Jayden Rivers, a seventh grader at Robert Frost Middle School, was recently named a finalist in Vocal Division I of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Concerto and Vocal Competition. Out of 80 competitors, only 16 finalists were selected to perform at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor on Feb. 4. The winners of the competition, selected by special guest panelists, will earn a $500 award and the chance to perform as a soloist with their MYO ensemble during the 2026-2027 season. This significant achievement serves to highlights the strength of Deer Park’s perennially strong performing arts program.

Rivers is currently in his first year as a vocalist in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Suffolk Treble Choir. MYO provided feedback on his application recording, praising his professional presentation, beautiful voice, expressiveness and intonation. For the Concerto and Vocal Competition, he will sing the Italian aria “Alma del Core” by composer Antonio Caldara.
  
“I was surprised, extremely humbled and excited when I learned that I was a finalist in the competition,” Rivers said. “I really want to win, so I am working on my Italian. The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra has some of the most talented young musicians across Long Island. To be a finalist is an honor to me. I would like to thank my parents, my music teachers and the Metropolitan Orchestra for giving me this opportunity, and I hope to see some of my Deer Park friends and teachers at the concert.”

“I am incredibly proud of Jayden and this outstanding accomplishment,” said Grace Donofrio, his vocal teacher. “His voice is truly beautiful, and this recognition reflects his hard work, dedication and natural musicality. Bravo to Jayden on being named a finalist.”

“Being selected from as one of just 16 finalists from more than 80 competitors is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Jayden’s talent, dedication and musical artistry,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Bradley Murphy said. “This recognition reflects the high level of excellence our students strive for and consistently achieve.”

Additionally, exceptional Deer Park High School student musician Joseph Graziano was named to the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Nassau Principal Orchestra. Graziano will perform on trumpet with the MYO on March 22 at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center in Garden City, and on May 9 at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.

“Joe has been a hardworking musician in our program since he arrived at the high school,” Band Director Derek Schmelter said. “I’m very proud of his accomplishments and delighted to see his talents recognized by those outside of our community.” 

Date Added: 1/27/2026

Deer Park High School sent 76 husiness students from its DECA club to participate in DECA’s recent Suffolk County Regional Competition, guided by adviser Gregory Menig. They were among nearly 900 students from across the county vying for spots in this year’s state career conference.

Deer Park’s students proved outstanding, earning 27 trophies. In addition, nine received honorable mention recognition for their performance. 

The trophy winners will be moving on to compete in New York DECA’s 67th annual State Career Conference, to be held March 4-6 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, as they try to qualify for the International Competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

Congratulations to the following Deer Park students:
  
TROPHY WINNERS
Ruby Kappel – Apparel & Accessories Marketing (3rd place)
Thomas Wesnofske – Automotive Services Marketing
Tanin Ahmadzai/Lucas DiVanna – Business Law & Ethics Team (3rd place)
Noah Olthoff – Business Services Marketing
Lauren Marable – Business Services Marketing (2nd place)
Connor McGuinness – Entrepreneurship
Arfan Rahman/Armaan Sayedi – Entrepreneurship Team
Arianna Ahmad/Emily Velasquez – Financial Services Team
Sidra Syed – Food Marketing (1st place)
Elizabeth Boyle – Hotel & Lodging Management
Abigail Cullen – Hotel & Lodging Management (3rd place)
Jaidyn Schabe – Personal Financial Literacy (2nd place)
Jose Oliva – Principles of Entrepreneurship
Aaron Allen – Principles of Entrepreneurship (1st place)
Abigail Daniel – Principles of Finance (1st place)
Ethan Cullen - Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
Sean Cullen – Quick Serve Restaurant Management
Jayna Singh – Quick Serve Restaurant Management (3rd place)
Gianna Montes – Quick Serve Restaurant Management (2nd place)
Parleen Kaur – Restaurant & Food Service Management
Samantha Mieses – Restaurant & Food Service Management (2nd place)
Madison Griffin – Retail Merchandising
Jaskarn Singh/Eshan Zaman – Travel & Tourism Team

HONORABLE MENTION
Raquibul Hasan – Accounting Applications
Manaal Irfan – Apparel & Accessories Marketing
Caleb Pierre – Automotive Services Marketing
Abrar Hossain – Entrepreneurship
Bertrand Mondelus – Food Marketing
Aubriella Nunez – Hotel & Lodging Management
Raiaana Sarker – Retail Merchandising
Imaan Fasih/Enaya Jehanzeb – Travel & Tourism Team

John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently hosted its annual ENL Culture Night, providing students and their families with several fun activity stations to explore such as chess and winter-themed crafts. The event serves as a joyful celebration of the many cultures that make up JFK’s school community, bringing families together to honor their differences and the unique strengths they all share.   
 
This year, the school’s English as a New Language teachers added a meaningful new element by sponsoring a clothing drive, ensuring that families in need could select winter coats, gloves, and hats.

“This thoughtful addition reflected the care and compassion that defines our school,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “Our ENL teachers did an outstanding job creating a welcoming, inclusive event that celebrated our cultures and strengthened our school community. This night truly highlighted the incredible sense of community within our school.”

Click here to view the ENL Culture Night Brings JFKs Families Together in Celebration and Care slideshow.

Date Added: 1/22/2026

At the district’s Jan. 20 Board of Education meeting, Robert Frost Middle School student Inaaya Khan was recognized for her outstanding leadership and dedication to her school community. Khan is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, a Gold Honor Roll student and a Project Wisdom Student of the Month. 

As a sixth grader, Khan presented Principal Dr. Eliana Levey with the idea of starting a Muslim Student Association modeled after the high school’s club. The following year, she became the founder and president of Robert Frost’s Junior Muslim Student Association.

“As the club's adviser, Dr. Levy has witnessed firsthand Inaaya’s leadership skills among her peers,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “She designs activities for each meeting, coordinates with high school’s MSA and advocates for her fellow students. She is an impressive individual with a bright future ahead, and Dr. Levy and I could not be more proud to recognize her as a student of distinction within the Deer Park School District.”

Date Added: 1/21/2026

Deer Park High School’s Virtual Enterprise students proudly represented the school at the recent New York State Regional Business Plan Competition and Trade Show, earning a Gold award for Best Sales Pitch. Dressed professionally in coordinated black and green, reflecting their company TechNova’s brand colors, students confidently drew customers to their booth and showcased their products using student-designed prototypes.   

“Their professionalism, creativity and strong presentation skills made our team stand out among regional competitors,” business teacher Annemarie Lenio said.    

Click here to view the Deer Park HS Virtual Enterprise team takes Gold at regional Competition slideshow.

Date Added: 1/20/2026