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From left, Shoreham-Wading River High School’s science research students Julianna O’Neill, Katelyn Schaefer, Alexandra Seletskaya, Dongkai Zhang and Derek Blanco. Photo courtesy of the SWRCSD.

Several students in Shoreham-Wading River High School’s science research class participated in the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, which is the regional competition that leads to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. 

Third-and fourth-year research students presented the work they completed in the last year to a panel of three judges, and received feedback and questions from each on their research. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the students to gain experience in speaking about their work, as well as being a culmination of their yearlong project, and a chance to gain an even deeper understanding of the science behind their experiments from professionals in the field,” science research teacher Dana Schaefer said.

Derek Blanco presented his work on the chemical analysis of sediment from the Shoreham-Wading River campus pond using tender X-ray spectroscopy. Dongkai Zhang presented his project looking at fatty acid production in the plant Camelina sativa. Julianna O’Neill and Katelyn Schaefer shared their examination of the most prevalent microplastics found in sediment from the Peconic Estuary and Alexandra Seletskaya shared the work she did examining the chemical composition of a carbonaceous chondrite meteor.

Blanco and Seletskaya are in the process of preparing manuscripts for publication for each of their projects, which will be submitted for publication prior to the end of the school year.

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Mattias Weber

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School senior Mattias Weber, a member of the combined fencing team with South Huntington’s Walt Whitman High School, won the gold medal in saber at the Suffolk County individual championships, held on Feb. 10 at Ward Melville High School.

In his junior year, the nationally-ranked Weber earned first-team All-Long Island honors and anchored his saber team to the gold medal at the prestigious Alan Kuver Memorial Relay fencing tournament, and prior to this season, was named one of Newsday’s top 10 boys fencers for 2023-24.

“Congratulations to Mattias, what an outstanding career he has had,” Elwood athletic director Dave Shanahan said.

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From left, Hauppauge High School seniors Vivian Derby, Melissa O’Connor and Jennifer Battaglia present their civic capstone project on the possibility of having off-campus lunch. Photo courtesy of Hauppauge School District

Hauppauge High School’s senior participation in government classes presented civic capstone projects, developing presentations around changes they would like to see in Hauppauge schools as part of their work toward earning the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.

Students in Mr. Matura’s and Ms. Burkhard’s classes were tasked with selecting an issue that they were passionate about, aiming to bring positive change and improvement to their high school community. The process involved research, collaborative efforts within their groups and the creation of impactful presentations. The students invited members of the high school staff, administration and central office team to listen to their proposals for change and engage in dialogue. 

“From identifying critical issues to proposing thoughtful solutions, our students have demonstrated a level of civic responsibility that is truly commendable,” Matura said. 

“The presentations were informative and reflective of the students’ deep commitment to civic engagement,” said Director of Social Studies and World Languages Kelly Barry. “This assignment focuses more on the process than the outcome. It teaches our students to consider multiple viewpoints and gain an understanding of various perspectives on an issue. These skills will help our students succeed in any path they choose after graduation. We are proud of all of them. I am grateful for their teachers’ dedication to preparing them, guiding them through the process and teaching them how to advocate for positive change in the school community and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for the support and participation of our superintendent, Donald Murphy, and members of our central office team, as well as all of the administrators and teachers who took the time to listen to the student presentations.”

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Arthur Oneal

Arthur Oneal Allegedly Recorded Himself Raping a Woman While She Was Unconscious

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 24 that Arthur Oneal, 36, of Centereach, was indicted for Rape in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, for allegedly drugging and then raping a woman while he recorded the incident.

“Accountability for perpetrators of sexual abuse is not just a legal obligation, but also a moral one,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will do everything in its power to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable, not just for the sake of justice, but to protect and empower survivors and to send a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”

According to the investigation, on December 9, 2023, Oneal allegedly brought the victim to his home in Centereach after drugging her with a sleep-aid while they were having drinks in Huntington. The defendant then allegedly sexually assaulted the victim until she lost consciousness. The victim later woke up in a bed next to Oneal and saw blood on the sheets. The victim went to a local hospital where a SANE examination was performed, which concluded that the victim had suffered recent sexual abuse. The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner tested a sample of the victim’s urine, which revealed that Zolpidiem, commonly known as Ambien, was present. The victim did not voluntarily ingest Ambien at any time prior to the urinalysis.

During law enforcement’s investigation, detectives recovered videos and images from Oneal’s cell phone which allegedly depict the victim being sexually assaulted by the defendant while she was unconscious. Detectives also allegedly recovered bloody sheets and multiple pairs of women’s underwear from Oneal’s home.

On February 23, 2024, Oneal was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge, the Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, charging him with one count of Rape in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D violent felony. Judge Wilutis ordered Oneal held on $500,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Oneal is due back in court on March 11, 2024, and he is being represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Aileen E. Iorio of the Major Crime Bureau with the investigation conducted by Detective Anthony Parenti of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

If you or someone you know believe you have been victimized by Arthur Oneal, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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Rocky Point varsity cheer team. Photo courtesy RPSD.

The Rocky Point varsity cheerleading team placed first in Small Division II at the Universal Cheer Association National High School Cheerleading Championships on Feb. 9-12 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. 

Throughout the weekend the team competed against over 90 teams. Competing three times with zero deductions in their routine. Rocky Point also won this award in 2020. 

Congratulations to the team members and coaches Samantha Ferrara and Jessica Fleischer, both winning a national championship in their first season. Coach Ferrara was a seventh grader on the Rocky Point varsity team when they won their third national title in 2014 under the tutelage of coach Anna Spallina. She is in an elite group of cheer coaches who have won a national championship as both a cheerleader and a coach.

Winning team members are Ariana Amato, Kaylee Gallino, Abby Rae Hughes, Samantha Morelli, Sophia Musraca, Caiden Palank, Alexis Polaski, Ella Reisinger, Reese Rogers, Alison Rubinetti, Callie Russell, Edie Sternkopf, Adrianna Tavolaro, Ella Velazquez, Avery Ward and Scarlett Ward. 

“This team continually displays tremendous effort and sets high standards for winning,” Rocky Point athletic director Jonathon Rufa said. “The girls began the year knowing that a national championship was possible for Rocky Point and they continued to gain confidence, power and focus throughout the season to achieve one of their championship goals.”

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Newfield’s Farrah Khatoun, Ben Rasmussen and Corey Giles with their Tournament Skills Champion trophy. