April 17, 2024 Wantagh

WANTAGH EARNS NATIONAL MUSIC DISTINCTION

Wantagh School District Superintendent John McNamara presented a certificate of achievement to Director of Fine and Performing Arts and Business Education Kelly Jones in recognition of the district’s inclusion on the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education list. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

As we all begin to stay outside more with spring’s blooms popping up around us, the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh is preparing for some fun events. The club celebrated seventy years of service in the Wantagh community at Bel Posto Restaurant on Merrick Road. Beyond wonderful food and the restaurant’s attention to all the attendees needs, the celebration was extra special with some former Kiwanians from many

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE Kiwanis Club Of Wantagh

years past joining in the celebration. That is one of the great things about Kiwanis, no matter where you live there is likely a Kiwanis Club doing good work to make the community stronger. Just because a member moves or needs to take a break, the heart of a Kiwanian will always remain strong. The former members that joined the anniversary event will always be part of the soul of the Wantagh club.

Kiwanis Club of Wantagh’s President Margaret Silberger was an Aide to this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal John Theissen, a fellow Wantagh Kiwanian. It is no surprise that John is a Kiwanian. John’s life mission is about helping children. The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh was thrilled to see him recognized and for our Club’s President to be honored as one of his parade aides.

The pillars that Kiwanis stand on are giving children the opportunity to develop to the best of their abilities. Kiwanians continue to raise funds to support events, scholarships, experiences, and a spirit of kindness to fill voids that all can benefit from. Members may change over the years, but Kiwanian’s are bonded by our dedication to improving the lives of children, their families, and the community. We all know that children are the future.

The Wantagh High School Key Club has shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm this year making that catchphrase resound with truth. Our local students experience first hand the complex issues of growing up in the world we live in with

March 17, 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Grand Marshal John Theissen and Grand Marshal Aide Margaret Silberger, President of the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh.

Kiwanis 70th anniversary handmade décollage, an artform first created in 1954.

more awareness than we may give them credit for.

The Wantagh High School Key Club has identified some important issues and continues to raise funds to minimize the impact on other students. This spring the Key Club is working on a safety program in conjunction with the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center (KTPC). Key Club students will be trained by staff through the Northwell Health Hospital system where KPTC is located. Once training is complete, the Key Club students will take their message into the community to share with other children in Wantagh. The intent of this program is to bring awareness to signs when help may be needed to prevent suicide, identify bullying, CPR and other life saving techniques.

The Key Club plans to hold a “Read-A-Long” at the Wantagh Festival on June 1st. Proceeds raised through fundraisers during the year will help support Kamp Kiwanis, located in the beautiful Adirondack town of Taberg, New York. Kamp Kiwanis offers children the chance to meet new people, make friends and experience a very different environment than our Long Island lifestyle.

As the Kiwanis Club

proudly supports the Key Club in their efforts, we also have events planned that will help sponsor more

children to Kamp Kiwanis this summer, deliver college scholarships and

continued on page 8

March 23, 2024 Food Drive: Marlena Schein, Food Drive Committee Chairperson seated; behind Marlena from left to right standing: Wantagh High School Key Club Members Mia Cheng and Haley Fahey, Heidi Felix Kiwanis Club of Wantagh Key Club Advisor and Margaret Silberger, President of the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh.

President Margaret Silberger presented with a Proclamation from NYS Senator Steve Rhoads’ aide Chris Schneider at the 70th Anniversary Celebration March 11, 2024.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE Kiwanis Club Of Wantagh

continued from page 4

other service projects.

On May 9th the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh will host Comedy Night at Governor’s Comedy Club located at 90 Division Avenue in Levittown. Tickets are $25.00 and need to be purchased in advance. Checks should be made out to The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh and mailed to Debbie Tota, the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh, 2868 Lindale Street, Wantagh, New York, 11793. For more information you can reach Debbie at 516729-0521 or email her at: dtota@cbamhomes.com.

