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The Connetquot school board kicked off the school year right at its meeting last month — celebrating the accomplishments of dozens of students, educators and staff members in the district.
Headlining the parade of outstanding achievements was Connetquot High School swimming and diving coach Alex Schichilone, who was recognized by the National Federation of State High School Association as a Coach of the Year for Excellence in coaching during the 2018-19 season.
A large numbers of Connetquot High School students earned a perfect score of five on one or more of their Advanced Placement examinations. They were presented with and certificates of commendation by the school board.
Dozens of Connetquot students were recognized by the board for earning scores of 100% on one or more of their New York State Regents examinations in June.
Ten Connetquot High School students earned perfect scores on the Foreign Language Association of Chairpersons and Supervisors Checkpoint B exams.
Connetquot High School students Biproprosad Das, Abuzar Hussain, Madeleine Pittigher and Melissa Oz took part in the Brookhaven National Lab’s six-week summer internship program this summer. This program provided them the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research alongside Brookhaven scientists who are experts in their fields.
Connetquot High School students Toni Gallo and Trinity Harper were honored by the school board for taking part in prestigious summer journalism programs this past summer.
Students in grades sixth through ninth represented the district at the Suffolk County Battle of the Books competition, placing first in the competition.
Helen B. Duffield Elementary School teacher Teresa Hewitt was commended by the board for being selected by the New York State English Council as a 2019 Educator of Excellence. This award honors teachers who are leaders in the classroom, collaborators with colleagues and mentors for teachers new to the profession.
The quick-thinking action of Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School music teacher Lauren Drinkwater was acknowledged by the board, who commended her for coming to the aid of a choking student at school in September. During class, Mrs. Drinkwater performed the Heimlich maneuver and saved the choking seventh grade student, Braydon DiRoso.
Three physical education teachers from the district were named as Physical Education Teachers of the Year by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Photos courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District.