A dozen dedicated Islip High School seniors recently signed national letters of intent confirming their commitment to participate in collegiate athletics next fall. School administrators and proud family members joined the student-athletes for a Nov. 13 recognition ceremony in the school’s cafeteria, congratulating them on their decisions.

The students signing to continue their athletic careers in college include Sara Geldmacher (lacrosse, Long Island University), Anthony Giel (baseball, SUNY Old Westbury), Erik Heimlich (lacrosse, Bryant University), Olivia Johnson (golf, SUNY Geneseo), Nicole Matute (soccer, University of Rochester), Peighton McKenna (soccer, Mercy University), Alex Rahner (baseball, American International College), Dylan Ruland (baseball, Mercy University), Dylan Smith (lacrosse, Stony Brook University), Michael Vitale (lacrosse, Mercy University), Jack Whitehouse (lacrosse, Long Island University) and Callahan Zusi (lacrosse, Springfield College).

“The passion, the dedication, the time management and the natural leadership that comes with being an athlete at the level that you are now and will continue to be, it’s something that’s very special, very unique,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “I applaud you and can only imagine the doors that will continue to open for you, and I know that you will open doors for kids who are coming through this high school who are just a little bit younger.”

“My message is always the same,” Assistant Principal Charlie Rizzuto said. “Don’t underestimate the power of the little things while you’re an athlete on a college campus and playing for a team.”

“To continue on in your sport after high school really is a testament in itself, and I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you,” Athletic Director John Sparacio told the seniors. “Like I said at the beginning of the year, make every single step count. You guys obviously are doing that because that’s why you’re going to the next level, and that’s a great thing to do.”

Date Added: 11/25/2024

Six outstanding artists from Islip High School – seniors Alexa Diaz, Alexandra Mendez Duran and Kathiangelys Rios-Cruz and sophomores Abigail Butler-Lentini, Gianna DeMonte and Matthew Levy – were recently accepted for the 2024 New York State Boards Association Student Art Exhibit, sponsored annually by the New York State Art Teachers Association. The public can view the NYSSBA virtual art exhibit through Dec. 31 here.

“Bravo to our amazing students, and to fabulous high school art teachers Jenna Buzzeo and Lisa Sacco for their mentorship,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said.

Date Added: 11/22/2024

Six outstanding Islip High School musicians were selected for All-County honors by the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education. Seniors Isabella Dragos, Alexandra Noles and Aaron Thorn, and juniors Addison DeFalco and Juliana Sclafani were chosen for the All-County Chorus, while senior Sofia Zurbaran was chosen for the All-County Orchestra. These students were nominated by their teachers and selected based on both a recommendation as well as scores at the most recent NYSSMA festival. Rehearsals begin in November, culminating in the NYSCAME Suffolk All-County Music Festival concert, held Nov. 15 at Hauppauge High School.

“I am so proud of the hard work these students have done in and out of their music classrooms, and proud of the teachers who have encouraged them through their musical journeys since kindergarten,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said.

Date Added: 11/18/2024

Islip High School seniors Ryder Miranda and John Oggeri were recently named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are two of only 34,000 Commended Students recognized nationwide for their exceptional academic achievement. Miranda and Oggeri’s high scores place them among the top 50,000 of students who took the 2023 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Date Added: 11/14/2024

Students from Islip High School’s cosmetology program recently embarked on an enriching field trip to the New York Institute of Beauty, where they had an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of esthetics. The visit was highly interactive, with students actively participating in demonstrations and hands-on practice, including giving and receiving facials under the guidance of professional estheticians. This real-world experience not only allowed them to refine their skills, but also provided valuable insights into potential career paths within the beauty industry. Additionally, students were given an overview of various trade college options and professional certifications available, opening their eyes to the diverse opportunities for further education and advancement in their chosen field.

“The trip proved to be an inspiring and informative experience, sparking new aspirations and solidifying my students’ commitment to their future careers in cosmetology,” teacher Lorraine Knoblauch said.

Date Added: 11/5/2024