The 127 members of the Rye Neck High School Class of 2017 celebrated the completion of their high school experience when they took hold of their diplomas during their commencement ceremony on June 22.

The ceremony began with the school’s orchestra performing “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates proceeded into the ceremony to the applause of their friends and family. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro paid tribute to the students’ impressive accomplishments, which include 75 scholar-athletes, Eagle Scouts, Metro theater award winners, recognitions at the Science Olympiads, as well as a class who gave more than 20,000 hours of community service and earned $52,500 in local scholarships.

“Most of all, I will remember you as the class that had a special bond with each other and always made sure that everyone was included in every aspect of the high school experience,” Dr. Ferraro said. “Your actions supported the idea that when individual talents and interests are blended together the entire group benefits.”

She also encouraged them to follow their passions, be proactive individuals and embrace every opportunity that comes their way.

In his remarks, Interim Principal Scott Mosenthal thanked the graduates for their generosity and friendliness while he served as interim principal for the last six months.  

“The Class of 2017 is impressive by any possible measure – scholastically, artistically, athletically and service-wise,” he said. “This group of young people is articulate, intelligent, focused and compassionate.”

The graduates also heard from guest keynote speaker Isabel Richardson, a RNHS Class of 2007 graduate, as well as valedictorian Fraser Shaw, who reflected on his classmates’ accomplishments and experiences throughout high school; and salutatorian Emily Crook, who urged her peers to follow their passions and not to let anyone else define success for them.

“No matter where life takes us, if we put our minds to a task and put in the work, we can achieve great things,” Shaw said. “Class of 2017, I can see we are ready. High school is only the beginning of our lives’ successes. As we continue to push ourselves, as we continue to confront the world in front of us, we will begin to formulate the answers to the great questions that our generation faces.”

The ceremony ended with the traditional tossing of their caps before the students took their first steps as Rye Neck High School alumni.  

Eighth-graders at Rye Neck Middle School celebrated the culmination of their hard work over the last three years during a special moving up ceremony, held at the Performing Arts Center on June 22. They will embark on the next phase of their educational journey as Rye Neck High School freshmen in the fall.

The celebration featured music provided by band director John Mattera and the middle school band, as well as inspiring words from students and administrators. Student representatives Eulasha Tisnovsky and Anna Murphy addressed their classmates and reflected on their middle school experience. In his remarks, Principal Eric Lutinski encouraged the students to persevere through any challenge and strive to reach their fullest potential.

“What successful people have left when we put ability aside is ‘desire to reach one’s potential,’” he told the graduates. “To me, that sounds like motivation, drive, courage or ‘heart.’ The only thing that can ever hold you back is heart. You will have everything you need to succeed at each level – use it. The next time you shake your fist and rage against adults controlling your lives, remember that no one has more control than you. Success can be had with some determination and attitude.”

During the ceremony, several students received awards for excellence in academics, athletics and the arts.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro offered advice to the students, reflected on their contributions to the middle school and praised them for their accomplishments. She also encouraged them to thank their parents for their love and support, and to take the time to reflect on their experiences, take advantage of the knowledge they’ve gained and cherish the friendships they’ve made.

“You will be encountering even greater opportunities and be challenged with numerous choices – choices that will help you to direct your future and realize your dreams,” Dr. Ferraro said. “Remember – success comes from those who believe in their dreams, so reach for the stars and make your dreams come true.”

Signifying the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another, the students were called one by one to accept their certificates.

Fifth-grade students at F.E. Bellows Elementary School celebrated their final STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project with a Wiggle Bot Fair. Each student, who received a motor and instructions on how to construct his or her own Wiggle Bot, programmed the motorized contraptions to scribble, make circles or wiggle on a large piece of paper.

“The students were excited to share their Wiggle Bots and were also able to view the innovations of other students,” fifth-grade teacher Susan Combs said. “Engineering skills and creativity were displayed amongst all students. It was a wonderful way to end the school year.”

Rye Neck High School senior Isaak Meier has been awarded the prestigious 2017 Metro Award for Best Comedic Actor for his performance as Kyle O’Boyle in the high school production of “Legally Blonde.” He received his award during the annual ceremony, which was held at Purchase College Community Arts Center on June 12.

