Three September Students of the Month -- one from each school in the district --were recognized during the Oct. 8 Board of Education meeting at the high school.

Fourth-grader Emily Meyer, fifth-grader Emel Barry and junior Mackenzie Engeldrum each received a plaque and words of commendation from their respective principals.

Emily Meyer was nominated by her teacher, Adam Fritzen. The Riverhead transfer student was commended by Principal Marc Meyer on her friendly nature and outgoing personality, as well as her academics. "I'm extremely proud of her," he said, adding that Emily told him she "loves the way the students here in Hampton Bays treat each other" and her classmates made her feel welcome from her very first day. The Jets fan enjoys art, computers and music and will be "dominating the AP classes" when she gets to high school, Mr. Meyer said.

Emel Barry was nominated by her teacher, Jamie Huebner. According to Middle School Principal Dennis Schug, the SEC member stands out due to her hardworking nature. "Emel always tries her best,” he observed. “She's a leader and she's always ready to lend a helping hand." Emel isn't sure where she wants to go to college yet, but she wants to stay on Long Island and plans on teaching first grade once she earns her degree. She is especially interested in math, basketball, lacrosse and gymnastics and highly recommends Judy Blume books.

Mackenzie Engeldrum was nominated by her music teacher, Jennifer Halsey. In addition to earning a spot on the All-State Women's Chorus, the strong student is also a leader in the classroom, excelling at AP history and physics and participating in the research and science program. Mackenzie also possesses a "Broadway-quality voice," High School Principal Christopher Richardt reported. She will be performing as a devil in the Bay Street Theatre Halloween Musical and sang the national anthem at a recent home football game. "I'm very proud of her," Mr. Richardt said.