Three students — one from each school in the Hampton Bays School District — were awarded Student of the Month honors for the month of April at the Hampton Bays Board of Education meeting at the high school library on May 14.

Second-grader Aidan O'Brien, eighth-grader Julia Dzakonski and senior Jesse Dubrowsky were on hand to receive plaques and words of commendation from their respective principals.

Aidan was nominated for Student of the Month by his teacher Richard Berglin. Mr. Berglin, along with Hampton Bays Elementary School Principal Marc Meyer, commended Aidan for his strength of character. They reported that he is a student who always does the right thing, whether in class, on the playground or anywhere else. The future scientist told Mr. Meyer that he also wants to be an airline pilot so he can fly his private jet to his future beach house in North Carolina.

Julia was nominated for Student of the Month by her algebra teacher, Kevin O'Toole. According to Hampton Bays Middle School Principal Dennis Schug, she plans on attending Boston University and studying to become a math teacher. Julia is a busy student-athlete, playing on the basketball team as center and softball team as first base and pitcher. She's also a big reader and highly recommends the "Harry Potter" books to other bibliophiles.

High School Principal Christopher Richardt joked that Jesse, the salutatorian for the Class of 2013, "does not get to leave without becoming the Student of the Month." The high-achieving student, who plans on attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and majoring in engineering, has set a positive example throughout his life, according to Mr. Richardt. "He's a leader, always doing what is right; he's a model of good character," he said. On Tuesday night, the principal also shared the news that Jesse, who is a volunteer EMT outside of school, had just earned a $13,500 scholarship for his dedication to the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship organization.  

Six Hampton Bays students, two from each school in the district, earned Suffolk Zone Awards this year from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Students who qualify for the award are recognized by NYSAHPERD for their achievements in physical education as well as for leadership, character and academics.

This year’s Suffolk Zone Award winners were seniors Harry Fotopoulos and Samantha Aube from the high school, eighth-graders Andrew Hafemeister and Jenna Haines from the middle school, and fourth-graders David Catena and Katerina Reich from the elementary school. The winners were recognized at the April 9 Board of Education meeting at Hampton Bays High School.

During the board meeting, teachers and administrators talked about the standout qualities that the students possessed; leadership, character, ability, compassion and helpfulness were just some of the traits for which they were recognized.

Only one male and one female student from each Suffolk County school may win the Suffolk Zone Award each year. Eligible students must have earned at least a 90 average in physical education class and a minimum 3.0 overall GPA.

The senior Suffolk Zone winners were recognized at a dinner in December. The middle school and elementary school winners will be honored at a dinner at Longwood school district on May 4.

Hampton Bays Elementary School teacher Frank Mancuso has earned the title of Suffolk Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. The longtime educator was recognized for his commitment to excellence during a Board of Education meeting at the high school on April 9.

At the board meeting, those recognizing Mr. Mancuso’s contributions to the district included District Superintendent Lars Clemensen, Elementary School Principal Marc Meyer, Health, Physical Education and Athletics Director Drew Walker – who nominated him for the award – and fellow physical education teacher Theresa Carey.

“Mr. Mancuso has been a leader at the elementary school, in the physical education department and within the Hampton Bays district in developing a quality physical education program that is always evolving and improving,” Mr. Walker wrote in his nomination letter. “I strongly recommend Mr. Frank Mancuso for the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year for his commitment to physical education and his desire to make it an integral part of the school and community.”

Mr. Meyer, who said during the board meeting that Mr. Mancuso “revolutionized physical education in Hampton Bays,” also said that the teacher’s commitment to providing physical education and enacting integral and innovative programs has been a boon to the community. He mentioned particularly the bike program, ballroom dancing, tennis, golf, and most importantly, his work with physically challenged children.

“Frank Mancuso has excelled in every area of physical education instruction,” he wrote. “My personal favorite area is to see Frank teach physically challenged students. The amazing lessons these students participate in always makes me stop and spend a few minutes watching these innovative classes. What greater tribute to his love and dedication of teaching can there be than the fact that two of his own children have been inspired to become practicing teachers and coaches?”

According to Mr. Walker, Mr. Mancuso will be recognized for his achievements at the Suffolk Zone Conference in November 2013 at Sachem North High School. Winning Suffolk Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year puts Mr. Mancuso in contention for the New York State Teacher of the Year Award.

