Seven talented Deer Park High School student-musicians – William Fox, Dylan Girard, Nathalie Martillo, Gloria Min, Arielle Salgado, Sophia Sheeler and Lorelai Silverstein – were recently selected to participate in the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education’s High School All-County Festival in November. This prestigious NYSCAME event brings together outstanding student-musicians from across the county to perform together, showcasing their dedication and skill.

“We commend all seven students for their achievements and hard work, and we look forward to their performances with NYSCAME,” Fine and Performing Arts Director Bradley Murphy said. “Their commitment to music exemplifies the spirit of excellence we strive to cultivate in our Deer Park community.”

Among these exceptional students, Silverstein was also selected to participate in an All-State ensemble this December at the New York State School Music Association’s Winter Conference in Rochester.

“This is a remarkable achievement, highlighting Lorelai’s hard work and musical talent,” Murphy said. “Congratulations to all of our talented musicians!”

Date Added: 10/2/2024

Members of Deer Park High School's Patriot Club and Spanish Honor Society gathered on Sept. 20 at the Town of Babylon’s annual POW/MIA Vigil to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and remember those who remain unaccounted for. Students, veterans and town residents stood united, holding candles as a symbol of hope and remembrance, and student Sophia Sheeler sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Deer Park students volunteered their time with the veterans and shared a commitment to honoring their legacy, fostering a sense of community and respect.

“Through this meaningful participation, our students not only demonstrated their patriotism, but also reinforced the importance of remembering those who have served,” social studies teacher and Patriot Club co-adviser Joe Alo said. “Deer Park will continue to play a big role in this event for years to come.”

Date Added: 10/1/2024

At the Deer Park School District’s Sept. 24 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent James Cummings and Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly presented two exceptional Deer Park High School students with special commendations for their positive contributions to society.

First, student Jaidyn Schabe was recognized for winning the Suffolk County Distinguished Youth Award Medal. Established in 2017, the award competition challenges Suffolk County’s youth to become more civically involved in their communities. The Medal is earned by participants through their hard work and dedication in accomplishing established goals in four program areas: volunteer service, personal development, exploration and physical fitness. Award levels are based on the number of areas that participants select as part of their individual challenge; Schabe earned the highest category, a gold medal.

Next, student Aiden Arifi was honored for his heroism as a lifeguard, saving a child in distress over the summer.

“Aiden jumped in with his training and saved the kid’s life,” Cummings said. “You never really know how you will react when put in such a situation, but this is a testament to Aiden’s character, his training and his confidence. You should be proud of yourself, Aiden.”   

“It is remarkable every time our students succeed and change lives,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “I believe – and we all believe – that we should celebrate that in every way.”

Date Added: 9/26/2024

Three united groups of Deer Park High School students – the Patriot Club, guided by advisers Joe Alo and Laurie Osbern, U.S. history students, guided by Osbern; and English as a New Language students, guided by teacher Liz Gleason – recently worked together to plant American flags in front of the high school to honor the first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. The groups discussed the events that took place that day, with emphasis on the sacrifice made by firefighters, law enforcement and emergency personnel in their selfless efforts to help others.

Date Added: 9/25/2024

Deer Park High School senior Zaara Hossain recently was named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. She is one of only 34,000 Commended Students recognized nationwide for their exceptional academic achievement. Their high scores place them among the top 50,000 of students who took the 2023 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“I’m glad that hard work pays off,” Hossain said, “and I’m glad that I depended on my friends and teachers enough to help me succeed. I want to express my gratitude to my family because of all the support I've received from them over the years. I'm grateful for my father, who would always help me with my homework after a long day of work, my mother, for always pushing me to be the best I can, and my brother, for always reminding me that life is a gift. I'm truly grateful that I have people who will always believe in me."

Best,
Zaara Hossain



Date Added: 9/24/2024