When sending your check for Comedy Night please write “Comedy” on the

subject line. This is a fun event on a Thursday night with a 2-item minimum per person with food available. Showtime is 8:00 PM, but get there early, doors open at 6:30 PM to see all the raffle baskets and give yourself time to settle in for some laughter with a purpose. This event sold out quickly last year so come join the excitement and get your tickets soon!

After another successful Food Drive on March 23rd, members of the club will begin to work in the Giving Garden again providing fresh produce to area food pantries. If you have a green thumb or just want to help, extra hands are welcome to join the effort. Food

insecurity remains a constant problem across Long Island. It may not be obvious to everyone, but families are struggling to provide essentials. It is so gratifying knowing that our efforts have a positive impact in making difficult times better.

March

If you feel you would like to join some residents and add your voice and talents to the Kiwanis Club, we would love to hear from you or meet you at this year’s Wantagh Festival on June 1st. The festival will have a community corridor again this year. The community corridor offers local organizations a position at the festival at no charge to share information with our neighbors. Last year’s festival had fun for the whole family, some amazing food trucks, and lots of surprises. We hope to see you there this year! Please visit the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh on Facebook or send us a note at: The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh, P.O. Box 1, Wantagh, New York, 11793.

It is amazing how fast time flies by as the years pass. We invite you to leave your positive impact on our community by working together to help Wantagh continue to blossom this spring and all year long!

March 23 2024 Food Drive Wantagh Key Club officers: Treasurer Bella Cicero and Secretary Evelyn Caputo.

11, 2024 70th Anniversary celebration of The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh.

Humanities Leader Awarded For Library Support

A school library, Ms. Rosslee said, should be a comfortable place where students can expand their minds in creative ways. Besides going to the library to check out books, do research or study, there are also puzzles and games that allow students to work together and challenge themselves intellectually.

Wantagh Earns National Music Distinction

Music education is an essential part of the student experience in Wantagh, and that was recently validated with national recognition for the district’s program. For the first time, Wantagh was honored in the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education program.

Best Communities for Music Education acknowledges schools and districts across the county for their commitment to music education. Kelly Jones, Wantagh’s director of fine and performing arts and business education, said it was a very thorough application process, detailing the specifics of the K-12 music program, student participation and community support.

AWARDED FOR LIBRARY SUPPORT - Julie Rosslee, fourth from right, was joined by Wantagh Middle School students and librarian Amelie Weber, who nominated her for the award. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District School libraries are like “the kitchen of the house,” a place where people go for different reasons, explained Julie Rosslee, director of humanities for the Wantagh School District. Her support for the library media centers at the high school and middle school earned her the Nassau BOCES School Library System’s Administrator of the Year award for the 2023-24 school year.

Ms. Rosslee, in her sixth year in Wantagh, oversees English, library media, reading and social studies for grades 6-12, as well as the district world language and English as a New Language programs. She was nominated for the award by middle school librarian Amelia Weber. High school librarian Catherine Mottola helped her write the successful nomination letter.

“There is such tremendous value in the library sciences and it’s another angle of education that students need, because it’s a skill set that they can apply in every class,” Ms. Rosslee said. “The library is the life of a school and when used well, every student, every educator goes there on a regular basis.”

Ms. Rosslee worked with Ms. Weber to redesign the library with flexible seating conducive for the middle school level. With renovations upcoming to the high school library from a bond approved by voters in 2022, Ms. Rosslee and Ms. Mottola visited many public and school libraries to get ideas and give their input to architects.

“She has supported the library programs, ideas, developments and renovations,” Ms. Weber wrote in her nominating letter. “It is because of Julie’s proactive support and true vision of what libraries offer, that we are able to have a thriving Wantagh school library program that all students and staff love.”

Under Ms. Rosslee’s leadership, there has been a great expansion of eBooks and audiobooks. To support

a growing ENL population, she has advocated for more books in other languages. She also spearheaded the district’s participation in World Read Aloud Day, in which secondary students, teachers and administrators read to elementary students, either in person or via videoconference, and the annual middle school Geography Bee which is heled in the library every January.

