The Sachem North String Ensemble took center stage at the Music in Our Schools Month celebration, sponsored by NYSSMA, at the State Capitol in Albany on March 26. Their performance was a testament to the power of music education and the resilience of musicians in the face of unexpected challenges.

In a remarkable moment during the performance, legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman snapped a string. Instead of stopping, he took a brief pause, then courageously continued to play the piece using only three strings. As he finished, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, moved by his perseverance and artistry.

With a smile, Perlman reportedly shared a profound lesson: “Sometimes, it is the artist’s task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left.” His words resonated deeply with the young musicians in attendance, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and passion in their craft.

The Sachem North String Ensemble left Albany inspired, carrying with them the unforgettable experience of witnessing a true master turn adversity into triumph.

 

Date Added: 3/28/2025

Hiawatha Elementary School’s fifth grade students recently had an exciting and educational visit from Stony Brook PA students, who taught them all about the different parts of the brain. The interactive lesson was centered around the book, “The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal,” which helped students understand the brain’s essential functions in a fun and engaging way.

The visit culminated in a hands-on activity where students created their very own “Brain Hat,” reinforcing their learning by visually mapping out the different lobes and their functions. This activity connected perfectly to their current reading of “Out of My Mind,” a novel about a boy with cerebral palsy. Through this lesson, students gained a deeper understanding of how the brain works and the challenges faced by individuals with neurological conditions.

By combining literature, science and creativity, Hiawatha’s fifth graders walked away with a newfound appreciation for the complexity of the human brain and the power of empathy in understanding others.

 

Date Added: 3/28/2025

Students from Sachem East’s Sports and Entertainment Management classes had an unforgettable experience visiting Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Accompanied by Mrs. Cannetti and Mrs. McDermott, the students explored the stadium, gaining valuable insights into the inner workings of a professional sports venue.

The visit offered breathtaking views of the iconic New York City skyline and exclusive access to multiple clubhouses. The highlight for many was stepping onto the field itself and even sitting in the dugout – an experience that few get to enjoy.

Beyond the stunning sights, students learned about the behind-the-scenes jobs that keep a baseball game running smoothly. From game-day operations to technology management, they discovered the intricate details of the industry, including the surprising fact that someone manually resets the pitch clock at every game.

The most exciting moment of the day? A surprise visit from none other than NY Mets owner Steven Cohen, along with the team’s beloved mascots, Mr. and Mrs. Met. The students left Citi Field with a newfound appreciation for the business of sports and memories to last a lifetime.

 

Date Added: 3/28/2025

The Sachem Central School District recently celebrated the musical achievements of its talented students at the Board of Education meeting, recognizing those selected for the 2025 Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA) Intermediate and High School festivals, the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) Division I and II festivals, as well as the prestigious All-County, All-State and All-Eastern ensembles.

These students demonstrated exceptional dedication to their craft, earning places in prestigious ensembles that showcase their musical abilities.

2025 LISFA Intermediate and Secondary Festival Honorees:

* Matthew Umbenhower (North) – Viola (Division 11-12 Orchestra).
* Brielle Esposito (Sagamore) – Viola (Division 6 Orchestra).
* Raelyn Umbenhower (Samoset) – Cello (Division 6 Orchestra).
* Hanah Rentz (Seneca) – Violin 2 (Division 6 Orchestra).
* Alexis Sicurella (Seneca) – Violin 2 (Division 7-8 Orchestra).
* Alexa Ingrassellino (Wenonah) – Double Bass (Division 5 Orchestra).
* Caraline Payne (Wenonah) – Violin 1 (Division 5 Orchestra).

2025 SCMEA Division I and II Festival Honorees:

* Jase Herrschaft (Cayuga) – Flute (Division I Band).
* Mackenzie Daly (Chippewa) – Trumpet (Division I Band).
* Daniel Reinhart (Chippewa) – Cello (Division I Orchestra).
* Jonathan Letford (Grundy) – Flute (Division I Band).
* Shawn Kitterle (Hiawatha) – Alto Sax (Division I Band).
* Abigail Masotti (Nokomis) – Voice (Division I Chorus).
* Elyssa Afanasewicz (Sagamore) – Clarinet (Division I Band).
* Riely Autera (Sagamore) – Tenor Sax (Division I Band).
* Emily Enz (Sagamore) – Clarinet (Division I Band).
* Brielle Esposito (Sagamore) – Viola (Division I Orchestra).
* Elizabeth LaFleur (Sagamore) – Voice (Division I Chorus).
* Riley Lovener (Sagamore) – Voice (Division I Chorus).
* Pranshi Patel (Sagamore) – Clarinet (Division I Band).
* Vivian Rumble (Sagamore) – Voice (Division I Chorus).
* Grace Stawecki (Sagamore) – Clarinet (Division I Band).
* Maribel Maramara (Samoset) – Trombone (Division I Band).
* Michael Piotrowski (Samoset) – Double Bass (Division I Orchestra).
* Raelyn Umbenhower (Samoset) – Cello (Division I Orchestra).
* Cooper Berger (Seneca) – Alto (Division II Chorus).
* Noelle Biamonte (Seneca) – Voice (Division I Chorus).
* Yadiel Cabrera (Seneca) – Alto (Division II Chorus).
* Sean Foley (Seneca) – Tuba (Division II Band).
* Nicholas Pantke (Seneca) – Double Bass (Division I Orchestra).
* Marianna Pitkewicz (Seneca) – Alto Sax (Division II Band).
* Hannah Rentz (Seneca) – Violin 1 (Division I Orchestra).
* Alexis Sicurella (Seneca) – Violin I (Division II Orchestra).
* Kalani Rehn (Seneca) - Voice (Division I Chorus).
* Preston Lever (Waverly) – Clarinet (Division I Band).
* Isabel Solomon (Waverly) – Viola (Division I Orchestra).
* Chase Edgar (Wenonah) – Euphonium (Division I Band).
* Caraline Payne (Wenonah) – Violin 2 (Division I Orchestra).

All-County, All-State and All-Eastern Honoree:

* Matthew Umbenhower (North) – Bass 1 (All-County Chorus).
* Matthew Umbenhower (North) – Viola (All-State Symphony Orchestra).
* Matthew Umbenhower (North) – Viola (All-Eastern Orchestra).

The Board of Education commended these students for their hard work and dedication to music. Their achievements reflect Sachem’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and providing students with enriching musical experiences. Congratulations to all honorees on this well-deserved recognition!

 

Date Added: 3/27/2025

Seneca Middle School students came together in an inspiring show of support for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, shaving their heads to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Organized by dedicated social worker Sarah Orlando, the event was a powerful display of community, compassion and courage.

With every buzz of the clippers, students demonstrated their solidarity with children battling cancer, proving that even small acts of bravery can make a big impact. Through their dedication, Seneca raised over $7,000 to support critical research efforts.

This event not only highlighted the generosity of the Seneca community but also reinforced the importance of standing together for a meaningful cause. A huge thank you to all the participants, donors and organizers for making this fundraiser a success!

Date Added: 3/26/2025