High school lacrosse player Samantha Giroux, who will start her sophomore year in September, was recently named as a 2017 Brine National High School Lacrosse All-American. Giroux was selected to represent New York State at the National Lacrosse Classic, to be held July 18-21 at the River City Sportsplex in Richmond, Virginia.

The Deer Park High School Jazz Ensemble and its director, Jerry Cannarozzo, recently traveled to Orlando, Florida for a well-received performance at Disney World.

Following the performance, the 23 students – Anthony D’Arrigo, Nick Alo, Dave Batkiewicz, Jack Brennan, Ryan Brown, Mike Catanzaro, Mike Charumaneeroj, Alexandria Costanza, John Clancy, Briseis Del Cid, Joe Etersque, Peter Farquharsen, Nick Gentile, Samantha Miller, Joshua Murphy, Tyler Nielson, Amar Qasir, Emanuel Saladino, Frank Sluter, Ginele Tanis, Bradley Taylor, Kailey Tenn and Marissa Woods – were able to visit all the attraction’s parks.

The high school held its 54th commencement ceremony on June 23, with more than 300 students beaming with pride as they received their diplomas in front of faculty and their families. The ceremony began with a moving performance of the national anthem by senior Olivia Grizzle.

Salutatorian Alima Hossain and valedictorian Omaier Mohiuddin told their fellow classmates to embrace change and to look forward to their new journey.

“Today marks a milestone in all of our lives,” Hossain said. “This is a wonderful transition into adult life.”

"Change is hard, but it’s also good," Mohiuddin said. "This place shaped us into amazing human beings and the world is waiting for our arrival.”
Guest speaker Nicholas Assenza told the students that life is full of surprises.

“Life is about figuring out who you are and what makes you happy,” he said. “Failure is inevitable, but you can’t let it hold you back. Live with humility and never stop the pursuit of learning about everything that is important to you.” 

Before the diplomas were conferred, Principal Charles Cobb expressed his admiration for the Class of 2017.

“I could not be more proud of all that this class has accomplished,” said Cobb.

 

The high school held its annual Senior Awards ceremony on June 8, filling the school’s auditorium with proud families eager to see high-achieving members of the Class of 2017 receiving department awards, schoolwide awards and scholarships.

After class treasurer Joseph Etersque led the Pledge of Allegiance, and fellow senior Jacie Matera sang the National Anthem, Principal Charles Cobb spoke to the graduating students and the presentation of awards began. Deer Park’s jazz ensemble, under the direction of Jerry Cannarozzo, provided a soothing backdrop of Chick Corea’s “Spain” during intermission.

“This event gives us an opportunity to recognize our students and all of their vast accomplishments, and showcases the many skills and talents of our outstanding student body,” said Cobb. “It is a special evening that all students and their families will remember fondly.”

Returning for the second consecutive year, Deer Park was represented by three students – Robert Frost Middle School eighth-grader Damian Capone, high school freshman Kerthana Omprakash and senior Emanual LaPorte – at the 2017 Special Olympics Long Island Spring Games North, held on May 20 at Bethpage High School. All three won medals for their determination and hard work.

“We are very proud of our students who worked so hard and trained many hours for their specific Olympic events,” said teacher Joyce Carmen.