Deer Park High Schoolers Recognized at Breakfast for Champions

At Deer Park High School’s biannual Breakfast for Champions, 18 remarkable students were highlighted by teachers and administrators for their hard work and unique achievements.

Twice per school year, each of the 15 high school departments selects an honored student as champion, along with three additional champions chosen by principals and a teacher. Joined by their proud parents, the young men and women were recognized at a Nov. 14 ceremony in the school’s library.

“Congratulations to the students and their families,” said Principal James Cummings, noting the challenges faced by the current generation. “This is a tough time to be growing up, but these kids embody the core values that are still imperative and valuable to success.”

Honorees receiving plaques at the Fall 2014 edition of the Breakfast for Champions included Regina Ambrosio (art), Madison Sluter (athletics), James Niemiera (business), Alexis Maldonado (English language arts), Lidia Martinez (ESL), Melissa Fisk (family and consumer science), Hanife Ozbay (guidance), Joseph Vaccaro (health), Samantha Guglielmi (math), Samantha Tucci (performing arts), Justin Ruggia (physical education), Dominick Cito (science), Jayda Brown (social studies), Brandon Ruiz (technology) and Micaela Morello (world languages). The Principal’s Award was presented to Ahmadi Aydelott, the Associate Principal’s Award to Marcus Rivera, and the Teacher’s Choice Award to Rachel Bauer.

Each nominating teacher or administrator presented a plaque to his or her chosen student and spoke about their achievements and special qualities.

Technology teacher Bruce Sander displayed a to-scale drawing of the high school from the ground up, created by Ruiz over a two-year period, and noted that the student’s architectural design skills were so advanced that he will be creating plans of other district buildings for homeland security purposes.

ESL teacher Liz Gleason explained how Martinez, who has only resided in the U.S. for two years, has made such strides that she helps other newcomers and serves as Gleason’s “personal translator.”

Guidance counselor Noel Skelton detailed how Ozbay overcame leukemia, chemotherapy and a hospital stay while working hard with tutors to maintain her academic studies before her cancer went into remission.

“She is truly an inspiration and definitely one of my heroes,” he said.

Musicians from the high school’s laudable string ensemble played a selection of classical pieces as a pleasant accompaniment to the breakfast.

Photo 1- (Clockwise from top left) Outstanding Deer Park High School students Ahmadi Aydelott, Joseph Vaccaro, Justin Ruggia, Brandon Ruiz, Alexis Maldonado, Hanife Ozbay, Dominick Cito, Jayda Brown, Marcus Rivera, Micaela Morello, Samantha Tucci, James Niemiera, Rachel Bauer, Melissa Fisk, Madison Sluter, Regina Ambrosio, Samantha Guglielmi and Lidia Martinez were recognized at the school’s biannual Breakfast for Champions ceremony.

Photo 2- Deer Park High School’s Hanife Ozbay was recognized as one of 18 outstanding students by the school’s guidance department at the biannual Breakfast for Champions.

Photos by Deer Park School District

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