Wantagh Middle-Schoolers Recognized For Achievements

WANTAGH, NY — Wantagh middle-schools were recently honored for their achievements and character traits. Wantagh Middle School staff and administrators recognized students' hard work and determination during its annual awards ceremony, which was held virtuaally this year and was originally to be held on May 12.

The students were recognized for achievements in subject areas, departments and clubs, as well as for important traits including citizenship, leadership, courage, character and caring, the district said.

Administrators and faculty created a Flipgrid video in which each of the departments presented awards in video format. Students were named in the videos as award-recipients. After students had time to watch the video, award certificates and the full awards program were mailed to their homes.

"We hope that this virtual awards ceremony provides the same amount of excitement as the traditional awards ceremony typically brings," Principal Anthony Ciuffo said in a statement.

The district congratulated the students.

• DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution): Emma Burns (7th grade winner), James Tullo (8th grade winner), Kaitlin Dillon (7th grade runner-up) and Madeline Rose (8th grade runner-up)
• Social Studies 7: Nicholas Borello and Ava Padula
• Social Studies 8: Ryan Ferrara and Michael Michitsch
• English 7: Gabriel Avitabile, Emma Burns, Skylar Mondelli and Catherine Russo
• English 8: Olivia Belling, Amanda Combs, Michelle Smith and Madeline Rose

Mathematics

• 7th grade effort: Isabelle Byrne and Maya D’Auge
• 7th grade achievement: Edward Correa-Baez and Samantha Magri
• 8th grade effort: Stephen D’Amato, Sophia Pangretic and Mandy Krauss
• 8th grade achievement: Dominic DiMatteo, Hunter Fasano and Kyle Ivey
• Achievement in Algebra I Honors: Catherine Ibrahim and Maylani Lee

• Science 7: Evelyn Caputo, Skylar Mondelli and Isabella Sclafani
• Science 8: Amanda Coppola and Ryan Ferrara
• Earth Science: Stephen D’Amato, Catherine Ibrahim, Maylani Lee and Madeline Rose
• Modern Food: Shane Adams, Luke Donofrio, Ramy Latif and Madeline Rose
• National Geographic Bee: William Sigler (first place) and Madeline Rose (runner-up)

Music

• Orchestra 7: Alyssa Alexander, Elizabeth Kirchner, Ryan McGlade and Liam Rotzler
• Orchestra 8: Dean Armstrong, Katrina Pastore, Madeline Rose and Madison Smith
• Chorus 7: Sabrina Albano, Krista Dowling, Brianna Henriques and Tasso Kasimis
• Chorus 8: Hunter Fasano, Madelyn Hartmann, Sean Hill-Hotz and Sierra Kenny
• Band 7: Jamielynn Korotki, Skylar Mondelli, Aditya Pasricha and Matthew Riley
• Band 8: Melissa Lento, Shane Russo, Jaclyn Silverman and Alec Spar
• Library Science: Dean Armstrong, Sara Fioribello, Heather Sheridan and Madison Smith
• Physical Education 7: Juliana Cerasi and Logan Rivera
• Physical Education 8: Dean Armstrong and Katrina Pastore

Art

• Grade 7 - Alyssa Alexander, Mattea Conforti, Ava Padula and Isabella Sclafani
• Grade 8 Olivia Belling, Heather Sheridan, Madison Smith and Nicoletta Zito
• Digital Arts: Mario Innella, Maya Lembo, Patrick Lucey and Heather Sheridan
• Printmaking: Bethany Boland, Grace Fulton, Meghan Libby and Arianna Minerva

• World Language: Abigail Ardelean (French 7), Gabriel Avitabile (Italian 7), Lyla Ingrilli
• (Spanish 7), Rielly Ross (French 8), Adrianna Oronges and Daniella Oronges (Italian 8) and Louis DeLuca (Spanish 8)
• The Justine Nieckarz Award: Shawn Bailey, Alison Beatty, Michael Colaianni Jr., Peter Conlin, Ella Doyle, Tessa Genovese, Gabriella Loverde, Anthony Marullo, Frank McNally, Michael Michitsch, Mia Monniello, Joseph Mugavero, Emma Nicholas, Matthew Russo, Madison Smith, and Riley Smith
• LEAP (Leadership, Empathy, Accountability and Perseverance Award): Isabella Cicero, Jonathan Glasser, Lyla Ingrilli, Ryan McGlade, Taylor Naus, Aditya Pasricha, and Isabella Sandoval
• Wantagh Middle School Citizenship Award: Evelyn Caputo, Michael Colaianni Jr., Sara Fioribello, Mandy Krauss, Thomas Lagomarsino, Andrew Montagano, Brendan O’Callaghan, Madeline Rose, Heather Sheridan and James Tullo
• Comptroller’s Award: Meghan Lee, Maylani Lee, Anthony Lerro and Madison Smith
• Triple “C” Award: Jack Dankenbrink, Casey Kissinger, Michael Michitsch and Heather Sheridan
• Principal’s Award: Mandy Krauss
• B.E.S.T. (Most Hours of Service): Jacklynn LaMacchia, Margaret McLoughlin and Catherine Russo
• Drama: Madelyn Hartmann, Madeline Rose and Michelle Smith
• Entrepreneurship Club: Julia Cocchiola, Alexander Fasano, Maggie Massari and Matthew Silverman
• Eco Warriors Club: Sadie Merting and Riley Smith
• Home and Careers Club: Emine Sanal
• Jazz Band: Ryan Ferrara, Emily Korotki, Emma Nicholas and Andrew Pascucci
• Math Olympiads: Patrick Iskander and Thomas Leake
• Science Olympiads: Stephen D’Amato and Madison Smith
• Smoke Signals Excellence in Web Production/Journalism: Lorenzo Hilliard
• Student Council: Dominic DiMatteo
• Upstanders Club: Mandy Krauss and Nicholas Padgett
• Video Club: Riley Wood
• Wantagh Foundation Community Service Award: James Ambrosio
• Yoga and Mindfulness Club: Sadie Merting and Riley Smith