Deer Park High School students in Ian Kyranakis’ career planning class took a step beyond the classroom and into the real world through participation in a Job Shadowing Day on March 20. The students shadowed professionals in a range of careers, including chiropractic, insurance, law enforcement and physical therapy, providing an opportunity for them to explore various careers firsthand, ask questions and gain valuable insight into day-to-day professional life. By observing industry professionals, the students were able to connect their learning to real-world applications, spark new interests and begin envisioning their own career paths. 

“It was a day full of learning, inspiration and growth,” Kyranakis said.

Date Added: 4/28/2025

At the Deer Park School District’s April 22 Board of Education meeting, Deer Park High School celebrated the top 10 academically ranked students of the graduating Class of 2025. With their proud families attending, school administrators and guidance counselors honored valedictorian Reza Zorakhsh, salutatorian Adib Shaikh and the remaining top 10 ranked seniors: Shubat Alam (third), Matthew Flores (fourth), Valerie Ponte (fifth), Gloria Min (sixth), Lissha Varghese (seventh), Utku Uysal (eighth), Hassan Rehman (ninth) and Naeil Alim (10th).

“You’re obviously here for your academic qualifications and accomplishments,” Principal Charlie Cobb told the seniors. “But it’s all the other little things that have rounded you out as a student to get to this point in time. Many of you will go on to college, some will work in the workforce, or may have other plans after high school. Know that what you’ve accomplished here is just a stepping stone for what you look to do after Deer Park High School.”

“To our valedictorian, salutatorian and the other top eight students of the Class of 2025, you have been an exemplary example of hard work, true grit and personal success,” Board President Donna Marie Elliott said. “You have been an important part of life in Deer Park, navigating tough days and celebrating great days during your high school careers. Once you graduate, you will be part of the Deer Park Falcons alumni. To be a member of this group is to feel a sense of pride that you are a part of a great community who from far and wide, still have devotion to Deer Park and to each other. No matter what road you travel, no matter what experiences you have, during your worst days and during your best days, never forget that you are a Falcon and that you have a group of people cheering for you and ready to support you whenever you need it.”

John Quincy Adams Primary School first grader Joshua Cyrius was also recognized for finishing in second place countywide in the Suffolk County Bicycle Safety Poster contest. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly was on hand to present Cyrius with a certificate.

In staff recognition, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School aide Tina Caruso was honored for her expertise in saving the life of a choking student by performing the Heimlich maneuver.

“Tina demonstrated incredible bravery and quick thinking,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “Thanks to her fast response and calmness under pressure, the student was able to recover safely. Because of Tina’s diligence and heroic actions, what could have been a tragic situation, had a happy ending. We are incredibly grateful for her presence, professionalism and care for our students.”

Date Added: 4/24/2025

Deer Park High School’s Library Leaders Club, at the direction of librarian Evan DeNaro, have been busy working to give back to the community. Students recently spearheaded a clothing drive that benefitted Go Green Textile Recycling, whose mission is to redirect clothing to people in need, second hand stores and even overseas. Students worked with teachers and other clubs to collect clothing and work with Go Green to give them a second life. One club member, Genesis Osorio, was inspired to establish the clothing drive and use the proceeds to make donation baskets of sensory books for use in the sensory rooms at John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools.  

“We are incredibly grateful to Genesis for organizing a heartfelt fundraiser to provide sensory books and toys for our young learners,” May Moore Associate Principal Kim Essig said. “The students of May Moore will benefit greatly from her dedication and compassion, and this generous donation will continue to support our students for years to come.”

Date Added: 4/15/2025

Deer Park High School’s administrators and teachers honored the character and accomplishments of 17 dedicated students at the annual spring Breakfast for Champions, held in the school’s library on April 9. As their proud families applauded, the students were recognized in categories corresponding to school departments as well as principal’s and teacher’s awards. The event featured music from a high school string quintet consisting of Maxwell Ferguson (cello), Gloria Min (violin), Kelsey Rotzman (viola), Lorelai Silverstein (bass) and Lissha Varghese (violin).

Students were honored in the 15 school department categories of athletics (Talon Silverstein), business (Joseph Pinto), English language arts/library (Mia Rodriguez Osorio), English as a new language (Antonio Zacarias Leon), family and consumer science (Dave Osorio Lara), fine arts (Diana Joveini), guidance (Laetie Neifort), health (Emma Corley), math/computer science (Desire Soria), performing arts (Cassidy Boltz), physical education (Elizabeth Ochoa Carrero), science (Moriah Carridis), social studies (Adriana Herbster), technology (Bryan Ramlakan) and world languages (Briana Tavares), as well as the Principal’s Award (Christian McMillan) and Teacher’s Award (Alexander Plangetis).

“This morning’s event is an opportunity for our teachers and administrators to honor students who may have impacted them in some way,” Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. “The students here show exceptional conduct and character on a daily basis The stories we will hear today recognize students for their achievement, hard work and determination to overcome obstacles. We have students who have either worked on achieving their personal best inside and outside the classroom, demonstrated good citizenship, or shown compassion to help others.” 

“This event is really one of our most favorite days of the year,” Principal Charles Cobb said. “We get to recognize students for their outstanding accomplishments that they have at Deer Park High School. Students are here for a wide variety of reasons. They might not be academic, athletic or based in the arts. Many times, it’s because the students are good, solid people who do the right thing day in and day out, and these are the role models, the types of kids that we want other students to emulate. Congratulations to all our winners this morning. All the great things that you do make Deer Park High School such a special place.”

Date Added: 4/14/2025

Deer Park High School’s memorable “A Night of Excellence” on April 10 featured induction ceremonies for the school’s four academic honor societies. The new members took their oaths with pride, led by Vice President Reza Zorakhsh for the National English Honor Society, adviser Seth Margolin for the National Social Studies Honor Society, Vice President Hassan Rehman for the National Math Honor Society and Vice President Annabella Cisneros for the National Science Honor Society. The inductees’ names were read by President Chasity Rolon for English, Margolin for Social Studies, Treasurer Isabelle D’Souza for Math and Secretary Arleen Perez for Science.

Date Added: 4/14/2025