The Carle Place High School Class of 2019 gathered for one last time to celebrate their accomplishments and receive their high school diplomas on June 28. Sitting on the high school field under blue skies, the graduates smiled, sharing this milestone with each other and their families.

Superintendent of Schools David Flatley presided over his final commencement at Carle Place before officially retiring. “As I bring my own career to an end tonight, I think of the 13 years we have spent together, and I consider myself an honorary member of the Class of 2019,” he said. “We should reflect on the challenges and triumphs we have shared.”

Valedictorian Gabriella Deninno addressed the class, sharing a quote that she said the senior class has heard many times from Mr. Flatley: “To those to whom much has been given, much will be expected.” Gabriella said that throughout their years in Carle Place, the senior class has been given a lot. “Therefore it’s expected of us to work hard, to strive for greatness, and when we can, give to others so they too can achieve,” she said.

Salutatorian Christina Kapralos thanked all of those who helped the senior class to succeed and reminded her peers of their special connections. “The bonds we formed will always have a special place in our hearts,” she said.

Board of Education trustees Anthony Bulzomi and Neal McLaughlin each shared inspiring words with the Class of 2019 and their families. Bulzomi offered 10 tips for a successful future and McLaughlin applauded the group’s successes.

Class President Julia Winer also addressed her classmates and Caroline McLaughlin gave the farewell address before Principal Thomas DePaola
presented the Class of 2019. 

Students filed onto the stage to receive their diplomas, and senior Kerry Carrera fell to her knees and was brought to tears when she was surprised by her father, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Luis A. Carrera, who returned home from deployment overseas to see his only daughter graduate from high school. 

With an emotional end to a meaningful education, the Class of 2019 now has one more memory of Carle Place that will stay with them forever.

At their June 6 meeting, the Carle Place Board of Education gave a fond farewell to Superintendent of Schools David Flatley and three other dedicated members of the Carle Place School District family who announced their retirement this year. 

Joining Mr. Flatley in retirement are Rushmore Avenue School teacher Lynn Benov (30 years of service), Cherry Lane School teacher Mary McDermott (22 years) and Carle Place Middle/High School special education teacher Laurie Papa (31 years). Mr. Flatley has served Carle Place for 16 years, beginning as assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel in 2003 before being promoted to superintendent of schools in 2010.

Additionally, five members of the Carle Place School District were awarded tenure by the Board of Education: Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Philip Molnar, Chairperson for Special Education Allen Foraker, Carle Place Middle/High School special education teacher Jenna Iannone, Cherry Lane literacy teacher Danielle Emmel and Rushmore Avenue teacher Jacqueline Gardiner.

Congratulations to all of our tenured staff and retirees for your dedication to the students of Carle Place! 




 




 

 

Under the direction of technology teacher Erik Tonner, Carle Place Middle/High School Life Skills students recently built homes for some feathered friends, one of  many projects they completed during the school year to take home.

At their June 20 meeting, the Carle Place Board of Education gave a special thank-you to several community members who have volunteered their time this year to help make the Carle Place School District a better place for students and the community. Those honored received certificates of recognition from the Board. Additionally, several staff members were acknowledged for their service on various committees.

Thank you to the following people who have contributed to a wonderful school community this year:

Shared Decision Making Committee 
Kim Ribarich and Lisa Mancuso 

Health Council 
Catherine Masiello 

Scholarship Committee 
Dr. Joy-Anne D’Anca, Thomas DePaola, John DiFrisco, David Flatley, Lucille Hughes, Joseph LoCurto, Maria Maiale, Gordon Mays, Mary Schultz, James Spangler and Ronald Vestuto

Volunteers 
Lou Ann Bonomi – PTA Council President, Safety Team Member and Health Council 
Anthony Giordano – Cherry Lane School 
Michael Going – Audit Committee 
John and Barbara Heslin – President and Director of the Carle Place Seniors 
Lisa Mancuso – Rushmore Avenue Ave. PTA President, Shared Decision Making Committee 
Chris Padilla – Community Partner, Proprietor of Très Bon Cleaners 
Darcia Padilla – Community Partner, Proprietor of Très Bon Cleaners 
Dayna Mandolese – SEPTA President 
Darlene Marshall – Cherry Lane School 
Edward Muller –Flag Day Celebration at Cherry Lane (plays “Taps”)
Kim Ribarich – HS/MS PTSA President, Shared Decision Making Committee 
Kim Scaccia – Cherry Lane PTA President 

