The Deer Park School District community held a surprise celebration, “A Falcon’s Legacy,” on June 11 in the Deer Park High School auditorium, for retiring Board of Education trustee Al Centamore, whose 30 years of service on the Board made an incredible impact on Deer Park’s schools, students and community. 

In attendance at this evening of joyful reflection and appreciation were current and former administrators, teachers, coaches, students and staff, and Centamore’s classmates, friends and family. 

The event featured a heartfelt look back at Centamore’s decades of dedication, as well as stirring musical performances from the Deer Park High School Jazz Band and Deer Park High School String Quartet, Robert Frost Middle School seventh grader Jayden River singing “Fly Me to the Moon,” and the Deer Park High School Select Choir singing “The Times They Are a Changin’” and “Out on the Line.”

Speakers included Superintendent Jim Cummings; Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly; Centamore’s childhood friend Louise Schaetzel; coaches Cody Ciolino and Keri Schumacher; Athletic Director Dom Fontana; district physician Dr. Anthony Donatelli; Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott, Vice President Kristine Rosales and trustees Grace Heyne, Jerry Jean-Pierre and Mahwish Yaqoob; former Board members John Gouskos and Anthony Henkel; and Centamore’s children Alicia Freda and Joe Centamore. 

“Tonight we are all here for the privilege of honoring the legacy of a truly great man and a true Falcon,” Cummings said. “Al is a man who has impacted Deer Park in countless ways. Long before he was a Board of Ed trustee, he was a student in Deer Park High School who left his mark in the hallways and athletic fields. He was an outstanding athlete, playing both football and baseball while also excelling in the classroom and earning the respect of his peers, who elected him president of student council. For many people, what Al accomplished in high school would be enough to ensure they were remembered by their high school peers. Al, tonight’s incredible turnout is a testament to the impact that you’ve had across generations of Deer Park students, staff and families. You have given so much of your time, your energy and your heart to this community and district. I hope tonight gives you a little glimpse of the tremendous admiration and respect this community has for you. After so many years of selflessly giving your time to Deer Park, I wish you health, happiness and many years ahead with the family that I know you cherish so deeply. On behalf of the entire Deer Park community, thank you for your effort, dedication, wisdom and love. We are a better district because of you.”  

“You have gone the distance for anyone who needed help in our beautiful town, whether a student, a family or a stranger,” Elliott said. “You are what we would call here in Deer Park – our hero. Your devotion is something that inspires all who know you. You have impacted generations before us and will impact generations after us. Your name will remain visible on this campus for many generations, and they will know how important you are and have been to Deer Park. You have left a legacy of love, kindness, generosity, devotion and true heart. This whole auditorium is filled with people that you have impacted.” 

“Thank you, Al, for your service, your friendship and your guidance,” Jean-Pierre said. “The community will endure because of the foundation you helped build. The lives you touched will continue to reflect your influence. You will be very missed.” 

“My dad often talks about the teachers, coaches and mentors who shaped his childhood here in Deer Park,” said Freda, who was elected last month to her father’s seat on the Board of Education. “They made him feel valued, supportive and connected to something bigger than himself. Those experiences stayed with him and inspired him, not only to give back to this community, but to spend his life creating similar experiences for others. To my dad: What you did mattered. It made a difference and people are better because of it. You gave us an example of how to treat people, how to be dependable, and how to lead with love and how to live a life quietly, leaving things better than you found them. That’s your legacy, and it’s one we carry with us every single day.” 

“I was completely shocked and so appreciative of what everyone said, and I thank you all for being here,” Centamore said. “If I had done one-tenth of what the educators here do on a weekly basis, then I would consider what I have done a success.” 

Click here to view the Deer Park celebrates retiring Board of Ed trustee and pillar of the community Al Centamore slideshow.

Date Added: 6/17/2026

 

Deer Park High School is thrilled to announce the outstanding success of music ensembles at this year’s New York State School Music Association Majors. Marking a triumphant return to the competition after an extended hiatus, the school’s participation has been met with resounding success, validating the immense talent of its students and the high standards of the music faculty.  

