The Deer Park community came together on March 3 for an unforgettable night of high-flying dunks, jaw-dropping tricks and nonstop laughter as the world-famous Harlem Wizards took over Deer Park High School. In a thrilling matchup against a team of dedicated staff members from all Deer Park schools, the Wizards put on a show that had the packed gym roaring with excitement. The energy in the building was electric, with students, families and faculty cheering, laughing and even joining in on the fun. From dazzling ball-handling skills to hilarious crowd interactions, the Wizards delivered an entertainment experience like no other. It was a night filled with joy, school spirit and an overwhelming sense of community. Thanks to this incredible event, a significant amount of money was raised for the Deer Park Chapter of Best Buddies, helping to support their mission of inclusion and friendship. The funds will directly benefit the Best Buddies Long Island Friendship Ball on April 11, an event Deer Park is honored to host. 

“A huge thank you to the Harlem Wizards, the Deer Park Booster Club and everyone who came out to support such a fantastic cause,” teacher Joe Alo said. “This night was one for the books, proving once again the power of community spirit in Deer Park.”

Date Added: 4/1/2025

Deer Park High School seniors Dimaunte’ Gardner and Kelsey Rotzman were recent-ly chosen as the winners of the 2025 Suffolk Zone Awards. The Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annually gives awards to one male and one female student in each Suffolk high school, selected for excellent achievement in physical education, outstanding character and leadership in schoolwide activities.

Gardner, a small forward on the school’s league champion varsity boys basketball team, was named to Newsday’s Top 100 Long Island boys basketball players for 2024-2025, and earned the Principal’s Award at the spring 2024 Breakfast of Champions.

Rotzman, a key member of Deer Park’s varsity cheerleading team, was recently named an AP Scholar.

Date Added: 3/31/2025

Six local businesses partnering with Deer Park High School’s Falcon Career Academy program were honored at the district’s March 25 Board of Education meeting. Greek Krave, Panera Bread, Texas Roadhouse and Tropical Smoothie, all of Deer Park, and Panera Bread and Stew Leonard’s of Farmingdale were all recognized for the impact they have had on the program. Each business was presented with a plaque donated by the district’s Special Education Parent Faculty Club.

“To these businesses, your willingness to provide opportunities, mentorship and support is truly invaluable,” District Administrator of Secondary Special Education David DePrima said. “You have helped us tranform our vision for these students into a tangible reality. Through your collaboration, our students have gained so much more than just work experience. They have learned the importance of responsibility, communication and perseverance, and valuable skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Your commitment to helping them grow and thrive is something we will always be grateful for”

“It’s a special thing for these businesses to open their doors and provide opportunities for our kids,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “It doesn’t go unnoticed and certainly doesn’t go unappreciated.”

Also honored was varsity boys basketball coach John McCaffrey, who nominated three other high school staff members for recognition: social studies teacher Joe Alo and security guard Kelly Boyle, the co-creators of the school’s Student Booster Club, and custodian Ed Phelan, one of the basketball program’s biggest supporters. 

“Deer Park is an amazing place and it’s because of people like the four of you,” Board President Donna Marie Elliott said. “Thank you for everything you do.”

Date Added: 3/31/2025

It was a long road to fruition, but varsity badminton has finally come to Deer Park High School. A boys team, coached by Keri Zuk, and a girls team, coached by Ashley Maune, began their first ever badminton seasons on March 26.

The concept of the badminton team emerged from the pressure and demand of the high school student community. One student, Abbas Meersyed, gathered over 200 signatures in a petition to begin a team, and Principal Charlie Cobb and Athletic Director Dominick Fontana held an interest meeting with over 50 students in attendance. Zuk had been passionate about starting a varsity badminton program at Deer Park since she began working in the district in 2004, and was prepared when Superintendent James Cummings made the call.

“When Mr. Cummings approached me about starting a team, I was more than ready to offer my expertise and lend my knowledge as a longtime badminton player and coach,” Zuk said.

Tryouts for the teams began on March 17, with over 60 players wanting to join. After four days of evaluating skills, footwork, fitness, attitude and game strategy, Maune and Zuk accepted 20 players for each team.

“The goal of our program is player development as well as character development,” Zuk said, “We want our student athletes to develop technical skills, fitness, mental toughness and game strategy for singles and doubles. We also want to build a team culture where our players form long lasting relationships and learn valuable life skills that will carry them into adulthood and in their professional lives. We hope our badminton players grow both as athletes and individuals, developing skills and values that will serve them well on and off the court.”

Date Added: 3/27/2025