Volunteer Coaches 
Tamar Adams – Varsity Girls Basketball 
Maria Buffolino – Varsity Girls Track 
Agostino Cavallaro – Varsity Baseball 
Elias Costidis – Varsity Boys Bowling 
Salvatore Delio – Varsity Boys Basketball and Varsity Baseball 
David Evans – Varsity Girls Soccer 
Jack Kearney – Varsity Baseball 
Dylan Klein – Varsity Boys Soccer 
Steven Martello – Varsity/JV/MS Football 
Paul Mila – Varsity/Middle School Tennis
James O’Hagan – Varsity Girls Basketball 
Nicole Scicolone – Varsity Girls Track 
Matthew Teemsma – Varsity/JV Football 
Jennifer Vento Johnson – Varsity Gymnastics 






 




 

 

This year, the Carle Place Middle/High School Student Organization was honored to award Jeananne Sullivan the Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Sullivan is a dedicated and hardworking teacher who is always there for all of her students. We would like to thank Mrs. Sullivan for everything she has done throughout the year.
 
The Student Organization also awarded two very special community members the Citizen of the Year Award: Nick Deninno and Jamie Tirone. Both of these community members have helped the school and community in many ways. They are both hard working and very generous individuals. Thank you for everything that you all have done.
 
Congratulations to all on earning these very special awards.

Two Carle Place Middle/High School eighth graders were recently recognized by the Kiwanis Club for their outstanding improvement in academics. Congratulations to Connor Albertson and Coraly Pierre-Louis for your hard work! We are all proud of you!

This past weekend the Carle Place Middle/High School Class of 2023 came together for their last fundraiser of the school year. With summer approaching, students opted to hold a local car wash at the school, which turned out to be a hit! They raised close to $600 for class activities. 

A special thank you to the Carle Place community for coming out and showing their support and thank you to Ms. Peterson and Mr. Valdivia for taking on the role of co-advisers.

The Carle Place Board of Education and Carle Place Middle/High School administration recently honored the school’s Advanced Placement Scholars at the June 6 Board meeting.

Among the 49 honorees were students who qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP examinations with scores of 3 or higher. Also honored were students who qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP examinations taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. AP Scholar With Distinction Award winners were also celebrated for earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Examinations taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Each student was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Principal Tom DePaola and received congratulations from the Board of Education. 

Congratulations to all of the school’s AP achievers. 

AP Scholars:
Kiera Ackerina ‘18
Michael Boccuzzi ‘19
Christiana Caliendo ‘18
Myeonghee Choi ‘19
Tehani Chowdhury ‘19
Daniel Cotter ‘18
Stephanie DeNicola ‘18
Ivy Fernandes ‘19
Joshua Fleishman ‘18
Tyler Greenberg ‘19
Naushin Hossain ‘18
Katie Hutter ‘19
Pragna Krishnamurthy ‘18
Gavin Manganiello ‘19
Gianna Marasco ‘19
Frank Ortiz ‘18
Rebekah Parise ‘19

Students at Cherry Lane School once again marched around their school in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Now in its 24th year, the school’s walk raises money for Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. This year Cherry Lane raised $2,377!

Parents provided donations on behalf of their children, who sold them paper JDRF sneakers as a symbolic pledge to walk laps around the building, on campus, alongside their teachers and classmates. The students’ names appeared on these shoes, which were displayed throughout the halls of Cherry Lane. This year’s top fundraisers by grade level were Anthony D’Alessandro (K), Victoria Monteforte (Grade 1) and Gabriella Penn (Grade 2). Joseph Schmitt (Grade 2) received honorary mention for raising a significant amount as well.

Great job by all of the students, staff and parents for their participation! Special thanks to JDRF Senior Outreach Manager Betsy Paffman, a former Cherry Lane parent who started the walk 24 years ago following her son’s diabetes diagnosis.

The Carle Place Board of Education recently honored nine Carle Place Middle/High School seniors who will be graduating with the New York State Seal of Biliteracy this year. 

Established just a few years ago, the Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. It was created to encourage the study of languages, identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission, prepare students with 21st-century skills, recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools, and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.

Congratulations to the following Carle Place seniors who will be graduating with the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in 2019: 

Gabriella Baratta
Michael Boccuzzi
Leah Burden
Tyler Greenberg
Gianna Marasco
Giana McKeough
Angie Portilla
Daniela Posillico
Julia Winer

Chairperson for Social Studies and World Languages Leslie Rubenstein was also on hand to congratulate the students alongside Principal Thomas DePaola. Ms. Rubenstein pointed out the advantages of being proficient in more than one language, including having a competitive edge in the employment market as well as increased opportunities for higher education.



 

 

Congratulations to senior Giana McKeough, who was recognized at the News12 Scholar-Athlete Banquet held at The Mansion at Oyster Bay on June 11.  

Thanks to Coach Bello and Coach Rubenstein. This was a wonderful evening celebrating Giana and spotlighting outstanding student athletes.