The achievements of Deer Park’s ensembles are truly remarkable, reflecting the dedication and artistic growth fostered within the high school’s classrooms. The select chorus earned an impressive Level 5 Gold with Distinction rating, while the wind ensemble similarly secured Level 5 Gold with Distinction honors. The chamber orchestra performed at a stellar level, receiving a Level 4 Gold with Distinction rating, and the symphonic band/band 9 achieved a Level 3 Gold rating. These results serve as a powerful testament to the tireless work ethic of Deer Park’s music students, who rose to the challenge of returning to the NYSSMA stage with passion and precision.  

This success is a direct reflection of the exceptional leadership provided by the school’s dedicated music educators – with Director of Fine and Performing Arts Bradley Murphy singling out Derek Schmelter for his commitment to the band program, Catherine Singer for her work in elevating the select chorus and Julia Ingemi for her guidance of the chamber orchestra – whose dedication to fostering musical excellence is the backbone of these programs.  

“The Deer Park community could not be happier with the results of this year’s NYSSMA Majors competition,” Murphy said. “This validation marks a new chapter for our fine and performing arts department, and the district is already looking forward to expanding the number of participating ensembles in the coming years. By providing our students with the opportunity to perform and be evaluated on a state stage, we continue to reinforce Deer Park’s commitment to excellence in arts education.” 

Date Added: 6/16/2026

Deer Park High School freshman athlete Christian Myrick was recently selected to the USA Football 15U Boys Junior National Flag Football Team. He will join 11 other elite players in representing the United States at the 2026 USA Football Junior International Cup, scheduled for June 17-21 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. 

The annual competition showcases some of the top young flag football talent in the world, bringing together 15U and 17U boys and girls teams from countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, South Korea and the United States.

The honor follows a tremendous freshman season for Myrick. He accounted for more than 825 yards of total offense and scored 12 touchdowns, finishing with 416 rushing yards, 396 receiving yards and 15 passing yards. He also made an impact on defense with three interceptions.

For his outstanding play, Myrick earned All-County honors and was the only freshman selected to the All-State team.

“We are extremely proud of Christian and all he has achieved both on and off the field,” coach Cody Ciolino said. “This exciting opportunity will allow him to demonstrate his abilities and represent himself and Deer Park on a national stage.”

Deer Park High School and the College and Career Center partnered with Suffolk Community College earlier this month to host a One Stop Registration Day for graduating seniors who will be attending Suffolk in the fall. Representatives from the registrar’s office, financial aid office and other student services departments met with students throughout the day in the library.

During the event, students were able to register for classes, review their financial aid information and set up their Suffolk student portals, helping them complete several important college enrollment steps without needing to travel to campus.

In addition, Suffolk peer mentors were on hand to assist students throughout the process, answer questions and share their experiences as current Suffolk students. Their support helped make the transition to college smoother and provided incoming students with valuable insight into campus life.

“This event was a great success and helped ensure that many of our seniors are well-prepared for their first semester at Suffolk Community College,” Associate Principal Dr. Dina Pannone said.

Click here to view the One Stop Registration Day Helps Deer Park Seniors Prepare for College slideshow.

Deer Park High School celebrated the accomplishments of its spring student-athletes during the annual varsity sports awards night on June 2, hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. Members of 13 Falcons teams – Unified basketball, Unified bowling, boys varsity tennis, boys varsity lacrosse, girls varsity lacrosse, varsity baseball, girls varsity golf, boys varsity badminton, girls varsity badminton, varsity softball, varsity flag football, boys varsity spring track and girls varsity spring track – were recognized for their achievements throughout the season. Student-athletes received certificates and plaques honoring Most Valuable Player, Coaches, Spirit and Scholar-Athlete award recipients.

“Thank you to our coaches and athletes for putting in the time, effort, hard work and dedication that they do, season in and season out,” Fontana said.

Click here to view the Deer Park HS Celebrates Accomplishments of Spring Athletes slideshow.