Students in Jessica Canale and Melissa Green’s AP Biology classes at Deer Park High School recently visited the Biotechnology Teaching Center at Stony Brook University, where they carried out a bacterial transformation lab, transforming bacteria to produce a green fluorescent protein. This was an exciting opportunity for the young scientists to apply information they had previously learned in class. 

“Our students displayed great lab techniques while using the molecular biology equipment,” Green said. “It was a great experience and helped to solidify and connect some of the major themes in the AP Biology genetics unit.”

Date Added: 3/13/2025

Last month, Deer Park High School track athlete Chelsea Cornelia finished second in Suffolk County in the 600-meter race at the state qualifier, posting a personal best time of 1:36.9 and ranking No. 2 all-time in Deer Park. This performance qualified Cornelia for the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships, held on March 8 at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. In her second appearance in the state tournament, Cornelia ran a personal best in the 600-meter race with a time of 1:36.8, finishing 14th overall and 10th in public schools.  

“What’s more impressive is Chelsea’s story and her road to get to this point,” coach James Petti said. “Last May, she sustained a devastating injury to her foot that abruptly ended her season after already qualifying for the outdoor state championship in June. Chelsea slowly built back to running shape with summer running and playing soccer for her school. When she began the winter season, she was still a bit rusty, but persevered and kept building throughout the season. We stuck to the plan of running long miles and mixing in speed days. While we thought she’d be ready by state quals to be top 4 in the 1,000-meter, we felt that the 600-meter looked like the more sensible route to get to the state championship. We stuck to the plan and didn’t change up much from last year’s training. Chelsea ran one less distance race – of 1,500-meter or above – than she did last year, so this year showed me that her speed is developing, and when combined with endurance, it proved that she’s back and even better. We are so incredibly proud of her and we look forward to an exciting outdoor season.”

Date Added: 3/13/2025

The Deer Park High School Black Student Union and Robert Frost Middle School Cultural Awareness Club proudly hosted their annual Black History Month showcase on Feb. 27. This family-friendly, communitywide event was not only a celebration of Black history and culture but also a fundraiser for the BSU’s Empowerment through Education Scholarship. This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” honored the profound contributions of Black Americans in shaping the workforce and creating pathways for change.

The event, hosted by BSU President Christian McMillian, Vice President Ceica Pierre and faculty adviser Aleisha Forbes, featured dynamic student performances including the high school’s Phoenix Choir, marching band, and cheer and step teams. Attendees were also treated to a moving Haitian folk poem by Lynn-Chloe Jasmin and an insightful panel discussion with members of Historically Black Fraternities and Sororities.

Informative workshops were led by the school and public libraries on literacy and education, the Cayuga Centers of Harlem on immigrant support, and the school’s College and Career Center on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Educational Opportunity Program.

“Thank you to all who attended and supported this powerful night of learning, celebration and unity,” Forbes said.

Date Added: 3/12/2025

John F. Kennedy Intermediate School held its 22nd annual Variety Show on Feb. 28, with more than 50 fourth and fifth graders showcasing their magnificent talents during two performances. Directed by Donna Arena, Melissa Price and Suzanne Wright, the event included singers, dancers, comedians, musicians and martial artists, among other highlights.

“Each year, these students amaze us with their talents and their courage to share it with our JFK family,” Price said. “We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”

Date Added: 3/12/2025

Powerlifter and motivational speaker Rohan Murphy visited the students of Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School on Feb. 27 to deliver an uplifting and dynamic program meant to inspire students to never give up and to follow their dreams.

Murphy, who had both of his legs amputated due to complications stemming from birth, became a U.S. paralympian and wrestled for the prestigious Division 1 team at Penn State University. A Long Island native who graduated from East Islip High School, he is dedicated to visiting students and presenting his message of hope and determination.

At the conclusion of the day, Murphy hosted a special wrestling practice with the Robert Frost team, led by coach Jeff Cifelli. Murphy discussed how he found success in the sport of wrestling, both mentally and physically, and the students were able to watch and then perform wrestling moves he demonstrated. As a gift, the team presented Murphy with a Falcons wrestling T-shirt and concluded the event with the team’s “Falcon, Family” chant.

Date Added: 3/10/2025