On June 12, senior student-athletes from Sachem East and Sachem North were honored with the prestigious Gold Key Award by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and Section XI.

The Gold Key Award is one of the most established and respected recognitions in Suffolk County athletics. It celebrates student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to sports throughout their high school careers. To qualify, athletes must have participated and lettered in eight out of nine seasons during their sophomore through senior years, balancing athletic excellence with academic success.

Sachem East recipients include:
Steven Azzara, Justin Black, Philip Cordero, Syed Dawood, Gianna Galeas, Alexa Garriti, Eva Lifschultz, Michael Lubniewski, Samantha Madigan, Reese Malfettone, Thomas Mann, Gianna Mauri, Kayleigh McKeown, Sarah Nagel, Shane Ocampo, Courtney O’Hagan, Blake Padormo, Norelis Roa Moreno, Addison Romanowski, Sarafina Scavo, Arianna Schuman, Miranda Sherbitsky, Brianne Vanegas, Julianna Wottawa.

Sachem North recipients include:
Emily Belyansky, Craig Biazzo, Jenae Caldwell, Paolo Calvacca, Catalina Cedeno, Kevin Conrad, Lucas Cotsalas, Jordyn Cruz, Zach DeMilt, Ryan Durkin, Jason Faby, Brody Ferrer, Ryan Friel, Angelina Gramarossa, Thomas Keegan, Ava Langella, Alyssa Leonardi, Marie Manolt, Jack McCarty, Ryan Medina, Yasmin Nday, Jessica Nodell, Abigail Perez, Jack Pitman, Angelo Portillo, Hannah Reuter, Laila Scafuri, Alexa Siegel, Isabella Skibola, Brayden Tappin, Patricia Camille Tomas, Nelson Villafane, Joseph Walker, Grace Zanfardino.

The district congratulates all honorees for their perseverance and achievement, exemplifying the spirit of student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.

 

The Sachem Central School District proudly recognizes the first group of students to earn the prestigious New York State Seal of Biliteracy. This distinction, offered for the first time in Sachem, honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one additional language.

Congratulations to the following members of the Class of 2025 for this outstanding achievement:

• Alain Alaron – French.
• Aleysha Cordero – Spanish.
• Sarah Joscher – Italian.
• Victoria Konopka – Polish.
• Alyssa Leonardi – Spanish.
• Koralie Mercidieu – Spanish.
• Brandon Pion – Spanish.
• Abigail Valle – Spanish.
• Vincent Villalobos – Spanish.
• Julianna Wottawa – Spanish.

These students are recognized for their dedication and commitment to language learning and for serving as trailblazers in this new initiative.

A gallery of student photos and program highlights will be shared soon.

Class of 2026 NYS Seal of Biliteracy Information

The opportunity to earn the NYS Seal of Biliteracy will be offered again to the graduating Class of 2026. This program promotes multilingualism, celebrates cultural diversity and prepares students with valuable skills for college and careers.

Students interested in participating can join the 2025-2026 Seal of Biliteracy Google Classroom using the code: 3xvwzaqi.

For questions, the following program advisors can be contacted:

• Ms. Jennifer Carpenter – jcarpenter2@sachem.edu.
• Mrs. Alexis Kammer – akammer@sachem.edu.
• Ms. Dena Laupheimer (for ENL students) – dlaupheimer@sachem.edu.
• Ms. Colleen Whitehurst – cwhitehurst@sachem.edu.
• Mrs. Christy Zummo – czummo@sachem.edu.

Parents may reach out to Ms. Marie O’Doherty at 631-471-1300, ext. 1255, or via email at modoherty@sachem.edu. The district looks forward to expanding this program and celebrating even more multilingual achievements in the coming years.

In celebration of Make Music Day 2025, talented student musicians from Sachem North High School’s Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dorie Downs, and Symphonic Band, led by Dave Jaklitsch, came together to record a powerful performance of “Critical Impact,” by composer Brian Balmages.

Their collaboration was part of a national effort organized by the National Association for Music Education to highlight the importance and unifying power of music. Make Music Day, which began in France in 1982, is a global celebration of musical creativity and expression, encouraging people of all ages and skill levels to share in the joy of making music.

Sachem North’s contribution showcases the school’s dedication to musical excellence and its students’ role in promoting the arts on a national stage.

 

Date Added: 6/10/2025

On Sunday, June 8, the Butch Dellecave Foundation, in partnership with Newsday and the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk Inc., hosted its annual awards ceremony honoring the top high school student-athletes in Suffolk County. The event celebrated finalists for the prestigious High School Athlete of the Year Award, recognizing excellence in athletics, academics and community service.

Sachem High School was proudly represented by four outstanding nominees. From Sachem East, Sarafina Scavo and Logan Schomaker were selected, while Lea Rowett and Brayden Tappin represented Sachem North. Each nominee was honored for their exceptional achievements both on and off the field.

The event served as a meaningful recognition of the dedication, leadership and impact these student-athletes have made within their schools and communities.

Date Added: 6/10/2025

Sachem North High School recently held its annual Color Us United Color Run, marking the fourth year of this vibrant tradition. Organized by the Foreign Language Honor Society, the event brings together students in grades 9-12 to celebrate diversity, unity and global awareness.

Under the guidance of advisers Amanda Ferraiolo and Tracee Italiano, and led by student officers Ryan Durkin (president), Marie Manolt (vice president), Alain Alarcon (secretary), Hanah Harvey (treasurer), and Ava Chirichella (media director), the Color Run continues to grow as a meaningful and inclusive experience.

Beyond the fun and festivities, the event serves a deeper purpose. Proceeds from the run support global initiatives promoting equality, with this year’s funds aimed at helping to build a school abroad, furthering the mission of creating educational opportunities for all.

 

Date Added: 6/5/2025