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

Islip High School held its annual senior award ceremony on June 5, bestowing over 70 different scholarship awards to deserving members of the Class of 2025. Valedictorian John Oggeri led the Pledge of Allegiance before each scholarship recipient was called up to the auditorium stage to receive their award certificate to the cheers of their proud families.

Date Added: 6/18/2025

Islip High School held Northwell Medical Career Day in its gym on May 29, an event that provided students with the opportunity to meet over 40 Northwell professionals representing every facet of their business, from medical professionals to employees who work across departments. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to speak with representatives from  areas such as anesthesiology, chaplaincy, community relations, corporate emergency management counseling, data health sciences, dentistry, environmental services, health risk management, nursing, nutrition, organ donation, pediatrics, pharmacology and surgery. Northwell only makes this opportunity available to schools once every five to seven years. 

The day also featured 14 different presentations on various topics such as “Coping With Stress” and “The ABCs of Vaping,” as well as a special lecture from Northwell Health cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Harold Fernandez, “From Immigrant to Surgeon.”  

“We were thrilled to be able to host Northwell Health,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “Our students benefited from interacting with dozens of Northwell professionals and from hearing about a range of relevant topics during presentations open to classes throughout the day. Thank you, Northwell, for informing and inspiring our students.”

“Medical Career Day was an exciting one for our students,” business teacher Renee Clock said. “Students were able to visit each department, learn about the educational, skill and interest requirements of each department, and participate in several hands-on demonstrations. Students learned that you do not need to be a doctor or nurse to work for a large medical corporation such as Northwell, and about all the amazing opportunities that exist for people wanting to work for Northwell Health. This day was a true career exploration day, under the CTE Career Tech Ed umbrella, designed for all students.”

 Date Added: 6/17/2025

Islip High School welcomed proud new members at this year’s honor society induction ceremony, held on May 21 in the school auditorium. Outstanding young scholars recited their pledges to join the Art Honor Society (17 students), English Honor Society (35 students), Math Honor Society (17 students), National Honor Society (79 students), Tri-M Honor Society (nine students), World Language Honor Society (eight students for Italian and 50 for Spanish), and, for the first time, the New York State Business and Marketing Honor Society (25 students).

After Class of 2025 valedictorian John Oggeri and salutatorian Ryder Miranda led the Pledge of Allegiance, Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez welcomed the evening’s attendees. Dr. Michael Giacchetto, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, presented the keynote address.

“At this ceremony, I was delighted to see so many of our students making such a strong commitment to academic excellence as well as service to their school and the greater Islip community,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “We were thrilled to add the Business and Marketing Honor Society this year to inspire and recognize more of our students.”

“It was a great opportunity to witness so many hardworking students get inducted into the honor societies,” teacher Renee Clock said. “As the adviser of the New York State Business and Marketing Honor Society, it was a special night to induct 25 business students as our very first induction at Islip High School.”

Date Added: 6/13/2025