Ms. Rosslee said the award would not be possible without two great librarians who are innovative, knowledgeable and student-centered. She said that their ability to help students with research is “an art” and their connections with other librarians and within the education community are an asset for Wantagh’s learners.

“Julie has been a proactive and supportive supervisor, helping Wantagh develop the best 21st-century libraries for our staff and students,” Ms. Weber added. “She is a true role model, and her leadership, hard work and passion for libraries is evident.”

Ms. Rosslee will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 15.

“It was a really deep dive into everything we provide our students,” Ms. Jones said. “It’s really nice to have this recognition, that we are really working hard for Wantagh’s student musicians to give them as many opportunities as possible.”

Music education begins with general music instruction in kindergarten. Students can join the chorus and orchestra in third grade, and band in fourth grade. By the time they reach high school, students can participate in numerous instrumental and vocal ensembles beyond their music classes, such as chamber orchestra, marching band and A-cappella choir. There are also numerous music electives including audio engineering, choreography and dance, music theory and the Onora le Voci honors chorus.

A well-rounded music program also goes beyond the classroom and concerts. There are music field trips to Broadway shows and the Metropolitan Opera. Students from the band, chorus and orchestra will perform at a pre-game show for a Long Island

Ducks game this year, and elementary school students will showcase their talents at Suffolk Community College followed by a trip to Adventureland.

In February, high school music students went on an eight-day trip to London, where they saw two shows and performed at a church.

“We’re working together as a department to give the best experience to the students,” Ms. Jones said. “We want to give them more exposure to music in the world, because music is always going to be in their lives. It’s great when they choose to become contributors to the music community.”

Music students are very appreciative of the opportunities they have in Wantagh to develop their talents. Senior Anthony Lerro, who was selected to the 2023 All-State music festival as a vocalist, has been able to shine on multiple fronts. He sings in the A-cappella choir, is the lead in this year’s musical production of “Jekyll and Hyde” and plays both the alto saxophone and bass guitar with multiple band ensembles.

“The district makes it very easy to be a part of multiple things,” he said. “You’re exposed to music

very quickly upon entering Wantagh, and for me, it planted a seed that really grew.”

Junior Avery Bogacki plays the viola in the orchestra and chamber orchestra. She is active in the Drama Club and next year plans to join the chorus for the first time since elementary school.

“The teachers are always there to support us,” she said, adding how hard the music faculty works to help students succeed. “You also get to meet a bunch of other talented musicians, and that inspires you to do better.”

Ms. Jones is proud that Wantagh has joined the list of more than 1,000 districts that have been recognized in the Best Communities for Music Education program over the last 25 years. She added that the district’s music program is successful because of committed students, well-trained and dedicated teachers, and a supportive board of education, administration and community.

“They understand our vision,” she said. “We’re very fortunate to have the support that we do. It’s all of the extras that we have that really makes our music program special.”

WANTAGH EARNS NATIONAL MUSIC DISTINCTION

- Thomas Brody leads an orchestra lesson for Wantagh Middle School eighth graders. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

Wisdom Lane Honors Students Publish Original Book

Eighth graders in the honors program at Wisdom Lane Middle School in the Levittown School District recently became authors after publishing an original book. The picture story, aimed at their peers in the sixth grade self-contained class, was unveiled at a book release party on March 14.

The book, fully illustrated by those in Jessica Dillon’s honors English class, contains messages of

Both classes gathered in the Wisdom Lane library for eighth graders to read the book, “I Am Me,” to sixth graders as snacks and refreshments were offered.

positivity, acceptance and expressing confidence in oneself. Eighth graders also prepared a drawing for sixth graders to color in. Both presenters of the book and its new readers had a great

time interacting with one another.

The book was assembled through Student Treasure Publishing, which selected “I Am Me” as a semifinalist in its National Book Challenge. If chosen as a finalist, the class could receive one of several prizes, including a $5,000 grant for the school or a $50 gift card, which the class pledged to donate to a local food pantry.

