Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly was on hand at the Deer Park Board of Education’s June 17 meeting to present certificates of recognition to Deer Park High School students Sophia Paduano (of Girl Scout Troop 1037) and Jaidyn Schabe (of Girl Scout Troop 1991) for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award – the highest achievement in the organization – with innovative projects to benefit the school community. 

For Schabe’s project, “Equity in Science Education,” she identified a need to expand access to STEM learning opportunities for students who may not otherwise have them. She developed and delivered engaging science lessons and activities to more than 60 students, introduced them to potential STEM careers, and provided donated educational materials to a local elementary school. 

Paduano’s “Best Buddies Friendship Ball – Celebrating Connections That Will Last” was inspired by her passion for fostering friendships with students of all abilities. Her project encouraged students to build meaningful relationships and celebrated the unique strengths that each individual brings to the school.

“Jayden’s work not only inspired curiosity and learning, but also created lasting resources that will continue to benefit students for years to come,” Superintendent Jim Cummings said. “Sophia saw a need connected to something she cared deeply about, and created a symbol of acceptance, connection and community that will inspire others.”

“The Girl Scout concept is all about character building, community service and teaching young people the true value of being a good citizen in their communities, and both of these young ladies really exemplify that,” Donnelly said. “They are very much tomorrow’s leaders.”

The Board also recognized Deer Park High School’s Class of 2026 valedictorian Ubaid Iqbal and salutatorian Jaidyn Schabe, and two of Robert Frost Middle School’s talented writers: seventh grader Jacob Kissoon, the overall first place winner of the Long Island Language Arts Council’s Kenneth F. Gambone Writing Contest, and eighth grader Sukaina Hassan, “First Class” winner in the National Council for the Teachers of English’s Promising Young Writers Contest. 

Donnelly returned to the podium to honor Board of Education trustee Jerry Jean-Pierre, who had been named as his 2026 Champion of Diversity this spring.

The Board also congratulated Board President Donna Marie Elliott on earning a New York State School Boards Association Achievement Award, and bid farewell to longtime trustees Al Centamore (30 years of service) and Donna Gulli Grunseich (15 years of service) congratulating them on their retirement after many years of dedicated work on behalf of the community and presenting them with commemorative Falcons jerseys.