The Deer Park School District honored the exceptional commitment of its Board of Education for School Board Recognition Week at the Oct. 28 board meeting. In a heartwarming special tribute led by teachers Diana Saparito and Ashley Woolsey, John Quincy Adams Primary School students sang “A Million Dreams” to thank the Board for helping them reach their goals and dreams.

“In Deer Park, we are extremely fortunate to have the seven people that we have on the Board,” Superintendent James Cummings said, lauding their dedication to the district’s students “The only thing they care about is what’s best for our kids, and that comes out in every decision that they make.”

Additionally, Deer Park High School seniors Lauren Marable, Onwuka Offiah and Jaidyn Schabe were recognized for recently being named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Date Added: 10/31/2025

Deer Park High School celebrated its third annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Oct. 17, honoring a new class of outstanding contributors to the school’s athletic legacy. This year’s inductees included 13 individual athletes, two coaches, two honorary members, and one former team, all recognized for their lasting impact on the program.

The evening was filled with pride and nostalgia as honorees gathered in the auditorium, reconnecting with former teammates, coaches and friends. One by one, the inductees took the stage to be introduced with heartfelt tributes highlighting their many achievements. Following the ceremony, they admired their official plaques newly installed in the Hall of Fame wing outside the gym, a lasting tribute to their accomplishments and the enduring Falcons spirit.

The 2025 Hall of Fame induction class included the 1980 varsity baseball team (coach Carmine Argenziano and athletes John Antretter, Jasper Barone, Kevin Baugh, Linda Bertsch, Dave Bockstruck, John Brand, Diana Cellini, Brian Curley, Rich DiMaggio,     Alan Goldblatt, Quentin Greco, John Kaiser, Steve Kroencke, Joe LaDonna, Rich Loeb, Mike Miller, Shawn Miller, Lenny Petrone, Joe Purcell, Donald Quigley, Larry Rosano, Bill Russo and Jim Walters); Cary Gluck in the Coaches category; Dr. Anthony Donatelli and Steven Zimmerman as honorary members; and Thomas Cox, Ted DiPasquale, Malik Edmead, Mark Ganzer, Kishana Hudson, Michael McLaughlin, Michael McLaughlin, Patrick Policastro, Sabrina Riley, Ray Searage, Joseph Valentine, Larisa Zambelli and Adam Zimmerman in the Athletes category.

Date Added: 10/29/2025

Deer Park High School juniors and seniors visited St. John’s University campus in Queens on Oct. 8. The tour was a great opportunity for the students to see first-hand what SJU offers, both in terms of academic rigor and campus life.  

Date Added: 10/22/2025

Proudly wearing the school colors of white, grey, and maroon, the entire Deer Park school community came together on the sunny morning of Oct. 18 for a joyful homecoming parade, marching from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School to Deer Park High School. Serving as grand marshal was longtime Deer Park resident and district custodian Tony Santoro, a proud member of the Deer Park High School Class of 1977 and dedicated Deer Park Fire Department.

Once everyone gathered at Al Centamore Football Field Football Field for the pregame ceremony, Student Council President Ava Bush led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by the Phoenix Club. The celebration continued with recognition of the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, and County Legislator Tom Donnelly presented Santoro with a special commendation.

“Tony lives his life as a great example of what it means to be a valued community member,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “For all that you do, Tony, here at Deer Park High School, for all the happiness you bring to our beautiful town, and especially for what you mean to Deer Park and all of us, we celebrate and honor you today.”

The crowd was then treated to energetic performances by the Robert Frost Middle School and varsity kickline teams, as well as the PAL, Frost, JV, and varsity cheerleaders. Adding a royal highlight to the ceremony, Kerwin Bartholomew and Alexis Borowski were crowned homecoming king and queen and took their ceremonial ride around the track as the Phoenix Club performed the school’s alma mater. Members of the homecoming court included Ilayda Avcu, Pearse Boylan, Heidy Gonzalez Morales, Thomas Luscardi, Jaheim McCallum and Mischa Rose.

While awaiting the big game kickoff, the Student Council hosted a festive Fall Festival behind the stands, featuring pumpkin decorating, face painting with the Art Club, and a food drive to support local families.

Deer Park’s Falcons came out fast and furious, with wide receiver/defensive back Christian Myrick returning a 71-yard punt for the game’s first touchdown. Myrick added two more exciting TDs before the second quarter ended, but Newfield’s Wolverines ultimately prevailed, 42-21. 

At halftime, the Marching Falcons electrified the crowd with a rousing performance, and the winners of the high school’s float contest were announced – the seniors captured first place, followed by the juniors in second, sophomores in third and freshmen in fourth.

Date Added: 10/21/2025

Deer Park High School’s 2025 pep rally on Oct. 17 was a spirited celebration of school pride, energizing students and staff for the following day’s homecoming festivities. The event began in the cafeteria with photo ops for the school’s athletic squads, and continued onto the football field, where excitement filled the stands as each team made its entrance to cheers from the crowd. Performances by the Phoenix Club vocal ensemble, Marching Falcons band, kickline, and varsity and JV cheerleaders – as well as the amusing antics of the Falcon mascot – added to the festive atmosphere and showcased true school spirit.

Date Added: 10/20/2025