WISDOM LANE HONORS STUDENTS PUBLISH ORIGINAL BOOk - Eighth graders in the honors English class at Wisdom Lane Middle School published a book dedicated to their peers in sixth grade. “I Am Me” was unveiled during a release party on March 14. Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Wantagh’s Fourth Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

Wantagh’s fourth annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, the biggest one on Long Island, was a success! The festivities were led by Grand Marshal John Theissen. The parade began at Beltagh Avenue ran south on Wantagh Avenue and concluded at Railroad Avenue. Photos courtesy of Wantagh.LI

Levittown’s Gold Card Program

Offers Discounts To Seniors

The Levittown School District is proud to offer eligible seniors the Gold Card program, which brings together all the wonderful opportunities the district provides for residents who are 60 years of age or older. It’s the district’s way of saying thank you for their continued support of the schools and students.

All residents of the Levittown School District who are 60 years of age or over are eligible for membership in the Gold Card program. There is NO COST for this program. Gold Card members receive:

• Free admission to high school and middle school plays.

• Discounted rates for Adult Continuing Education classes.

• Automotive Services: services are performed at Levittown Memorial Education Center by appointment, and they are done ONLY on Fridays.

• Cosmetology Services: services are performed at Levittown Memorial Education Center by appointment between the hours of 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Fridays ONLY.

Applications can be found by visiting the district website at www.levittownschools. com/departments/ administrative/instruction/ programs/gold-card/.

N A S S A U C O U N C I L O F C H A M B E R S O F C O M M E R C E B U S I N E S S P E R S O N O F T H E Y E A R :

F r a n k U b r i a c o - B l a c k b i r d K i t c h e n + C o c k t a i l s a n d U n c l e F r a n k ’ s W o o d F i r e d P i z z a

O R G A N I Z A T I O N O F T H E Y E A R : W a n t a g h F i r e D e p a r t m e n t

B E A U T I F I C A T I O N A W A R D : P a r l o u r o n P a r k

C I T I Z E N O F T H E Y E A R : L a u r a D u p k i n M e m i s h a - R e a l t y A d v i s o r s

L I F E T I M E A C H I E V E M E N T : W a n t a g h F i r e D e p a r t m e n t

L E A D E R S H I P A W A R D : J o h n T h e i s s e n - J o h n T h e i s s e n C h i l d r e n ’ s F o u n d a t i o n

P R E S I D E N T ’ S C H O I C E A W A R D : G a i l S h e r w o o d - J o h

w w w w a n t a g h c h a m b e r c o m @ w a n t a g h c h a m b e r

Wantagh students were home in time for the much-hyped solar eclipse on April 8, but several classrooms were buzzing that morning with excitement about the astronomical phenomenon.

Forest Lake Students Enlightened On Eclipse

First graders at Forest Lake Elementary School made a solar eclipse craft in STEAM class that morning. Students colored images of the Earth, the moon and the sun, which were then glued to a large sheet of paper. To represent the eclipse, the moon was

placed directly on top of the sun.

Tara Sottnik’s second graders became citizen scientists. She gave each student a sheet to make observations about eclipse, including light, temperature and animal behavior and sounds. A little before noon, they grabbed their clipboards and went out to the courtyard for their “before the eclipse” observations. At home, the young scientists were encouraged to record data at 3:26 p.m., and make observations again after 5

p.m. when the eclipse was over.

To get a sneak peak of eclipse viewing, students looked through a pinhole projector made from a cereal box. Ms. Sottnik moved a black circle representing the moon across an illuminated

desk lamp. She reminded students of viewing safety precautions they should take at home.

Additionally, her second graders completed an eclipse packet with word searches and other activities that connected science and literacy.

FIRST GRADERS MADE CRAFTS TO CELEBRATE - Forest Lake Elementary School first graders made crafts to celebrate the solar eclipse on April 8. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

Budding Authors Find Inspiration At Wantagh High School

Juniors at Wantagh High School are learning what it takes to be successful authors. As they venture into children’s book writing, they got advice from someone also fairly new to the world of publishing.