During a “Light Is the Symbol of Truth” ceremony held on April 25 in the Hampton Bays High School auditorium, 28 of Hampton Bays High School’s outstanding scholars were inducted into the National Honor Society.

This year’s inductees included Christen Bellucci, Stefanie Blanco, Bart Carey, Ryan Cavanaugh, Angie Delgado, Mia Fasanella, Austin Ferreira, Charlotte Forman, Daniella Greene, Jack Hilton, Erica Kane, Amanda Kenny, Victoria Laureano, Jordan Luna, Klaudia Maslowska, Gloriana Mejias, Carolyn Muller, Cody Nolan, Vanessa Parra Henao, Kasandra Phillips, Caleb Reed, Davianna Romer, Stephanie Salomon, Katie Sexton, Wayne Stanton, Darby Tupper, Michelle Vega and Leah Warren.

During the ceremony, those standout students who possess the five qualities of the National Honor Society — scholarship, leadership, character, citizenship and service — were recognized by their peers, Hampton Bays administrators, and family and friends. They were ushered into their induction by the club’s current members during a candle-lighting ceremony.

Class of 2013 salutatorian Jesse Dubrowsky and NHS inductee Christen Bellucci lit candles in recognition of scholarship, while Class of 2013 valedictorian Harry Fotopoulos and NHS inductee Daniella Greene lit those in recognition of leadership. Class of 2013 NHS members Colleen Lawrenz and Jennifer Linares, and new inductees Kasandra Phillips and Amanda Kenny, lit candles for service and character. Stefanie Blanco led the Pledge of Allegiance.

NHS adviser Katie Miedema gave the welcome speech and presented the new inductees, and Hampton Bays High School Principal Christopher Richardt and District Superintendent Lars Clemensen offered congratulatory remarks.

In recognition of Earth Day, more than 50 students and staff from Hampton Bays Middle School participated in the Great East End Cleanup on April 20. Students from the National Honor Society, Outstanding Willing Leaders, SADD, and Builder’s and Varsity clubs, as well as the track and field, softball and lacrosse teams, attended the cleanup with their advisers, coaches and teachers Jennifer Destefano, Deanna Devon, Jennifer Farrell, Elizabeth Lanni, Joan Moran, Marianne Pendleberry, Teresa Strano and Rich Doulos and Laurie O’Halloran, who organized the event..

“This participation shows the continuing commitment that the middle school has towards community service and the staff’s efforts at ensuring middle schoolers have service opportunities,” said Mrs. O’Halloran.

As a special treat, Southampton Town Councilman Christopher Nuzzi visited the students to thank them for their participation and inform them that they were the largest volunteer group in the Town to participate in the cleanup.

Three students — one from each school in the Hampton Bays School District — were awarded Student of the Month honors for the month of March at the Hampton Bays Board of Education meeting held in the high school library on April 9. Additionally, one of the February Student of the Month honorees was recognized at the meeting.

For the month of March, second-grader Lily Simpson-Heavey, fifth-grader Rebecca Heaney and senior Uyara Sandinha were on hand to receive plaques and words of commendation from their respective principals. The February Student of the Month for the middle school, eighth-grader Nicholas Kolb, also picked up his plaque and was honored.

Lily was nominated for Student of the Month by her teachers from her homeroom and the physical education department, according to Hampton Bays Elementary School Principal Marc Meyer. He reported that Lily is an ‘A’ student, as well as a kind and sharing person. The animal lover is involved in a variety of activities, including K Kids, Girl Scouts, chorus and lacrosse, and plans on becoming a second-grade teacher at Hampton Bays some day. “We are expecting big things from her,” he said.

Rebecca was nominated for Student of the Month by the physical education department, according to Hampton Bays Middle School Principal Dennis Schug. The future WNBA star has a “go hard or go home” attitude on the field and in the classroom, he said. Rebecca is also a strong student, counting math, social studies, band and physical education as her favorites. She is a member of the Let’s Move Club, SADD and basketball, and is also a voracious reader who highly recommends the “Stink” series of “Judy Moody” books.

Mr. Schug also had high praise for the February Student of the Month, Nicholas, who missed the last Board of Education meeting while participating in a field trip to Washington, D.C. “Nicholas makes the most of every opportunity,” he reported. “He’s a gentleman and a scholar … involved in everything.” Nicholas loves science and math and is an accomplished sax player, as well as the spokesperson for the Green Ribbon committee.