Giana was featured on News 12 earlier this year. She is Carle Place Middle/High School’s 26th recipient of the News 12 Scholar-Athlete award, having met all of the rigorous criteria of the award, including earning a GPA of over 3.5 and an SAT score of over 1200 while participating in two or more sports and exhibiting leadership and service to others.

Giana is a two-sport All-State athlete in basketball and field hockey and has played three sports overall, including serving as a captain. She was also selected as a member of the NYSPHSAA, Section VII Student Advisory Committee and is the perfect role model, on and off the field and court.
 
Good luck Giana and go Frogs!

Cherry Lane School students recently celebrated “Characters” of Carle Place Day. This new school-wide event promoted social-emotional health through literacy. 

During this event, each kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade class welcomed a guest reader. Readers included various local community helpers, in addition to school staff members and administrators. 

Each visitor read a book that aligns with the New York State mental health curriculum mandates. Books read included “The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas, “In My Heart: A Book of Feelings” by Jo Witek, “Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun” by Maria Dismondy, and “The Way I Feel” by Janan Cain. Each classroom also received a copy of all four books thanks to the Cherry Lane PTA. 

“It was a wonderful morning filled with reading, learning, and smiling,” said Cherry Lane second-grade teacher Nicole Santos.




 

 

The Culture Vultures ended the year with a climb up the new art structure The Vessel at Hudson yards in NYC. Students enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Meatball Shop in Chelsea. It was a beautiful night strolling the High Line. Until next school year!

The Carle Place Middle/High School GSA (Gay Straight Alliance), under the direction of adviser Christa Klatsky, kicked off a celebration of Pride Month with a display in the school’s main lobby. Students were invited to write on the display what they are proud of and proud to be. Love shines at Carle Place High School!


 

The Carle Place Business Education Department recently held its second annual Business Olympics. This year’s theme was “Invention and Innovation,” as five Virtual Enterprise teams (each comprised of four to five students) prepared business plan presentations to pitch to a panel of judges in a competition modeled after the popular television show “Shark Tank.”

Student entrepreneurs were asked to develop a new business or business concept that revolves around an invention or original concept. Teams developed startup business plan presentations to convince the “sharks” to invest in their business or business concept. Presenters used Google Slides that addressed market analyses, financial assumption, and marketing and promotion strategies while dressed in business attire during their four-to-six-minute pitches.

Kudos to all of the VE students for their excellent presentations and thanks to all of the judges! Carle Place Middle/High School business teacher and DECA adviser Toula Foufas hosted the event. A networking dinner was held before the competition.



 




 

 

Congratulations to senior student-athlete Julian Alfaro and coaches Shaefer and Santoro who will represent Nassau County and Carle Place at the New York State Track and Field Championship at Middletown High School this Friday and Saturday, June 7-8. Julian will compete in the Triple Jump and Long Jump events. Good luck Julian!

Always proud to be a Frog!





 




 

 

At the invitation of Assemblyman Ed Ra, students in Leslie Rubenstein’s Honors Participation in Government class at Carle Place Middle/High School had the opportunity to sit in on a legislative session of both the New York State Assembly and Senate and tour the New York State Capitol building in Albany on May 30.  

Assemblyman Ra visited the class in mid-April when students first began their studies of New York State government.  In the ensuing weeks, students learned more about current issues in New York State, and are now developing citizen action plans on a topic of their choice. 

“Seeing the Legislature in action was a wonderful opportunity to connect our classroom studies to real life,” said Ms. Rubenstein.



 




 

 

The Carle Place Culture Vultures enjoyed a night of theater at the hit musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” Thank you to the Carle Place Educational Foundation for awarding a grant, written by the Culture Vultures adviser Cherie Gisondi, which helped defray the ticket cost. The club also met the creators and cast  of the hit musical, “Be More Chill” at  Schmackary’s Bakery in NYC. Next trip is to the Vessel, Highline and the Meatball Shop June 6!




 




 

 

Congratulations to Coach Peragallo, Coach Gagliardo and the Carle Place varsity girls lacrosse team for winning the Class D Nassau County Championship with an overtime victory over Oyster Bay.  The Lady Frogs have advanced to the Long Island Championship game this Saturday, June 1 vs Mattituck @ Adelphi University, beginning at 12 p.m.
 
GO FROGS!!!!

On Sunday, May 19 the Carle Place Middle/High School Builders Club participated in the 15th Annual Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Miles For Melanoma Steps to Stop Skin Cancer Walk at Eisenhower Park. The students raised over $250 in support of melanoma awareness, prevention and treatment by walking more than three miles. They had a great time raising money for this important cause!