Lawrence Dupkin, a former custodian at Wantagh High School, wrote “Jeb on the Farm: A Short Story of Jebediah T. Hornswaggle.” As he tours the country to promote his first book, which was published in March 2023, he made a stop at the school to speak with students in Christopher Rafferty’s English class.

coming up with an idea for the book to finding a publisher to promoting it. Noting that the characters in the book embody himself and his children, he encouraged students to use their own experiences in their writing, even in fiction books.

around the room to answer questions and give advice as each group worked on their storyboards.

“It was great for students to see a real-life example of someone who went through the process and got it done,” Mr. Rafferty said.

Rafferty said wanted to give his students a project that allowed them to tap into their creativity. His class was also inspired by reading to students at Forest Road Elementary School, via videoconference, for World Read Aloud Day in February.

On March 19, Mr. Dupkin discussed his journey, from

After speaking to the class, he then walked

JEB ON THE FARM - Author Lawrence Dupkin, center, a former custodian at Wantagh High School, spoke to juniors about his book, “Jeb on the Farm.” Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

After taking the English Regents in January, Mr.

Each group had to come up with original characters,

a plot, conflict and resolution for their book while keeping in mind the age group of their target audience. Students will make digital books using Book Creator. They will vote on their favorite book and the winning group will have a paper copy published through the school library.

WRITING

POINTERS

DUPKIN USED HIS EXPERIENCES

TO GIVE

- As juniors working on their own children’s book in English, author Lawrence Dupkin used his experiences writing “Jeb on the Farm” to give pointers. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

USING A PINHOLE PROJECTOR - Teacher Tara Sottnik demonstrated the eclipse to Sadie Oppenheim, who used a pinhole projector. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

Unleavened Bread

The Foundation Of Passover Cooking

Passover is a Jewish celebration and one of the most sacred and widely observed holidays. Passover commemorates the Biblical story of the Israelites’ escape from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. In 2024, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 22nd, and ends the evening of Tuesday, April 30th.

Pesach, as Passover is known in Hebrew, includes all kinds of ceremonial foods. The Passover seder plate showcases specific items that relate to the Jewish people’s suffering and emancipation. Throughout Passover, the faithful abstain from leaven bread products. According to Exodus 12:8: “They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat.” Jews also are to remove all leaven (hametz) from their homes and eat unleavened

Perfect Matzah Balls (Kneidlach)

Yields 4 balls per each 1⁄4 cup of matzah meal (Meat, Pareve)

2 eggs, slightly beaten

2 tablespoons oil or chicken fat

2 tablespoons soup stock or water

1⁄2 cup matzah meal

1 teaspoon salt

1 quart of salted water or chicken soup, for cooking

Directions

Beat eggs slightly with fork. Add other ingredients, except matzah meal, and mix. Add matzah meal gradually until thick. Stir. Refrigerate for 20 minutes in covered bowl.

Wet hands and form into balls. Drop into bubbling chicken soup or into a large wide pot into which 1 quart of water seasoned with 1 tablespoon salt has been added and has come to a boil. Cook for 30 minutes.

bread for an additional seven days. Apart from being commanded by God, it is believed unleavened bread became traditional Passover food because the Jewish people departed Egypt in haste without time to let bread rise. Furthermore, some say God also associated leavened bread with sin.

If there is one ingredient Passover celebrants may find challenging to work with during the holiday, it could be unleavened bread. Typically matzoh/matzah is substituted for other yeasted breads this time of year. One place matzoh shines is in matzoh balls for soups or side dishes. A dumpling of sorts, matzoh balls are tasty filling, and ideal for meals throughout Passover. Try this recipe for “Perfect Matzah Balls (Kneidlach)” courtesy of Chabad.org’s Kosher Cooking.

