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During the 124th commencement ceremony on June 26, 119 members of Rye Neck High School’s Class of 2019 received their diplomas. The students celebrated their accomplishments and the completion of their secondary school experience before an audience of friends, family, teachers and administrators.

Principal Tina Wilson welcomed the guests and praised the students’ impressive accomplishments, which include $46,850 in scholarships, 18,600 hours of community service and representing Rye Neck at 64 higher education institutions in 18 states and three countries. She encouraged the students to enjoy every moment along their journey and the relationships they develop along the way. 

“Harness all of the positive attributes you have developed,” said Wilson, who described the graduates as a group of bright, caring and intelligent young adults. “Use your empathy, activism, confidence, grit, ambition and intelligence to make our communities stronger. Be kind to others, but most importantly, be kind to yourself.” 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro reflected on the close friendships the students have made and the treasured time they have spent together, which for many of them started in Rye Neck as far back as kindergarten. She also paid tribute to the students’ kindness and generosity and encouraged them to continue to be creative, caring and community-minded individuals.

“As you prepare to take the next step along life’s journey, I know that you certainly have the capacity to make a difference in the world and to touch the lives of others in a meaningful way,” Dr. Ferraro said. “Take advantage of the knowledge you have gained as Rye Neck students. Along with the friendships that you have made, they will support your life’s work.” 

The graduates also heard from guest keynote speaker Amy Carelli, a RNHS Class of 2009 graduate, as well as salutatorian Grace O’Rourke, who paid tribute to her classmates’ accomplishments and described them as talented, dedicated and ambitious. In his address, valedictorian Rafael Zyngier reflected on the importance of enjoying your life and living in the moment, rather than accumulating a list of accomplishments. 

“Finding satisfaction with our accomplishments really stems from being happy with the decisions we make along the way,” he said. “Success means something different to everyone, so make your decisions according to your vision and keep in mind the clarity in those moments of reflection. Only we can determine if we are happy with ourselves.” 

Zyngier encouraged his fellow graduates to find a place where they appreciate those around them and are treated respectfully, and, most importantly, do something worthwhile. 

“We all have wonderful lives ahead of us, filled with the wonder and danger and excitement of the unknown,” he said. “But it’s up to us to grasp those opportunities and take advantage of everything life offers.” 

One by one, and after years of hard work and dedication, the students took hold of their diplomas before taking their first steps as Rye Neck High School alumni.  

Members of Rye Neck High School’s Science Research Program celebrated their outstanding achievements and showcased their science research projects during the 17th annual Science Research Symposium, held on June 4 in the middle/high school campus library.

The evening consisted of posterboard presentations by first-, second- and third-year students in the program, who had been developing their ideas and refining their research throughout the year. Junior Lisa Engelen and seniors Ema Jovanovic, Marion Kerviche, Elizabeth Mioli, Anna Nakagama, Rebecca Super, Rebecca Tenner and Melissa Valqui presented their science research and discussed their findings, while senior Nicole Pereira provided the evening’s keynote address before an audience of peers, parents and teachers. 

Pereira presented her project, “The Effect of Valproic Acid on the Memory and Social Behavior of Blaberus Discoidalis Cockroaches.” Jovanovic presented her research, “The Effects of Valerian on Social Facilitation in Blaberus Discoidalis Cockroaches.” Kerviche and Engelen presented their project, “The Effects of Facial Features on Political Candidates’ Chances of Election.” Mioli presented her project, “The Knowledge and Perceptions of Concussions Amongst Adolescents.” Anna Nakagama and Rebecca Tenner presented their project, “High School Students’ Perceptions and Knowledge of and Access to Vaccinations.” Super presented her research, “Cardiac Development of Mice Lacking the Crk and CrkL Genes.” Valqui presented her research, “The Effect of Time and Implantation of False Memories on Eyewitness Testimony Memory.”

The Science Research Program provides students with the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of a topic of their choice and conduct independent research with the help of a mentor in a variety of scientific areas, including biology, medicine, computer science, mathematics, physics, space science, social sciences and psychology. Over the course of the program, students complete projects in labs and participate in numerous competitions at the local and national level.

Members of the science research program include first-year students Kimberly Carlton, Jackson Hillyer, Marion Kerviche, Zachary Leontiou Ava Liebmann; second-year students Jonathan Marcuse, Elizabeth Mioli and Owen Robertson; and third-year students Lisa Engelen, Adam Galluccio, Ema Jovanovic, Anna Nakagama, Nicole Pereira, Rebecca Super, Rebecca Tenner and Melissa Valqui. 

Rye Neck High School’s musical production of “Grease” won four awards from the prestigious 2019 Metropolitan High School Theater Awards during a ceremony held on June 10 at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. 

Ethan Chin won the male dance performance for his role as Johnny Casino, Kathryn Krull won the musical direction award, Ris Igrec won an award in the teacher-nominated technical merit category for her work as director of costumes, and the theater program won the stage crew award for the hardworking students serving in backstage duties.

“I’m so happy for our students and the entire cast and crew of ‘Grease,’” theater director Scott Harris said. “While we already knew we had put on a fantastic show, it’s a pleasure for the students to receive this recognition from the judges that came to see our production. I’m very proud of what the theater department achieved this year, and I am already looking forward to next year’s productions.”

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

Juniors and seniors were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments during the annual Rye Neck High School Awards Ceremony on May 30. They were presented with awards in a variety of categories, including academics, arts, athletics and community scholarships. 

Principal Tina Wilson provided the opening remarks before Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ferraro recognized seniors Rafael Zyngier and Grace O’Rourke as the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2019. Administrators and teachers presented academic awards to students in each department, including English, science, math, technology, social studies, foreign languages, arts, music, health and physical education, and special achievement and community service. 

Curtis Alter, Joseph Catanzariti, Doris Igrec, Ema Jovanovic, Grace O’Rourke, Margaret Victory and Rafael Zyngier were recognized for being the 2019 National Merit Commended Students. Risa Liebmann, Delaney Park and Elena Tisnovsky were recognized for being 2019 National Merit finalists.

The Blue Ribbon Award for Service, Leadership, Achievement and Rye Neck Spirit was awarded to Julian Allison, Stella Ewen-Tanaka, Cole Hodys, Doris Igrec, Lucia Kaempf, Colin Kelly, Olivia King, Jose Latorre, Risa Liebmann, Elizabeth Mioli, Charlotte Murphy, Anna Nakagama, Nicole Pereira and Rebecca Tenner. The PTSA Scholarship Award, presented to a graduating senior who consistently exemplified scholastic integrity, commitment to the school community and an admirable record of volunteerism, was awarded to Stephanie Corona.