The Metro Awards shine a spotlight on exceptional musical theater productions, talented actors and actresses and creative teams from Rockland, Westchester, Putnam and Bergen counties.

"Isaak Meier, quite simply, was hilarious as Kyle B. O'Boyle in our production of ‘Legally Blonde’ this year,” theater director Scott Harris said. “He has a wonderful sense of comedy and a perfect deadpan expression that made him ideal to play the role of the unwittingly handsome UPS delivery man. Although his time on stage was short, Isaak made the most of the part, keeping a straight face while the characters around him – not to mention his own jazz horns and theme music – helped inform the audience of just how funny his strut and delivery were."

Principal Scott Mosenthal also praised Meier’s comedic talent, adding that he created the most unforgettably humorous role and award-winning character.

In addition, seniors Jillian Hurlbut, Bria McClain, Justin Sturgis and Rachel Wurzburger were nominated for Metro Awards for their contributions to “Legally Blonde.” Hurlbut, stage manager, was nominated in the technical merit category. McClain was nominated as best actress in a supporting role for her role as Paulette; while Sturgis and Wurzburger were nominated for best outstanding duet.

"This year's graduating class are among the most talented, dedicated, hardworking students I've had the pleasure of teaching in my time at Rye Neck,” Harris said.

Daniel Warren Elementary School second-graders, who had been studying about ancient Greece’s democratic government, geography and culture, brought their studies to life during the annual Greek Festival and Olympic Field Day on June 13.

Dressed in togas, the students participated in a variety of hands-on activities throughout the day – including Greek dancing and writing, sampling of authentic food and making their own laurel wreath crowns and Olympic torches – as a culmination to their studies. The Olympic-themed field day included relay races, obstacle courses and water activities.

“As educators we try to make learning fun,” second-grade teacher Deena Winchenbach said. “Through the Greek study, we were able to expose our students to an important ancient civilization; while the Greek Festival allowed them to fully engage in their learning and bring it to life.”

Winchenbach said the students studied how the ancient civilization has impacted aspects of our lives today, and many of them were inspired to expand their research independently to learn more about its history and mythology. In addition, the students learned about the city-states of Athens and Sparta and the very first Olympic Games, which were held in honor of Zeus.

“The students were engaged in this study and truly enjoyed learning about this ancient civilization,” she said. “It was wonderful to see them make connections and see contributions that are still evident in today's society.”

The celebration was made possible thanks to members of the PTSA, who volunteered to organize and run each station throughout the day.

F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-graders celebrated one of many milestones in their academic careers during a moving up ceremony on June 16. The students will embark on the next phase of their educational journey as sixth-graders at Rye Neck Middle School in the fall.

Principal Michael Scarantino welcomed the guests and honorees before sharing a few words of wisdom with the students. He encouraged them to continue to show respect, kindness and gratitude toward others, to believe in themselves and not let anything get in the way of achieving their goals.

“Kindness and respect can change the world if we all give it to all people, all the time, no matter the situation,” Scarantino told the students. “Never give up; demonstrate persistence in everything you do. Things will get difficult; just don’t quit. Keep dreaming, keep hoping and keep working hard. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. We expect great things for each and every one of you.”

Before the students were called one by one to receive their certificates, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro acknowledged that all 133 students are ready for the challenges and opportunities that await them at middle school.

“Your teachers have prepared you well for the journey,” she told the students. “You are good readers, writers, mathematicians, artists and musicians. You are special students who enjoy learning and exploring. You approach each and every day with a curiosity that leads you to new and exciting opportunities.”

At the end of the ceremony, which was a celebration of the students’ achievements and successes throughout their time in the elementary school, the graduates sang a song that was written by the students themselves and music teacher Tom Galgano.

Forty-seven Rye Neck Union Free School District students participated in this year’s New York State School Music Association spring festivals.

All of the 16 students in the Level 5-6 category achieved scores in the “A” range. Two of those students, Rye Neck High School sophomores Enora Lauvau (cello) and Elena Tisnovsky (violin) earned their scores at the All-State level. Rye Neck Middle School sixth-grader Ena Kitoh and F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-grader Tomoka Kawasaki scored a 98.