When talking about Uyara, Hampton Bays High School Principal Christopher Richardt said that she is one of the most determined and resilient students he has ever seen. Nominated by teacher Robin Spielman, Uyara arrived at Hampton Bays from Brazil and quickly overcame a language barrier. She’s also been the “model of character” while managing the loss of both her mother and her grandmother in the past year, Mr. Richardt reported. “Yet she’s always smiling, caring and helping others,” he said.

Hampton Bays School District continued its monthly tradition of honoring veterans by conducting a flag ceremony at the elementary school on April 12 in recognition of the service of Arma “Ham” Andon.

Mr. Andon, well-known on the East End, is a tireless advocate for local veterans and a role model for all. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army who dropped out of law school at Fordham University to fight in the 26th Infantry Division, becoming commander of the 328th Infantry Combat Team during World War II. He is a survivor of the Battle of Utah Beach in Normandy, as well as at Moncourt Woods and the Battle of the Bulge.    

Hampton Bays District Superintendent Lars Clemensen praised the 94-year-old for his dedication to the community.

“You served in World War II and you’ve continued a life of service since,” he said. “Ham has gotten busier and busier as the years have gone on, and in 94 years he has not stopped.”

Although Mr. Andon resides in Westhampton Beach and not Hampton Bays, Mr. Clemensen said that he was more than worthy as an exception.

“It’s the first time we’ve honored a Westhampton Beach veteran, but we’ve adopted him as an honorary Bayman,” he declared, adding that Mr. Andon not only sets the “highest example” in his personal life but is also a former mayor and fire commissioner of Westhampton Beach, a Rotarian, the founder of the Anti-Bias Foundation and leads the charge for the Patriot’s Pen essay contest, continuing a life of service to others.

During the ceremony, Emma Henry and Christian Ruiz of the Hampton Bays High School SADD chapter read Mr. Andon’s biography, Amanda Kenny led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lindsay and Taylor Dunn performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Additionally, Debra Liso led Keith Davis, Lindsay Dunn, Taylor Dunn, Mackenzie Engledrum, Fred Nydegger, Christian Ruiz, Mikela Ryan, Gioia Sacco, Lily Spellman and Brandon White in a performance of “America the Beautiful.”

Also present at the flag ceremony were past veteran honorees, Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst, Southampton Town Board member Chris Nuzzi, Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., and members of the American Legion Hand-Aldrich Post 924 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5350. Mr. Andon’s granddaughter, Sundy Schermeyer, who is the Southampton town clerk, was also in attendance.

The Hampton Bays Middle School held its annual candlelight induction ceremony for the National Junior Honor Society on April 5. The NJHS, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for students. Chapters exist in more than 6,000 schools, and since 1929, millions of students have been selected for membership.

To be eligible for membership consideration, students must have a cumulative GPA of 92 or better. In addition, candidates must meet the high standards of leadership, service, citizenship and character. Service and leadership are based on the student’s participation in community or school activities. Character is measured in terms of integrity, behavior, ethics and cooperation with both students and faculty, and citizenship is demonstrated by civic involvement.  

Students are reviewed by a faculty council of five members who are appointed by the principal. This year, 23 students from the eighth-grade class were inducted. Students inducted were: Joshua Aube, Tiffany Brenes, Zachary Brochu, Kaylee Catena, Stephanie Cruz, Lauren DePasquale, Vanessa Farrell, McCaila Grismer, Jenna Haines, Nicholas Kolb, Antonio Kull, Alexandra Macholz, Erik Morastitla, Wendy Moreno, Rachel Moscato, Christian Oakland, Christina Pasca, Annalise Romagnoli, Amelia Salvatore, Bankesha Samuel, Rachel Smith, Julia Tetrault and Cindy Tzitzimititla.

“We are very proud to recognize these outstanding members of our student body,” said chapter adviser Laurie O’Halloran. “National Junior Honor Society members are chosen for – and then expected to continue – their exemplary contributions to the school and community.”  

Hampton Bays Reading Specialist Liliana Cacace knows that being engaged is one of the surefire ways to get children to become lifelong book lovers. Forging that connection between creator and reader, the elementary school hosted its annual Author-Illustrator Night as part of Parents as Reading Partners Month, bringing a host of children’s book authors and illustrators to the school on March 13.   

