. “You are poised for rewarding and fulfilling moments ahead.”

After each student received their diploma, a turn of the tassels and a toss of the caps culminated the memorable ceremony.

Date Added: 6/30/2025

Look for full story and slideshow on Monday!

Islip High School senior Isabella Dragos was recently honored with the Town of Islip Community Service Award. While all students are required to complete community service hours prior to graduation, Dragos has gone above and beyond that requirement. A hardworking student who always puts others before herself, she has contributed almost 250 hours of community service to Islip High School and the Islip community. 

A member of Islip’s National Honor Society, Dragos has been involved in many school clubs and activities, including the varsity girls tennis team and the performing arts, chorus and orchestra programs, as well as Buccaneer University, where she served as social media manager. She has been selected to the All-County Chorus multiple times.  

In community service, Dragos participated in the Thanksgiving drive, donating food and organizing donations for families within the community. She also donated toys to the Suffolk County Department of Social Services for students in need during the holidays, and assisted at several events including the Honor Societies induction ceremony and Seal of Biliteracy evening. She will attend the University of South Carolina this fall, majoring in sports management. 

“Over the past four years, community service has allowed me to give back to the communities that have shaped me,” Dragos said. “Singing as a cantor at St. Patrick’s and helping with Christmas gift distribution taught me the importance of compassion and kindness. Volunteering at events for the Islip Historical Society gave me a deeper appreciation for our town’s history, while coaching tennis at the Islip Buc Summer Camp let me share my love of the sport and encourage younger players. Each experience has shaped me in a unique way, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”

“Bella is an amazing, resilient young woman,” said her school counselor, Beth Matthew.

“Isabella is a smart young woman who has higher level thinking skills,” said Dr. Rich Harris, Dragos’ concert choir teacher. “Her high level of creativity is a powerful asset which will undoubtedly lead to her future success.” 

“We wish Bella the best at USC,” Assistant Principal Lisa Ward said.

Date Added: 6/26/2025
 

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