The Deer Park High School Class of 2025 celebrated the milestone event of graduation on June 26. As Al Centamore Football Field filled with board of education members, administrators, staff, families and friends, the soon-to-be graduates processed onto the field in their maroon and white caps and gowns, smiling and looking forward to the future.

To open the ceremony, Student Council President Gloria Min led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Nathalie Martillo performing a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” 

After a warm welcome from Principal Charles Cobb, senior class advisers Julissa Larkin and Anne McCormack reminded students to always remember their home and to be curious, resilient and lead with kindness.

Senior Class President Tonika Sikder addressed her peers recalling high school memories and lessons. 

“This is a moment to remember everything it took to get to this point,” Sikder said in her heartfelt speech. “We learned a lot during our time here; some academic and some not. But what matters most is we learned how to persevere and grow.”

“Standing here with each of you, I reflect on our journey and I am reminded of our achievements,” Class of 2025 Salutatorian Adib Shaikh said. “We were given the gift of education, and you should never stop striving for more. Do something greater, stay humble and be the generation that turns privilege into purpose.” 

Valedictorian Reza Zorakhsh spoke about half cadences, noting how graduation is itself a half cadence – a suspenseful pause before moving forward. He reminded his peers that their many late-night study sessions and preparations for presentations were all half cadences essential in shaping their future. 

An annual tradition continued as the valedictorian from a decade prior, Sabrina Grunseich, offered words of wisdom. She reminded the graduates that on their journey toward achieving their dreams, they should find time for their hobbies and be sure to always listen to their hearts. 

“Some of you grew up here, some of you came from other towns, some from other countries,” Superintendent of Schools James Cummings said. “But no matter where you came from, you made it, and you made it together. This is a moment where all your stories intersect for one moment in time. You’ve been part of a community that believes in you and no matter where you go, that will never change. When life gets challenging – and it will –  remember the people who helped you along the way, and always know you have a place to come home to.”  

Closing the ceremony, Cobb proudly addressed the Class of 2025. He recognized seniors who participated in the junior firefighter program and those who will be joining different branches of the military. Cobb congratulated all students and reminded them to reflect on their achievements, honor their journeys and continue to grow, learn and pursue their dreams. 

Finally, the moment arrived that the Class of 2025 had been anticipating, the awarding of diplomas. As each name was called, the graduates received their diplomas and enthusiastically shook hands with members of the Board of Education. They were then instructed to turn their tassels, marking their official transition from Deer Park High School students to proud Falcons alumni. As their caps flew into the air, all those assembled cheered, wishing the grads endless success on the journey ahead. 

Date Added: 6/30/2025

Deer Park’s three elementary schools celebrated moving up milestones in June, as fifth graders at JFK prepared for middle school and second graders at JQA and May Moore got ready to step up to third grade at JFK. 

Second graders at the primary schools proudly sang “JQA Forever” at JQA’s June 2 ceremony, and “Best Day of My Life” and “Shine” at May Moore’s event on June 4; both held outdoors; while at JFK’s June 23 ceremony in the school gym, the fifth-grade chorus kicked things off with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. At all three schools, awards and certificates were presented in front of the students’ proud families.

May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde and JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli bid a fond farewell to their charges as they took one big step forward in their educational journeys.

“A heartfelt thank you to our students,” Alcalde said. “You've done such an amazing job this year, and you are more than ready for third grade. Continue to make us proud, boys and girls.”

“Thank you for sharing your children with us,” Molinelli told their parents. “It’s been a privilege to work by your side to mold these incredible minds and caring hearts.”

JFK Principal Kelly Benson congratulated her fifth graders as they walked off, while welcoming the graduating second graders who would be joining her at JFK come September.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to the John F. Kennedy family,” Benson told the youngsters. “You each bring something special – your ideas, your energy and your curiosity – and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do here. Moving to a new school can feel like a big adventure, and it’s okay to feel a little nervous, but just remember, here at JFK, our Falcons don’t just fly, but we soar. As you get ready for third grade, come with an open mind and a brave heart. You're going to learn new things, make new friends and have so many exciting experiences. We’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms in September. Until then, congratulations on everything you have accomplished in second grade.”

Date Added: 6/24/2025

The week before graduation, Deer Park High School’s seniors strolled down memory lane, taking buses across town to visit John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School, the places where they had begun their Falcons educational journey a dozen or more years ago. The soon-to-be graduates walked the halls and visited their old cafeterias and gyms, nostalgically wearing placards with photos of themselves as grade schoolers.

Date Added: 6/24/2025

The Deer Park School District’s Board of Education honored one of its own at the June 17 meeting, paying tribute to esteemed trustee Anthony Henkel, who is retiring from the Board after two terms and relocating to Tampa, Florida. In a heartwarming ceremony attesting to his impact, the Board and administrators recalled Henkel’s remarkable journey from student to board member with fondness and admiration, recounting his many contributions and successes as a trustee.

A lifelong Deer Park resident, Henkel graduated from Deer Park High School in 2017. During his high school career, he was inducted into the National Honor Society, participated in DECA, served as editor-in-chief of the yearbook, and explored his passion for theater by participating in many of the school’s plays and musicals. Through the early college program, which he started as a high school junior, he graduated with honors a year later from Suffolk County Community College, and at age 19, earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. In 2020, he successfully ran for the Board of Education, and was handily reelected in 2022. During his tenure as trustee, Henkel also served as a board member of the Deer Park Arts Council and worked with the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.

Board President Donna Marie Elliott read aloud a statement from Superintendent Jim Cummings, who was unable to attend in person.

“Anthony is completing his service on the Board of Education after two terms marked by genuine dedication, steady leadership and a clear passion for our schools,” Cummings said. “His commitment to our students has always been front and center, whether it’s advocating for academics, supporting mental health initiatives or championing extracurricular opportunities. But if you know Anthony, you know that the arts hold a special place in his heart. He has been a true champion for the music, theater and visual arts programs that shape the creativity and confidence of our students. Because of his efforts, our arts programs have not only endured, but thrived, earning recognition across the region and giving students a place to express themselves and shine. Anthony brought a unique perspective as both a trustee and an alumnus. His love for Deer Park didn’t begin in the boardroom, it began in the classrooms and hallways of our schools, and that perspective has been a powerful reminder to all of us of the longlasting impact this district has on the lives it touches. Anthony, on behalf of the entire school community, thank you for your years of service, your steady presence and your belief in our students. We wish you nothing but the best in whatever comes next.”

Other heartfelt tributes came from Executive Director for Instructional Technology and Innovation Jay Murphy, Fine and Performing Arts Director Bradley Murphy and each member of the Board.

“I want to thank the Deer Park community for trusting me to represent our town on the Board,” Henkel said. “I hope I lived up to the high standards of this incredible community. For the people of Deer Park put their trust in a 20-year-old kid, someone who didn’t have much real-world experience but knew that he wanted to give back, says a lot about the fabric of our community. It was truly my honor to serve you. Being a member of this Board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The lessons I’ve learned and the people I met will stay with me forever. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Date Added: 6/23/2025

The Deer Park School District has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation once again. For the past 26 years, the Best Communities designation has recognized outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders in prioritizing music education. Deer Park was one of only 69 Long Island school districts and 935 nationwide to earn NAMM’s distinction this year.

Date Added: 6/23/2025