Manhasset Students Honored For Local, Regional Accomplishments

Numerous students and staff of the Manhasset Union Free School District were recognized for their impressive local and regional accomplishments at the district’s board of education meeting on Jan. 18. Gathered in Manhasset Secondary School’s Black Box Theatre, members of the board, administration, faculty and community applauded these individuals for their commitment to the pursuit of learning and the refinement of their skills.

Dr. Charles Leone, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, introduced seven teachers who have attained National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Sean Adcroft, Diana DiPaolo-Caputi, Sarah Duke, Geralyn Marasco, Marianne O’Donnell, Loretta Schuellein-McGovern and Elizabeth Watts completed an intense program that, according to the NBPTS, is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Manhasset has one of the largest cohorts of National Board-certified teachers in the state, just second to New York City.

“By taking this extra step, you are showing us what it really means to be a lifelong learner,” said Board of Education President Regina Rule. “As a community dedicated to our students and to excellence, this is what we should all strive for.”

Student distinctions followed with the presentation of high school musicians and artists who have made strides in their areas of talent. Philip Barsky, Alexandra Hong, Ashley Kim, Yuna Kim, Serene Lee, Fayfay Ning, Elizabeth Rutkovsky, Walter Stackler, Sophia Tashjian, Sophie Vincoff and Jasmine Zhong were honored for their participation in the New York State School Music Association All-State Festival. All-State ensembles are highly selective based on students’ NYSSMA solo evaluation performances. In addition, Chelsie Howell and Daniel Miller were congratulated for their acceptance to the National Association for Music Education All-National Honor Ensembles, a prestigious opportunity awarded to musicians of exceptional talent.

Students were also acknowledged for their involvement in the annual “Art for a Cure” event. Founded in 2010 by Manhasset graduate Brittany Wadhwani, Art for a Cure invites students, faculty and local artists to donate their artwork for auction. The auction is held to benefit the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer. In October, Astrid Angeles, Melenie Atahualpa, Katie Barnes, Chloe Chee, Erin Delaney, Sachi Kapoor, Ava Klissouras, Lea Klissouras, Adriane Kong, Kiki Lee, Brianna Li, Hantian Lin, Selina Lu, Luca Mancuso, Sabrina Nie, Rachel O’Day, Daniela Ras, Christina Ruan, Jessica Wei, Shirley Xiao, Lillian Yang, Cici Yuan, Gabriella Zahn and Jasmin Zelaya helped to raise approxinately $3,500 for the coalition. Since its inception, the annual event has raised nearly $35,000 for breast cancer research.

“There are many terrific things going on in the district, and they’re the direct result of the people who work and go to school here,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vincent Butera.

Story, Photos courtesy of the Manhasset Union Free School District:

1) Seven teachers were honored at the Manhasset School District Board of Education’s Jan. 18 meeting for attaining National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. From left: Dr. Charles Leone, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction; teachers Geralyn Marasco and Elizabeth Watts; Board trustee Carlo Prinzo; teachers Loretta Schuellein-McGovern and Diana DiPaolo-Caputi; Board trustee Christine Monterosso; teacher Marianne O’Donnell; Board President Regina Rule; and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vincent Butera.

2) Manhasset High School students were recognized for their participation in the New York State School Music Association All-State Festival at the Jan. 18 Board of Education meeting. Back, from left: Anthony Ambrogio, district administrator for the arts and human resources; Board Vice President Ann Marie Curd; Board trustees Christine Monterosso and Carlo Prinzo; Board President Regina Rule; and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vincent Butera. Front, from left: Students Sophia Tashjian and Elizabeth Rutkovsky.

3) During the Manhasset Board of Education meeting on Jan. 18, numerous Manhasset High School students were acknowledged for their involvement in the annual “Art for a Cure” event that benefited the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer. Back, from left: Anthony Ambrogio, district administrator for the arts and human resources; Board Vice President Ann Marie Curd; Board trustees Christine Monterosso and Carlo Prinzo; Board President Regina Rule; and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vincent Butera. Front, from left: Students Selina Lu, Chloe Chee, Hantian Lin and Brianna Li.