The Hauppauge School District Board of Education celebrated notable achievements in student excellence during its public session on July 1, 2025. The meeting highlighted the accomplishments of both student musicians and athletes, showcasing the district's commitment to fostering talent across various disciplines.

Pines Elementary School was recognized as the Elementary School of Musical Excellence, a testament to its robust music program led by music teachers Ray Dolgen and DeRose. This accolade reflects the school's dedication to providing a well-rounded education in the arts.

In athletics, senior students Mary Schroeder and Michael Alabeto were honored as nominees for the prestigious Dela Key award, with Alabeto being selected as a finalist. His recent achievements have garnered significant media attention, underscoring his status as one of the top student athletes in Suffolk County.

The meeting also acknowledged the success of Hauppauge students in the performing arts, with several receiving accolades at the Arts Council's annual teeny awards. Notable honorees included Matthew Barshay, Aaron Delgado, Trinity Garcia, and Matthew Kunkel, who were recognized for their contributions to the theater department. Special recognition was given to Alexa Olivetto and Jacob Solomon for their performances in "Mamma Mia" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," respectively.

Additionally, the board celebrated the achievements of elementary students who participated in the 2025 Brookhaven National Lab Science Fair, with awards presented to first and second place winners from various grades. The meeting concluded with a commendation for the girls and boys track teams, who excelled at the state qualifier meet, with standout performances from several athletes.

In a move to enhance student representation, the board welcomed two new ex officio members, Hannah Hartman and Olalakin Ogunn Shaqen, recommended by Mr. Whitehorse. Their inclusion aims to strengthen student voices in board discussions.

Looking ahead, the board plans to form a Regionalization Committee to continue its efforts in regional collaboration, with Ms. Michaels appointed as chair. This initiative reflects the district's ongoing commitment to improving educational outcomes and community engagement.