In the Level 1-4 group, Daniel Warren Elementary School second-grader Aya Nishimura scored a 28 (out of 28) on the piano; while F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-grader Alexander Kahn scored a 28 on the classical guitar. Three Rye Neck Middle School students – Brady Chamberlain on the jazz guitar, Erin Gjyrezi on the piano and Asha O’Reilly for voice – scored a 27. Rye Neck High School freshman Kayla Hollmann scored a 25 on the piano. 

“Rye Neck students once again represented the district well, demonstrating the strength and diversity of the music program, as well as the dedication and hard work of the student musicians,” said John Mattera, middle school and high school music teacher and band director.

Students at F.E. Bellows Elementary School worked together in a number of team-building activities and physical challenges as a culmination to the school year during their annual Field Days on June 9 for fourth-graders and June 13 for third-graders.

They participated in a variety of stations, including bucket brigade where they threw water balloons, as well as a Frisbee-making station, a dunk tank station and a number of obstacle courses and relay races.

“The goal for the day was to let the students have fun,” said Joan Spedafino, a fourth-grade teacher and team leader. “[Field Day] is a culmination of the year and it brings together the whole grade.”

In addition to providing students with a fun afternoon, Field Day also allowed them to participate in events and activities that celebrated physical fitness and well-being.

Field Days were made possible thanks to PTSA members, who helped organize the events.

Rye Neck Middle School students competed in a number of game show-inspired challenges during the Middle School Olympics on June 9. They worked together in five color-coded teams – blue, yellow, black, green and red – that allowed them to collaborate with one another.

“The purpose of the Olympics was to bring the entire school together,” said sixth-grade school counselor Meegan Lawlor, who organized the event. “It was a fun day and it was great to see the spirit of the students. It provided an opportunity for them to come together as a school community.”

The team-building activities were designed to allow students to solve problems, work collaboratively, display sportsmanship and express themselves in order to complete a task in one minute. During the field goal challenge, they worked to balance a yardstick on one cup and create towers of cups on either side.

“If one person was working a bit faster, then the whole thing would collapse,” Lawlor said. “The students really needed to time themselves, talk to each other and work through it.”

Rye Neck High School seniors Fraser Shaw and Emily Crook have been named the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2017. Both accomplished students said it was validating to receive the recognition and were honored to represent their class.

Shaw and Crook said they have worked incredibly hard throughout their high school careers and taken advantage of the numerous academic and extracurricular opportunities at the high school. They attributed their success to their drive to pursue their passions both in and outside of school, and were grateful to their parents for their support. 

“It’s an honor to be the valedictorian,” Shaw said. “I always tried my best and I tried to push myself as much as possible. It shows me that the work I have been putting in at school has paid off. All the late nights, all the hard work has all accumulated to something larger, which is being valedictorian.”

Shaw has been class president for four years and a member of the Science Olympiad team for three years. In addition to taking a demanding course load consisting of Advanced Placement and honors levels classes, he has been a member of the soccer team for four years and has received All-League, Honorable Mention and the Coach’s Award. 

Crook has been a member of the Science Olympiad team for two years and was named captain this year. She has been the editor of the school paper for three years and has played in the school band since sixth-grade. Outside of school, she volunteers at Sunday school and pursues creative writing. 

“It’s really an incredible accomplishment [to be the salutatorian],” she said. “It’s nice to be recognized for all the hard work that we had to put in in order to achieve the level that we did and to be singled out for your efforts or your diligence is something I am proud of, but to have it recognized feels good.”

The soon-to-be graduates said if they could give any piece of advice to the incoming freshmen, it would be to take a variety of classes, pursue their interests and always do their best. 

“I’d tell them to keep an open mind about all classes in general, and to take a variety of different classes because even though we’re a small school, we do offer a lot of different electives and classes you can take to explore a lot of different interests,” Crook said. 

In the fall, Shaw will attend Northeastern University, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering. Crook plans to pursue a major in physics and a minor in astrophysics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Third-graders at F.E. Bellows Elementary School – who had been studying about the culture, geography, food, history and sports of Japan as part of their curriculum –participated in the annual Japan Day on May 26.

