Deer Park High School's Patriot Club held its annual Military Moms Tea on May 9.  With support from the school’s SADD Club, the Patriot Club proudly hosts this heartfelt event each year to honor the mothers of Deer Park alumni who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

“This cherished tradition brings together military families and the broader Deer Park community to reflect on the sacrifices made by these brave service members and the strength of the mothers who support them,” Patriot Club co-adviser Joe Alo said. “The event fosters a deep sense of community, gratitude and unity, reminding us all of the ongoing commitment Deer Park has to its military families.”

This year marked an additional recognition for long-time Patriot Club co-advisor Laurie Osbern, a homegrown Deer Park Falcon, who will retire at the conclusion of the school year.

“It is because of Laurie that this amazing event and all of the wonderful things the Patriot Club has accomplished has taken place,” Alo said.

The six advanced music students in Deer Park High School’s Phoenix Club vocal chamber ensemble – Baileigh Braithwaite, Amaiyah Elysee, Kesha Elmon, Alaysia Giles-Smith, Heidy Gonzalez Morales and Sophia Sheeler – were invited to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Suffolk County Legislature on May 6, continuing a tradition coordinated through Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly’s office to showcase student talent from the district at civic events. Their performance was a demonstration of strong musicianship, leadership and commitment to choral excellence. The Phoenix Club had previously sung the National Anthem for Legislator Donnelly in 2023.

“This group is a premier soprano and alto auditioned choir that specializes in a wide variety of music for treble voices,” Phoenix Club Director Catherine Singer said. “Simply, the name ‘phoenix’ means rebirth, regeneration and new beginnings. In almost every culture, the phoenix is associated with positive aspects such as strength, determination, passion, resilience and compassion. These are the aspects that members of this choir hold true.”

Date Added: 5/15/2025

For the first time in the history of Deer Park High School’s Best Buddies chapter, the school proudly hosted the Best Buddies Friendship Ball on April 11, an unforgettable evening that welcomed schools from across Long Island, from Garden City to Southampton. The Friendship Ball brought together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to celebrate inclusion, friendship and fun through music and dancing. Reflecting the theme of “Glow Together,” the event transformed the gym into a neon wonderland filled with black lights, glow-in-the-dark accessories and vibrant colors that lit up the night. 

“The energy, joy and unity shared on the dance floor made the night a glowing success,” Best Buddies chapter co-adviser Joe Alo said. “Deer Park High School is honored to have hosted such a meaningful event and we look forward to continuing this incredible tradition in the years to come.”

Date Added: 5/13/2025

Deer Park High School seniors gathered with excitement in the school’s lobby on May 1 for Decision Day, the culmination of College and Career Week. Dressed in their college and career outfits, the students took photos and celebrated making decisions about their futures. Dozens of college and universities as well as the military services were in attendance throughout the week, and workshops were offered on topics such as achieving success on the SAT/ACT, interview preparation, college tuition and personal finances, and careers in business, education, nursing, health care, engineering and forensic science.

“Decision Day was a celebration of our seniors’ hard work and dedication,” Associate Principal Dr. Dina Pannone said. “It was inspiring to see our school community come together to support our graduates as they take the next step toward their futures, whether in college, military, trades or their careers. This day marked the beginning of a new chapter, and we couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve accomplished.”

Date Added: 5/7/2025

Deer Park High School’s Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian are Reza Zorakhsh and Adib Shaikh, respectively. 

Zorakhsh, a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and AP Scholar with Distinction, will graduate with a weighted GPA of 110.53. He serves as president of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, co-captain of the Math Team and Science Olympiad, and captain of the varsity track team. As part of Deer Park’s DECA team, he earned a silver medal at New York DECA’s 65th annual State Career Conference. Zorakhsh has not decided on a college or major.

Shaikh, an AP Scholar with Distinction, will graduate with a weighted GPA of 109.20. He serves as president of the STEM Club, executive vice president of DECA, treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society and Red Cross Club; is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, New York DECA Honor Society, Muslim Student Association and Social Issues Club; and earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. Shaikh will attend Stony Brook University, majoring in applied mathematics and statistics.

Date Added: 5/5/2025