Somers honors fall athletes; students expand leadership role in district planning

The Somers Central School District Board of Education opened its Dec. 9 meeting by recognizing the fall athletics teams and several individual achievements, and heard reports from booster clubs and the student ex‑officio member.

An unidentified presenter highlighted district athletic successes — football, girls volleyball and boys cross country each won league titles, and the district received a New York State Scholar‑Athlete Team Award (explained as meaning "75% of each roster maintained a 90% average or higher"). "These are not small accomplishments," the presenter said, and thanked coaches, parents and staff for support.

Coach Mike Lacco noted the boys cross country league title and described junior Aiden C.'s progression to the state meet, reporting Aiden's state time as about 16 minutes 50 seconds. John Negliante, girls cross country coach, highlighted sisters Julia and Kya Daczynski qualifying for state; Julia set a school record in the 5K this season.

Student ex‑officio Jimmy Gallivan described the superintendent’s leadership group — students from grades 5–12, one student per grade and two from each high‑school grade — and said the group will set priorities based on student input and report back to the administration. Gallivan also reported that roughly 33 students attended a statewide leadership conference and two Somers students were elected to statewide student leadership roles.

Community booster reports included Nicole Dwyer saying about 557 high‑school‑age student‑athletes participated in 2024–25 and that the booster club recognized nine athletes at a recent signing day. Michelle C. reported that the seventh annual Turkey Trot sold out both race distances, with about 550 entrants.

Board members repeatedly praised athletes and volunteers and encouraged continued student engagement in leadership activities.