Friendly Officers Share Safety Tips At Forest Lake

FRIENDLY OFFICERS SHARE SAFETY TIPS - Nassau County Police officers

Daniel Capellan and Teana Grande, joined by Principal Thomas Burke and kindergarten students, spoke about bicycle safety and stranger danger during a recent visit to Forest Lake Elementary School. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

The struggle between good and evil came to life on the Wantagh High School stage as the drama club presented “Jekyll & Hyde” from April 12-14. There were four performances of the show based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson.

A cast of 30 students rehearsed for the show since December. Senior Anthony Lerro played the dual roles of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde. Additional leads included Madelyn Hartmann as Emma Carew, Ashlee Fucarino as Lucy and Shawn Bailey as Sir Danvers.

Anthony, appearing in his 11th show since he began middle school, said “Jekyll & Hyde” is a strong finish to his Wantagh acting career. He noted that the show is a stark contrast to last year’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical.”

“It’s definitely a different style of musical that we’re doing,” he said. “It’s very grandiose. The effects will really enhance the

A pair of Nassau County police officers recently visited Forest Lake Elementary School to promote safety for students.

Officers Daniel Capellan and Teana Grande, of the Nassau County Police Department’s Community Affairs bureau, held a pair of safety-oriented programs

on March 26. Officer Grande met with students in pre-K, kindergarten, first and second grade a stranger danger presentation. She talked about tricks that “bad strangers” might use and cautioned students against giving out their personal information. Additionally, she spoke about “safe

strangers,” like police officers and firefighters.

For students in grades 3-5, Officer Capellan led a bicycle safety demonstration. He reminded students to wear their helmets, spoke of basic safety rules and showed students how to make themselves visible to drivers.

Environmental Scholarships Offered

The South Shore Audubon Society is offering two $1,000 scholarships for College juniors, seniors, or graduate students earning a degree in the areas of biological or environmental science. This includes wildlife management, forestry, animal behavior, ecology, marine biology, oceanography, mammalogy, ornithology or the field of sustainable and renewable energy. Previous winners have used their scholarships to help purchase books, to pay for

travel expenses to field sites, for specialized equipment or other educational needs.

To be eligible for the Scholarships, applicants must be residents of one of the areas listed at www. ssaudubon.org/areas-weserve.asp and/or attend a college in Nassau or Suffolk County. One scholarship is funded by Evelyn Bishop and her family, and one is funded by Jay Koolpix

Applications are available at the South Shore Audubon website, www.ssaudubon.org or by

Wantagh Drama Club Stage “Jekyll & Hyde”

performance of the actors.”

Anthony added that it is common for the same actor to play the parts of both Jekyll and Hyde. He enjoyed the creative liberty of developing both roles to ensure that each character has a unique personality.

Madelyn, in her 10th show in Wantagh, played the role of an upper-class Victorian woman, who is an independent, free thinker. Her character is engaged to Jekyll. She said the show was a big hit because of the talented cast.

“We have such a good group of people,” she said. “Everyone in this cast is so talented, and it really shines through in all of the numbers.”

Major musical numbers in the show included “This is the Moment,” “Façade,” “Confrontation” and “Murder, Murder,” a full cast opening number for the second act.

Senior Shawn Bailey acted in his first high school show,

contacting Professor Betsy Gulotta at 516-546-8841, Betsy.Gulotta@ncc.edu.

Applications are due by April 30, 2024, and should be emailed to either Betsy Gulotta, or Betty Borowsky, bborow@optonline.net, or sent by regular mail to Betsy Gulotta, 2 Anding Ave, Merrick, NY 11566.

For more information and for assistance with application forms, do not hesitate to contact Betsy Gulotta or Betty Borowsky at the email addresses above.

reviving an interest from his childhood days in the local St. Frances Theatre Group. For the fall drama, “Peter and the Starcatcher,” he was a member of the crew.

“I just loved how they had the best performers and I wanted to be a part of it,” Shawn said.

Because the show is very demanding and the parts are very intense, each lead had a seasoned actor as an

understudy. Senior Emma Nicholas, who was cast in the ensemble, was the understudy for the role of Lucy. Appearing in her 11th show since sixth grade, she said that “Jekyll & Hyde” allowed Wantagh High School’s student actors to showcase their wide range of talents.

