CSH Graduates - Let the celebrations begin! Class of 2025
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Commencement June 22 - Fly High Seahawks as you soar off to college!
Class of 2025: Seniors visited their elementary schools and "Walked the Hallways" at Goosehill, Lloyd Harbor and West Side School... Our youngest lined the hallways with cheers holding up signs and offering high fives! Graduates loved touring their old cafeteria, gym, and playground - which all brought back so many memories of this very special school district.
An exciting milestone was celebrated this year as 6 CSH seniors earned the first-ever New York State Seal of Biliteracy. These remarkable students demonstrated linguistic proficiency in German, French, Italian, and Spanish, reflecting not only their ability to communicate in multiple languages but also a deep appreciation for different cultures.The Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious recognition that highlights a student’s ability to use English and at least one additional world language proficiently by graduation. Among this group, two students earned seals in two world languages aside from English, a remarkable accomplishment.
For years, Jr./Sr. High School Social Studies teacher Vincent Natale has commissioned his 8th grade students to create historical artwork matching the curriculum unit on American History. The kids have stepped up through the years with imagination and a passion to display their artistic renderings on the walls of J25. Every two years, Mr. Natale paints over the muraled wall, clearing the palette for the next round of students to tackle the same challenge. Recently, some seniors approached him (envious of this task) as they wanted to participate in the same art challenge. He shared, “ I agreed, and a few came up with a mid-sized, very cool painted graphic with the theme of "Flying off to college.” Thank you to our 8th graders for inspiring some older classmates, and kudos to seniors Julia Schaffer and Sophie DeMarco for their love of art and showcasing their talent before they take their leave from the high school classroom to the college campus.
Ryan Smith attended the Congressional Gold Medal Award Summit in DC June 11-13. He was invited after being selected as a recipient of the Congressional Award Gold Medal earlier this year, with special recognition as a STEM Star. This national, nonpartisan, voluntary program recognizes students for achievements in community service, civic engagement, and personal development. Ryan engaged with Members of Congress, business and civic leaders, and fellow awardees from across the country. The summit included personal meetings and receptions with senators and representatives from New York. He attended alongside 16 other Gold Medal winners from NY state and 6 from our congressional district. The Congressional Award is Congress’s only charity and the highest honor for youth civilians bestowed by Congress. Established to law in 1979, the Congressional Award was created to honor, encourage, and inspire America's youth. In the ensuing years, Congress has recognized thousands of outstanding young Americans who have earned and deserve our admiration and recognition. Congratulations once again on this exemplary award!
Six students in the Foundations of Research course were awarded High Honors for their research projects at the Long Island Science and Engineering fair held at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The team of Serafina Belcastro, Julie Choi and Leah Grohotolski were recognized for their project - "The Effect of Cell Phone Radiation on Enzyme Function and Growth on Basil Plants ". The team of Rengin Ugan, Max Yulico and Molly Yulico were recognized for their project - "Filtration of Plastics from Artificial Turf Field Drainage Systems ".
Traditions are known to bring people together, and in this case, the tradition is about bringing the seniors together for one more class project. The back wall of the Senior Commons, now thick with layers of paint from past years, not only keeps a hidden memory of the past graduating classes but also serves as a reminder of how young we are and how we are just beginning our lives.
