Middle Country board recognizes students of the month and awards teacher certificate

The Middle Country Central School District Board of Education recognized students of the month from several schools and presented a certificate of pride to a science teacher during its March board meeting.

The recognitions highlighted students from Centereach High School, Newfield High School, Dawnwood (middle-level), and Selden Middle School. Mr. Bell introduced Megan Greco of Centereach High School, noting her academic record, Advanced Placement and college-level coursework, varsity athletics and membership in Tri-M and other organizations. Mr. Graviano introduced Charlotte Faruja of Newfield High School and outlined her leadership roles, community service and plans to attend Stony Brook University. A middle-school student, Aurelio Luna, was introduced by his presenter for achievements in orchestra, leadership and community work; Emily Machiani was recognized from Selden Middle School for academic performance and school involvement.

The board also presented a Certificate of Pride to Donna Doria, an AP and living environment teacher active in the district and a participant in the New York State Master Teacher program. Dr. Diana Cook, the district’s Director of Music and Fine Arts, noted Doria applied for and received a New York State PTA innovative teacher grant that will fund classroom quail-hatching materials; students will raise bobwhite quail, which the presenter said are planned for release into the wild as one measure to help control local tick populations.

Board members and presenters thanked students, families and staff. Photos and a brief intermission for families were scheduled after the PTA/PTSA report.

The recognitions occurred during the meeting’s public ceremonial portion and did not include formal board action beyond presentation of the certificate.