The night was a success, with nearly 20 authors and illustrators in attendance this year. Students and their parents took advantage of the one-on-one time with a variety of local talent, and the children were able to ask the adults questions about their books and learn more about their favorite characters.

“It’s great to see so many kids here with their books,” Ms. Cacace said. “I’m glad to see them all.”

Remsenburg-based author Wendy Wax, a prolific writer of popular children’s tales published by Scholastic, was one of the many children’s book authors and illustrators in attendance. She brought an assortment of her books, including,” “City Witch, Country Switch” and “Even Firefighters Go to the Potty.” Other authors and illustrators who participated included “Pedro the Pirate” author Tim Hoppey, “Fish Wishes” and “Wishing Stars” author and illustrator Dorothy P. McPartland and “Pearl” author Joseph E. Scalia. Twin sister authors Sheila and Letty Sustrin traveled a few hours from for the event. The women, who collaborate on the “Teacher Who Would Not Retire” series, also gave presentations for children in grades K-3 during the school day.

Hampton Bays junior Brian Intermaggio might still be in high school, but he’s already accomplished a feat that many professional artists only dream of: His artwork was selected for an exhibit at the prestigious Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill.

Brian’s untitled Polaroid transfer series was chosen in the “Ones to Watch for Underclassmen” category for the 2013 Student Exhibition, which was featured at the museum for approximately one month. His photographic collection was one of only 17 pieces of artwork chosen by exhibit juror Neill Slaughter, professor of art at Long Island University.

For his project, Brian borrowed one of the high school’s cameras and took landscape photos both locally and in upstate New York right after Hurricane Sandy. According to the high school junior, he shot two rolls of film and transferred his final selection of 15 images into emulsion transfers, and then onto slides. The photographs were then mounted onto a thick poster board with nails. They are now on view at the high school.

The future engineering student said that art teachers Lori Ackerson and Babette Paul helped guide him through the mounting and application process.

Mr. Slaughter, a working artist, said that his criteria for selection was about more than just technical artistic skill, but also included that certain spark one feels when looking at works of passion.

“While I certainly value skill and technique, ultimately I look for honesty and truth in artwork,” he said. “During a careful analysis, in the best art there is a transcendence whereby the viewer is emotionally moved or taken to another place by the artist’s interpretation.”

Opening night for “Annie Get Your Gun” at Hampton Bays proved that “There’s No Business Like Show Business” to enthrall an audience as happily as a musical comedy.

The two-act play about sharpshooter Annie Oakley, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, staged at the district auditorium on March 15, 16 and 17. Dorothea Primavera played the title role and Fred Nydegger was the male lead as Frank Butler.

Other students in the cast included Kiara Brown, Tom Capuano, Keith Davis, Charlotte Forman, Brian Intermaggio, Franklin Kryzewski, Babara Layburn, Klaudia Maslowska, Jackeline Mogollon, Noah Montague, Victoria Moynihan, Kat O’Gara, Alex Peterson, Giancarlos Ruiz, Mikela Ryan, Charlie Schneider, Tetyana Senchyshyn, Brenda Soto, Lily Spellman, Dennis Sullivan, Everett Tarpey, Olivia Terry and Laura Warner.

The tech and stage crews, as well as the pit band, were made up of students and local adults. The tech crew included Tim Berglin, Ross Hamilton, Scott Harris and Alec Kozuchowski, while the stage crew consisted of Zach Anderson, Shawn Bowen, Elena Drankwalter, Chris Moffatt and Arthur Nygard. Members of the pit band included James Bernard, Charlie Clausen, Kimberly Clemensen, Thomas Comerford, Joseph DePalo, Lee Duke, Daniella Greene, Richard Ianelli, Michael Kendrot, Charles Kinder, Debra Liso, Laura Maila, Anthony Marino, Jami Nydegger, Annette Perry, Lisa Rice, Steve Shaughnessy, Dennis Sullivan, Brandon White and Laura Zaweski.

Working behind the scenes were Jennifer Halsey as pit orchestra conductor, Ms. Liso as musical director, Rick Nydegger as carpentry master, Christine Pandolfo as producer, Rich Pandolfo as technical director, Regina Papile as poster designer, Babette Paul as set designer, Amy Stangasser as choreography adviser and Edythe Tunney as costume director.

The play was staged by the Hampton Bays High School Thespian Society.