Congratulations to our Carle Place Unified Basketball Team, which advanced to postseason play this year, finishing their outstanding season in second place!  Thanks to Coach John Bergaglio and his staff, including Mrs. Canell, Mrs. Castrogiovanni and Mrs. Beattie. Special thanks to Ms. Habashzada Ms. Samain, Ms. Kelly, Mrs. Kellman, Mr. Bello, Ms. Gagliardo and Mrs. Costidis for your support in creating an amazing experience for Carle Place student-athletes.
 
GO FROGS!!!!
 

In observance of Memorial Day, Carle Place Middle/High School held its annual ceremony to honor four graduates who lost their lives in military service. Members of American Legion Post 1718 were on hand for the ceremony, which included the dedication of a new wreath alongside the plaque that currently hangs in the hallway to honor U.S. Army Corporal Howard Hominick (Class of ’67),  U.S. Marine Captain Walter “Roy” Schmidt (Class of ’63), U.S. Navy Ensign Paul Sempliciano (Class of ’65) and U.S. Army Specialist 4 John Thorp (Class of ’66).

Students lined the main lobby and saluted these men and the veterans on hand. Junior Carly Perruzza played Taps, accompanied by seventh grader Joseph Garcia on the snare drum, just prior to seventh grader Justin Colon laying the wreath. Veterans also had the opportunity to speak with students following the ceremony, including Carle Place High School senior Frank Mastrangelo, who built a special memorial in the front of the school to honor those who served in the military. Frank built the memorial for his Eagle Scout project last year.

Congratulations to the 44 new members of the Carle Place National Honor Society and the 39 new members of the Carle Place National Junior Honor Society. Principal Tom DePaola led both groups in their respective pledges during induction ceremonies held in April.

Carle Place NHS President Jenny Bocchicchio led the Pledge of Allegiance and lit the ceremonial candle of scholarship, joined by NJHS President Chloe Mosca. Vice Presidents Gabriella Deninno (NHS) and Abigail Lyons (NJHS) lit the candle of service, while officers Devin Eichel, Alexandra Feit, Michelle Ramalhete, Giovanna Ventimiglia and Julia Winer completed candlelighting honors for the remaining principles of leadership, character and citizenship.

Caryl Lorandini co-advises both groups while Dr. Steven Leffler and Lauren Palma co-advise the NHS and NJHS, respectively.

NHS Pledge
I pledge myself to uphold
The high purposes of the 
National Honor Society
To which I have been elected,
Striving in every way
By word and deed
To make its ideals
The ideals of my school
And of my life.


NJHS Pledge
I pledge myself to uphold
the high purposes
of the National Junior Honor Society
to which I have been selected;
I will be true to the principles
for which it stands;
I will be loyal to my school,
and will maintain and encourage
high standards of scholarship,
leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

The Carle Place Middle School Builders Club recently conducted a Kindness Kampaign to encourage others to make kindness their mission in life, each and every day. The club designated May 15 as Kindness Day, as all staff and students wore yellow in support of the campaign and signed a pledge to be kind all of the time. 

Upon their arrival to school on Kindness Day, students were greeted in the main lobby by Builders Club members and were asked to take the kindness pledge to the backdrop of the high school chorus performing. Second period teachers were also given kindness cards to distribute to their students, ensuring that every Carle Place Middle/High School student received a card. Each kindness card contained a secret “mission,” or random act of kindness, for the recipient to decode and complete. 

The Kindness Kampaign was coordinated by teacher/adviser Tara Vasilakopoulos and turned out to be a great success that raised awareness about the importance of accepting and including others.



 

 

Congratulations to Carle Place Middle/High School student Samantha Wagner, who was recently recognized for her community service efforts at the annual Nassau County Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance) ceremony. This award is presented to students in Nassau County who are civically responsible and promote tolerance. 

Samantha is described by her teachers and peers as kind, dedicated, driven, passionate, humble and versatile. She is active in various after-school activities such as Key Club, varsity volleyball, varsity bowling and varsity track, but she has truly made her mark in student government as the junior class secretary and as the Key Club public relations representative. Samantha has held leadership positions within the Key Club since 2017 and has volunteered at the local Boys and Girls Club as well as the INN soup kitchen. 

Additionally, Samantha has exercised technological creativity through Key Club by making detailed informational videos for various organizations. These videos were used an educational tool for the entire high school to promote fundraising and service learning for organizations such as the Amputee Coalition, Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center, Smile Train and NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Breast Health Center. She was a key coordinator for Carle Place High School’s Battling for a Cause event in February, which raised $23,000 for the Long Island Tourette Association. 

Samantha is wise beyond her years, understands the importance of giving back to her community and is truly deserving of this honor.
 
 




 

 

Congratulations to Carle Place Middle/High School student Angelina Daniel, who received Honorable Mention in the Town of North Hempstead’s Earth Day T-Shirt design competition. Angelina is congratulated here by Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and other Town officials.