The show was directed by Dr. Kimberly Davis with support from vocal

director Sameerah Cassidy and producer Courtney Prestianni. Student musicians, joined by music staff from across the district, performed the score live under the direction of Dan Aviles. The set was designed by crew students under the direction of George Margarites.

Many of the cast, crew and pit orchestra traveled to London in February, where

they studied the musical’s setting of early 19th-Century London.

“We had an incredibly talented and dedicated group of students, and the production team was excited to challenge them with this musical,” says Dr. Davis. “Their passion shined through in every rehearsal, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”

JEKYLL & HYDE - The struggle between good and evil came to life on the Wantagh High School stage as the drama club presented “Jekyll & Hyde” from April 12-14. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

Jerusalem Chapter Daughter’s Of The American Revolution Announces Winners Of The Student Essay Contests

The Jerusalem Chapter Daughter’s of the American Revolution recently held their annual award luncheon at the Wantagh Public Library for the winners of the student essay contests.

Wantagh High School students were asked to write about a Patriot from the American Revolution and discuss how he/she influenced the course of the war. 11th grade winner Francesco Pellicoro wrote his paper on Benjamin Franklin and titled it “The Architect Man of the American Revolution”.

The Wantagh Middle School essay topic was to write about John Phillip Sousa and his march called “The Stars and Stripes Forever”.

First place 7th grade winner awarded to Kate Stivali. First place 8th grade winner awarded to Gianna Fitzpatrick.

The Elementary level flag essay award titled “What the Flag of the United States means to me”, was awarded to Forest Lake School 5th grader Tiago Sapienza. Congratulations to all the winners, the luncheon was attended by parents, teachers, administrators and DAR members.

WINNERS OF THE STUDENT ESSAY CONTESTS - Pictured: Paul Guzzone, Carol Ann Winans, John McNamara, Gianna Fitzpatrick, Francesco Pellicoro, Tiago Sapienza, David Cippoletti, Kate Stivali , Michael Tallerine, Katina Sullivan, Julie Rosslee, Thomas Burke, Rachel Quattrocchi, Anthony Ciuffo. Photo courtesy of the Jerusalem Chapter

Wantagh Celebrates Its Multilingual Seniors

Six students from Wantagh High School’s Class of 2024 will graduate in June with the Seal of Biliteracy, representing their commitment to the mastery of multiple languages.

Seniors Olivia Belling, Andrew Braun, Samantha Cortes, Louis DeLuca, Jaiden Diaz and Madison Smith will receive the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, with Madison also earning it in Italian. To qualify for

Wantagh High School began awarding the Seal of Biliteracy since 2018. The designation recognizes students who have demonstrated mastery of English and at least one world language. Their names are added to a plaque on the second floor.

the distinction, students had to complete a cultural comparison research project and present it in their respective world language to a panel of teachers and administrators.

Madison began taking Spanish in middle school, and added Italian in ninth grade, learning both languages throughout

high school. For her projects, she studied the effects of social media on teenage minds in Spanish and flooding in the city of Venice for Italian.

“I’ve always liked learning languages and they’ve always come pretty naturally to me,” she said, adding that the projects were “a good introduction to presenting in other

languages that are not my native tongue.”

Jaiden said that mastering a second language came from his desire to better communicate with Spanish-speaking family in Costa Rica and Puerto Rico.

His cultural comparisons project was on the testoptional rule for college admissions.

“It was a lot of work,” he

said of earning the Seal of Biliteracy. “I’m very proud of myself for being able to accomplish it.”

Director of Humanities

Julie Rosslee said that this is great accomplishment for the seniors as well as their teachers. She commended the world language faculty for the insight, time and support they provide their students.

DAR

SIX SEAL OF BILITERACY RECIPIENTS - Wantagh High School world language teachers and Director of Humanities Julie Rosslee, second from left, congratulates this year’s six Seal of Biliteracy recipients, who will graduate with the designation in June.

Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

SEAL OF BILITERACY RECIPIENTS - Seal of Biliteracy recipients, from left, Louis DeLuca, Madison Smith, Andrew Braun, Olivia Belling, Jaiden Diaz and Samantha Cortes, will have their names added to a plaque celebrating all students who have earned the honor since 2018. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

Where do astronauts, baseball players and former presidents come together?

At Wantagh Elementary School’s living wax museum, of course. The annual event took place on March 8 as the culmination of a biography research

A Living Tribute To Worldwide Legends

project for fifth graders. Each student selected someone from the past or present to research and portray. They used books and online resources to learn more about these famous figures, then created a presentation board with important facts. The wax museum opened in the morning with students dressed up as their noted men and women, from historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Edison, to contemporary individuals

like Michelle Obama and Jane Goodall. Parents walked around and listened to the students’ prepared speeches.

Fifth grade teacher Kathryn McKeefrey said that the project emphasizes the importance of history

in education and gives students an appreciation for people who have made a positive difference in the world. Traci Weiss added that students come away with research and presentation skills that they will use in middle

school and beyond. “They did an awesome job and really worked hard,” Ms. Weiss said. “This experience with public speaking will help them going forward.”

FIFTH GRADERS DRESSED UP AS FAMOUS FIGURES - Wantagh High School fifth graders dressed up as famous figures from the past and present for their annual living wax museum. Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

A LIVING TRIBUTE TO WORLDWIDE LEGENDS - From left, Noelle Issa

Lee Road Students Get Head Start On Mastering An Instrument

Third and fourth grade students at Lee Road Elementary School in the Levittown Public School District get a head start

on practicing a musical instrument through the “Band Experience.”

Mrs. Spera’s “Band Experience” equips third

and fourth graders with brass, woodwind and percussion instruments as they learn what it’s like to practice as a group.

PRACTICING A NEW INSTRUMENT - Third and fourth graders at Lee Road Elementary School take their first steps in practicing a new instrument in the “Band Experience.” Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools

They start with the basics, playing individual notes and proceeding to harmonious scales. The experience allows

students to get a feel for their selected instrument and decide if they want to explore another option.

As they progress in grade

levels, students who join the school band will continue to master their skills on their instrument of choice.

GETTING A FEEL FOR THEIR INSTRUMENT - Students get a feel for their instrument of choice and decide if they’d like to try another. Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Wantagh Chamber Of Commerce To Hold Third Annual Golf Outing

On May 13, the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce will hold their Third Annual Golf Outing at the Bethpage State Park Red Course, honoring the Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center. The event will begin with Registration and Brunch at 10:00 AM, followed by Shotgun Start at 12:00 PM. There will be a BBQ Lunch, Refreshments and Cocktails on the course, plus Dinner, Cocktails, Cigars, Raffles, Prizes, Contests and a Silent Auction.

The deadline for Sponsorship Opportunities and Event Registration is Monday, April 22.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Golf Outing Event Sponsor: $3,000

• Cigar Sponsor: $1,750

• Swag Bag Sponsors: $1,500

• Brand Ambassador Sponsors: $1,000

• BBQ Lunch Sponsors: $1,000

• Golf Outing Cocktail Hour/Dinner Sponsors: $1,000

• Golf Cart Sponsors: $500

• Longest Drive Sponsors: $500

• Embroidered Pin Flag Sponsors: $300

• Driving Range Sponsors: $300

• Tee Sponsors: $150

EVENT PARTICIPATION

• Dinner Only: $125/person

• Golf & Dinner: $275

• Golf & Dinner For 4: $1,100

For additional information, please call Karen Lofgren at 516.659.6201 or email

info@wantaghchamber.com

About The Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center

The mission of the Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center is to improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia, and their caregivers. They actively work to achieve this mission through programs for all stages of Alzheimer’s, Caregiver Support Groups, in-home respite solutions, transportation options, and additional services.

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