Throughout the day, the students immersed themselves into the Japanese culture by participating in a number of hands-on activities and workshops, including traditional food, origami, calligraphy, martial arts and more. They learned about the significance of kimonos, understood what people say before and after a meal and discussed what school is like for students in Japan. They also practiced calligraphy and wrote a Japanese word with a brush and ink and made their own “Kabuto” helmets. 

“[Japan Day] is meant as a cultural understanding of the Japanese culture and to provide the students with an appreciation and a greater comprehension,” said Ann Cullagh, a third-grade teacher and team leader. “We can appreciate our differences but celebrate the things that bind us.”

The celebration, which is deeply connected to the third-grade curriculum, was made possible thanks to parent volunteers and members of the Japanese community, who provided insight into numerous Japanese traditions. 

“The day is meaningful and it really has an impact [on students],” Cullagh said. “It’s meant to give them exposure and appreciation [of the Japanese culture].” 

Rye Neck Middle School will present “The Sound of Music” on June 8. The spectacular musical production will tell the story of Maria, a young nun who takes the job of a governess to seven children in Austria.

“Captain von Trapp and his children are captivated by Maria and the joy and music she brings to the family, but their happy lives are changed forever when an invasion strikes Austria,” music teacher and theater director Caitlin Corvini said. “Our middle school students have been working hard since early March and are very excited to share this timeless story with [their families] and the entire Rye Neck community.”

“The Sound of Music” features music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.”

“Please join us for a wonderful evening,” Corvini said.

The performance is scheduled for June 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rye Neck Performing Arts Center. Admission is free.

For the fourth consecutive year, Rye Neck Middle School was recognized as a Gold Star No Place for Hate School by the Anti-Defamation League. A small group of students, along with sixth-grade school counselor Meegan Lawlor and art teacher Trisha Appel accepted a banner during a ceremony in New York City on May 24.

Throughout the year, students promoted unity and respect among their peers and created a “Diversity Quilt” as part of the schoolwide No Place for Hate program. The program is designed to create an inclusive and tolerant school community by empowering students to reduce bullying.

“We look forward to participating in this program again next year,” Principal Eric Lutinski said.

Sixteen students from F.E. Bellows Elementary School, their parents and teacher Fiona Lyons joined the Mazarte Dance Company in the 11th annual Dance Parade and Festival event on May 20. Dance Parade New York is the world’s largest multi-cultural arts event, drawing dancers and spectators from the five boroughs of New York, as well as Westchester County and communities across the country.

Rye Neck’s participation was made possible through a collaboration between Co-Director of Counseling and Guidance Dr. Valerie Feit, F.E. Bellows Elementary School Principal Michael Scarantino and the generous support of the PTSA.

With graduation just a few weeks away, Rye Neck High School has ensured that all seniors are ready to embark on the next journey of their lives with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Through the school’s internship program, all members of the Class of 2017 are participating in internships for the remainder of the school year.

Karen Parisi, a social studies teacher and coordinator of the internship program, said the program provides students with an opportunity to experience a career of their choice while further exploring their interests and passions. Through the enriching experience, they’re able to learn important life lessons about responsibility and accountability, and apply their skills to real-life situations. The students have been exploring a number of fields, including medical research, physical therapy, education, real estate, architecture, engineering, public service, construction and more.

“The internship program allows students to explore an area that they would not have been exposed to in a traditional classroom setting,” Parisi said. “In addition to making new connections with people who can provide advice and guidance in future job searches, interns see what it is really like to work in a certain field. By the end of the internship, students have a clearer idea of whether they want to enter a profession and how to plan their future career goals.”

Since 1995, Rye Neck High School has been providing students with an opportunity to participate in an internship or complete an in-depth research assignment during their fourth-quarter marking period as a graduation requirement. This year, as well as last, all seniors participated in an internship of their choice.

“The program began with a handful of students and now, every senior participates in the internship program,” Parisi said. “In order to be eligible for an internship a student must be passing all classes. A student’s fourth-quarter grade in social studies and English is based on the internship assessment.”

Parisi said each student works with an internship mentor to gain professional knowledge and expertise, receive guidance and constructive feedback and complete assigned responsibilities. Throughout their internship, students are required to submit mentor evaluation forms, time sheets, an on-site interview and journal entries about their experience.