In honor of Veterans Day, students from Laurie Osbern’s U.S. History classes, Patriot Club and Library Leaders took part in a meaningful visit to Momentum at South Bay Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility. This visit marked the first of what the school hopes will become an ongoing tradition, providing an opportunity for students to connect with local veterans and residents in a heartwarming exchange of stories, games and gratitude.

The students engaged in conversations with the veterans, learning about their experiences and sharing in the spirit of the holiday. One student reflected, “One thing I learned is that being a veteran is a responsibility and an honor to serve our country.” Another shared, “I learned about one veteran’s experience in the Korean War,” while others were inspired by stories of life in the Navy, such as one veteran’s time aboard a submarine and his love for swimming. Additionally, students heard from a woman who shared her perspective of having a husband who served in the Vietnam War.

The students also enjoyed playing trivia games with the residents, with one student noting, “I enjoyed playing trivia with the residents and liked how one man and I connected because we are both Irish.” These interactions brought smiles and laughter to the facility, fostering meaningful connections and leaving lasting impressions on both the students and the residents.

“The visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and service, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and providing students with a memorable, enriching experience,” Osbern said. “Our school community looks forward to future opportunities to continue building connections with residents and veterans, further strengthening the bonds between generations.”

Date Added: 11/20/2024

A dozen dedicated Deer Park High School students were recently awarded with National Recognition by the College Board based on their outstanding academic achievements. Kristle Adugyamfi, Sanaya Archer, Brandon Bailey, Lauren Marable, Bertrand Mondelus, Onwuka Offiah and LaSheena Pottinger earned the National African American Recognition Award; Jadin Karbownik, Valerie Ponte, Chasity Rolon and Xavier Sanchez earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award; and Kristina Kerr and Chasity Rolon both earned the National First-Generation Recognition Award, a new award category for students whose parents do not have bachelor's degrees.

Students earning these recognitions had to have taken the Fall 2023 PSAT/NMSQT or Spring PSAT 10 and score in the top 10% of test takers from their award program in their state, or earn a 3+ on two or more AP exams as a freshman or sophomore, and earn a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher; and identify as first-generation, Black or African American, or Hispanic or Latino.

Date Added: 11/19/2024

Two exceptional Deer Park High School athletes – Kyle Coppola and Jessica Martin – committed to continuing their sports careers in college next fall in a National Signing Day ceremony on Nov. 13. The event, hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana in the school’s library, was attended by their proud families.

Coppola, an All-County catcher, will play baseball for the University of Bridgeport, where he plans to major in sports marketing.

Martin, the recipient of All-State, All-County, All-League and MVP honors, will play soccer at Hofstra University, where she plans to major in special education.

“All of the effort, time, sacrifice and commitment obviously paid off,” Fontana told the athletes. “You put in the time, you put in the effort, you put in the work. It goes way beyond just raw ability – it's attitude, it’s character, it’s you as a whole student-athlete. So, congratulations to both of you.”

Date Added: 11/18/2024

The Citizenship Committee at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School hosted its fifth annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 8, welcoming JFK students’ family members who have served in the nation’s military for a morning of patriotism and community connection.

“Each year, our Citizens Committee takes great pride in organizing this meaningful event,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “It continues to grow and improve, becoming more remarkable with every passing year. Personally, I always look forward to it. The event offers our students a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the experiences of previous generations. The veterans share stories that we hope will be passed down from generation to generation, preserving their legacy and lessons. This year was particularly special, as we welcomed four generations of veterans. Among them were siblings, parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents. It was truly an incredible day, and I am deeply grateful for the dedicated group of teachers who work tirelessly to bring this event to life every year.”

“It is always an honor to be part of this special event,” teacher and event organizer Lauren Kuban said. “The staff here at JFK is so thankful to the amazing veterans in our community, and we hope to be able to continue this amazing tradition for years to come.”

Date Added: 11/18/2024

Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide October event to promote the mission of keeping children drug-free. Deer Park's SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club, led by co-advisers Marissa Caruso and Karen Haar, recently took part in this long-running drug-use prevention campaign by raising awareness of the death and destruction caused by drugs in America. Students provided resources by creating flyers, handouts and even morning announcements to educate and encourage Deer Park High School students to participate in drug prevention activities. Both students and staff members signed a pledge to help lead the youth to live drug-free lives.

Senior SADD Club member Syed Muhammad Hashmi and teacher Karen Haar also attended the Town of Babylon’s Red Ribbon Week event. Hashmi was invited to lead the Pledge of Allegiance on behalf of the Deer Park Drug Prevention Coalition and the high school’s SADD Club. Led by Councilman Terence McSweeny, several coalitions in the Town of Babylon, such as the Community College Workforce Alliance and Lindy Cares, also attended the event with the intention of creating a safer, drug-free Town of Babylon by participating in the Red Ribbon Campaign.

Date Added: 11/18/2024