Deer Park High School students from Rebecca Yackel’s mural painting course recently had the exciting opportunity to collaborate on a community mural project at Venetian Shores for the Town of Babylon. Inspired by the natural beauty of the waterfront, students Antonietta Cafisco and Jayna Singh took the lead in designing a vibrant, beach-themed mural aimed at bringing joy to the beach staff.

With the support and teamwork of the entire class, the mural was completed in just one day, a true testament to the students’ dedication and hard work. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply artistic techniques in a real-world setting while strengthening their skills in problem-solving and community engagement. The completed mural now serves as a welcoming and colorful addition to Venetian Shores, reflecting both the spirit of the Town of Babylon and the creativity of Deer Park’s students. 

“We are incredibly proud of their efforts and grateful for the opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the community,” Yackel said.

Artwork by six students from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School – fifth graders Inayah Ali, Rafsan Bhuiyan, Johnathan Boyle, Ayva Smith, Briana Reynoso Frias and Kiran Zahidi – was recently selected for the SCALA Children’s Show at Babylon Old Town Hall. The students, along with their teachers and families, attended a March 21 reception to view their work on display.

“It is always so nice to see all of the families and teachers come out to support our students,” teacher Briana Fayans said. “Our students love seeing the artwork from other students throughout Suffolk County.”

 

Click here to view the Six JFK Artists Selected for SCALA Children’s Show slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/8/2026

Eight talented Deer Park students were selected to have their artwork displayed at the annual Colors of Long Island student art exhibition at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. The participating students are John Quincy Adams Primary School first grader Eliana Moreira and second grader Eliza Rinaldi-Amaral; May Moore Primary School first grader Aiden Ruiz and second grader Aria Daal; John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fifth graders Michael Salmeron Argueta and Lilly Vilorio Tran; and Deer Park High School freshman Zahra Karim and junior Kevin Mostriansky. The artwork was chosen by art teachers Briana Fayans (JFK), Samatha Racano (May Moore), Ashley Woolsey (JQA) and Rebecca Yackel (DPHS).

“The students were thrilled to see their artwork on display at such an impactful exhibit,” Fayans said. “It is always such a joy to see the hard work of students all across Long Island come together in such a colorful way.”

The Colors of Long Island exhibition is on display to the public through April 12.

Click here to view the Deer Park Students Showcase Artwork at “Colors of Long Island” Exhibition slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/8/2026

Deer Park High School art students recently braved the wind at the Deer Park Knights of Columbus annual egg hunt and spring celebration, volunteering their skills with face painting for the community’s children.

“They all did an amazing job working as a team to participate in this community event,” teacher Joseph Mucci said. “There were lots of smiles on the kids’ faces thanks to their talent and patience.”

Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District

Deer Park High School held its Academic Honor Societies induction ceremony on March 26, celebrating student achievement, dedication, character, and perseverance across multiple academic disciplines and honored the new members of the school’s English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society.

The program, titled “A Night of Excellence,” featured an introduction by Assistant Principal Garret Noblett and welcome remarks from student leaders, including English Honor Society President Jasmine Uppal, Rho Kappa Honor Society President Aimen Khan, Math Honor Society President Hiba Amin and Science Honor Society President Ava Sacarin.

Student officers led their peers in the traditional oath, including English Honor Society Vice Presidents Bertrand Mondelus and Kayla Cruz, Rho Kappa Honor Society Vice President Hasan Asif, Math Honor Society Vice President Ruby Kappel and Science Honor Society Vice President Kayla Cruz.

Officers from each honor society also participated in introducing the new inductees. Tanim Ahmadzai, secretary, and Nicolas Flores, treasurer, represented the National English Honor Society. Ava Sacarin, secretary, and Eve Valentine, treasurer, represented the National Social Studies Honor Society. Tanim Ahmadzai, treasurer, represented the National Math Honor Society, while Aimen Khan, secretary, represented the National Science Honor Society.

“Tonight we recognize a truly special group of students,” Principal Charles Cobb said in his keynote speech. “This moment is not defined by a single test, a single assignment or even a single year. It is the result of sustained effort, discipline and a commitment to excellence over time. Each of you being recognized tonight has demonstrated more than academic ability. You have shown perseverance when the work becomes challenging, curiosity when the answers were not immediately clear and integrity in how you approach your learning. These qualities – consistency, accountability and willingness to grow – are what have brought you to this stage. But tonight is not simply about recognizing what you have done. It is also about what you are becoming a part of. As members of these honor societies, you are now part of a community that value leadership, service and scholarship. You will be expected not only to achieve, but to contribute – to support your peers, give back to your school and use your knowledge in meaningful ways. Whether you pursue college, career or another path, your ability to think critically, community effectively and approach challenges with confidence will set you apart. More importantly, your character – how you lead, how you treat others and how you respond to adversity – will define your impact. So tonight, take pride in this accomplishment. You have earned it. But also recognize that this is the beginning. The expectations are higher, the opportunity is greater and the responsibility is yours. Congratulations to all our inductees. We are proud of you and look forward to all that you accomplish in the years ahead.”

 

Click here to view the Deer Park’s “Night of Excellence” Celebrates Academic Honor Society Inductees slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/6/2026