District 13 honors students and staff

Gabriella DiCostanzo and Jenna Graziano.

Courtesy District 13

Ryan Mangru and Abigaille St. Fort

Courtesy District 13

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District 13 recognized a slew of students and staff members at its second Commendation Award Ceremony of the school year on March 22.

“The recognition you are receiving this evening is a tribute to how much we value your hard work and dedication to excellence,” said Superintendent Constance Evelyn. “We hope that it will encourage the maintenance of your outstanding efforts,” she said. “We commend your efforts and want you to know that we highly value your level of commitment.”

Howell Road school psychologist Dr. Gaston Weisz and James A. Dever art teacher Janis Boremski were recognized prior to the presentation of student awards. Weisz was congratulated for co-authoring research that was selected for publication in the journal Psychology in Schools, and for developing two presentation proposals that were accepted for use at the National Association of School Psychologists’ annual conference. Ms. Boremski was honored for leadership with students through efforts such as Lights On for Education, Reflections and Youth Art Month.

The first students honored were those who had participated in the Colors of Long Island Art Exhibition, a festival that invites students to submit artwork for display at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. The honorees included Joseph Chetram, Joshua Hunt, Afia Kapadwala, Gabriella Rivera, Kira Sherman and Leah Thyme.

The next round of student recognitions were presented to members of the Care Package Club, who created blankets and cards for children in hospitals, as well as for veterans and service members. The award recipients were Ricky Chen, Mikayla Cittadino, Gabrielle DiCostanzo, Jenna Graziano, Megan McDermott, Olivia Muscatelli, Nyla Phillips and Christina Ravo.

The largest presentation of awards was bestowed upon students who performed in the All-County Music Festival, an opportunity sponsored by the Nassau Music Educators Association for which students are selected based on their New York State School Music Association solo evaluations. This year, an unprecedented number of Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen students were selected to All-County ensembles.