Tammy Alcalde has been named the new principal of May Moore, replacing Philip Paniccia, the district’s current administrator of elementary special education. Alcalde had served as associate principal for both May Moore and John Quincy Adams Primary Schools since 2019. Prior to that, she had worked for 15 years as a general education teacher in kindergarten and first grade as well as an instructional support teacher in the Longwood Central School District in Middle Island.

Alcalde, who resides in Middle Island, earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, her master’s degree in library and information science from St. John’s University and an advanced certificate in school building/district leadership from St. John’s University.

“As a new school year approaches, I am beyond honored to accept the role of principal of May Moore,” Alcalde said. “I have spent the past two years working with the students, families and staff of May Moore and am extremely grateful for the relationships I have been able to build with the Deer Park community. I am excited to continue the great work in supporting our students in becoming lifelong learners and helping them reach their fullest potential with the best team of teachers and staff at May Moore.”

At the Board of Education’s annual reorganization meeting on July 6, Donna Marie Elliott was named to her third consecutive term as president, and Kristine Rosales was named to her second term as vice president.

Two members of Deer Park High School’s varsity girls track team had an outstanding day at the county championships on June 17.

Gianna Marquez became Deer Park’s first track and field county champion since 2016 when she won the 2,000-meter steeplechase. She is the first-ever athlete to win this event in Deer Park history, and ended the season ranked first in the county.

“In a shortened year filled with so much uncertainty, Gianna never faltered and never gave up,” coach Jim Petti said. “She understood that time was precious because of the pandemic and COVID-19 precautions, and she knew how important it was for her to have a fulfilling junior year. She also finished in the top 5 in the county in the 400-meter hurdles and anchored our All-League 4x800 meter team with a time of 2:19, which showed her range as a track athlete. She made a statement this year that she will be coming back her senior year as the athlete to watch. She motivated her teammates so much so that we had an unprecedented showing in almost all events this year. She deserves the recognition. We can’t wait to see what her senior year brings.”

Meanwhile, sophomore Ava Capone finished fourth in the county in the 1,500-meter race with a time of 4:52, setting a personal record and securing her place as Deer Park’s first 1,500-meter All-County athlete since 2010.

“Ava and Gianna go hand in hand when it comes to work ethic,” Petti said. “Ava drives Gianna to be her best and vice-versa. Ava is a huge reason for our team’s success this season, more for her tireless effort than just racking up wins and points. She’ll return as a junior next year as one of the top distance runners in Suffolk and the state.”