In a heartwarming display of intergenerational mentorship and community spirit, approximately 20 players from Deer Park High School’s varsity and JV football teams took the field on the evening of Nov. 22 for a friendly, no-contact scrimmage with fourth- and fifth-grade PAL players. They were joined by members of Deer Park’s cheerleading squad and varsity kickline, creating a spirited celebration of teamwork and Falcons pride.

The idea for the event originated with May Moore Primary School secretary Annemarie Dawson and was brought to life through the collaboration of varsity football head coach Cody Ciolino and PAL coaches Kevin Bailey and Larry DeFour.

“We had such a great time, with smiles from beginning to end,” Dawson said. “One of the moms told me she overheard the little guys yelling on the sideline, ‘I want to play, I want to play – let’s get those big guys!’ This was a wonderful community event that I am hoping becomes an annual thing.”

Date Added: 11/24/2025

Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club recently led the districtwide “Red, White & Jeans” and “Hats for Heroes” fundraising initiative, with students and staff across all buildings wearing hats, jeans and patriotic colors to raise awareness and support for veterans facing challenges upon returning home.

This year’s effort was the district’s most successful to date, generating an impressive $1,100, the highest amount Deer Park has ever raised for the cause. All donations are contributed to the GI Go Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans in all aspects of their lives. The Deer Park School District was recognized as the top donor for the organization this year, highlighting the school community’s ongoing dedication to honoring and supporting service members.

Representatives from each building – Lynda Emig from the superintendent’s office, Robert Frost Associate Principal Kevin Quirk, JFK teachers Kristen Alo and Michele Alo, JQA teacher Victoria Mott, May Moore secretary Annemarie Dawson and Assistant School Transportation Supervisor Karen Camodeo – served as liaisons to coordinate collections and spread awareness throughout the district, playing a key role in the overall success of this year’s initiative.

Date Added: 11/20/2025

John Quincy Adams Primary School celebrated World Kindness Day with a schoolwide gathering in which the entire student body came together outside to spell out the word “#KIND.” This gesture reinforced the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering compassion.

“Every morning we remind the students at JQA of our ‘four be’s,’ and one of those be’s is to be kind,” Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “Kindness is a gift that costs nothing, but can mean the world to the person you give it to.”

Date Added: 11/20/2025

Deer Park High School celebrated the achievements of its fall athletes during a spirited fall sports awards ceremony held on Nov. 13 in the school auditorium and hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana.

All 10 varsity programs – game day cheer, boys and girls cross-country, football, boys golf, boys soccer, girls soccer, girls swimming and diving, girls tennis, and girls volleyball – took the stage as coaches highlighted the season’s accomplishments and the athletes who helped their teams find success. Each coach presented the recipients of the Coaches Award, Most Improved Player, Most Valuable Player and the Sportsmanship Award.

“Thank you to our coaches and athletes for all their hard work and dedication,” said Fontana, who also extended appreciation to the Board of Education, administration, parents, the Booster Club, and custodial staff for their ongoing support of the athletic program.

Date Added: 11/19/2025   

A dozen dedicated Deer Park High School students – Nangiba Arshad, Emily Dong, Delano Grant, Aazrin Haider, Ubaid Iqbal, Princess Mansibang, Bertrand Mondelus, Caleb Pierre, Raiaana Sarker, Jaskarn Singh, Christy Tomy and Eshan Zaman – gained valuable professional and civic experience this past summer through their participation in the Town of Babylon’s Ujima Summer Minority Internship Program. The five-week paid internship offers minority high school students an exceptional opportunity to explore careers in local government.

Designed for high-achieving juniors and seniors of color who reside in the Town of Babylon, Ujima provides approximately 20 hours per week of hands-on training and mentorship. The program aims to foster leadership, strengthen interest in community development and introduce students to a wide range of essential public service roles.

To be considered, students must be in the top half of their class and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community. The competitive application process includes submission of an application, personal statement and essay, followed by an interview with the internship selection committee.

Once accepted, students are assigned to one of the Town’s many governmental departments, where they work under the guidance of department heads and staff while learning practical skills such as records management, complaint resolution, scheduling, and customer and constituent services. Participants are also given the opportunity to shadow elected officials and town employees as well as engage with local business owners, highlighting the variety of career pathways available to them.