Sayville Public Schools Celebrate Excellence Across Music and the Arts

At a Board meeting on May 12, the Sayville Board of Education proudly recognized numerous students for their outstanding achievements in music, writing, photography, visual arts, dance, and composition. Students were additionally honored for their selections to the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) All-County ensembles, which are under the direction of Kerri Van Boxel.

“Our students continue to impress us with their extraordinary talents, creativity, and dedication across so many areas,” said Dr. Marc Ferris, Superintendent of Schools. “Whether through music, writing, photography, dance, or visual arts, these students have demonstrated a commitment to excellence that makes the entire Sayville community proud. We congratulate all of our honorees and thank our teachers, advisors, and families for supporting and encouraging their success.”

SCMEA Division 1 All-County Chorus

• Emily Clancy
• Emily Minerva
• Violet Senatore

SCMEA Division 1 All-County Band

• Jason Felice
• Zachary Helbock
• Owen Westervelt

SCMEA Division 1 All-County Orchestra

• Ryan Serraino
• Maybelle Valenti

SCMEA Division 2 All-County Chorus

• Cameron Alvarado
• Avery Gilbert
• Maddox Marino
• Emily Miller
• Emily Swift

SCMEA Division 2 All-County Band

• Mason Rothstein

SCMEA Division 2 All-County Orchestra

• Adam Arment
• Christopher Larkin
• Jameson Vaccaro

Winners of the 2026 Pilot Club Essay Contest, Sayville My Hometown

• Gabriella Snider – Sunrise Drive Elementary School
• Leo Furshpan – Cherry Avenue Elementary School
• Leilah Papa – Lincoln Avenue Elementary School

PTA Reflections Winners in Literature

• Amelie Parisi – Intermediate (advancing to Suffolk level)
• Finley Wade – Intermediate (advancing to Suffolk level)
• Blake Pintar – Primary (advanced to New York State level)

PTA Reflections Winners in Music / Music Composition

• Emerson Wade – Intermediate (advancing to Suffolk level)
• Keira Aarne – Intermediate (advancing to Suffolk level)
• Blake Pintar – Primary (earned Excellence in Music Composition at the New York State level and advancing to the National level)

PTA Reflections Winners in Photography

• Madison Kennedy – Primary (advancing to New York State level)
• Annalise Donals – Intermediate (received Award of Merit at the New York State level)
• Ariana Dey – Intermediate (advancing to Suffolk level)

PTA Reflections Winners in Dance

• Ella Matheson – Primary (advancing to New York State level in Dance Choreography)
• Penelope Rae Rasmussen – Intermediate (advancing to Suffolk level)
• Olivia Matheson – Intermediate (advancing to Suffolk level)

PTA Reflections Winners in Visual Arts

• Reese Mullin – Intermediate School (advancing to New York State level)
• Emerson Wade – Intermediate (advancing to Suffolk level)
• Christopher Merlo – Primary (advancing to Suffolk level)
• Madison Kennedy – Primary (advancing to Suffolk level)

For more information on the Sayville Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at sayvilleschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saydistrictpr. #CaringAndLearning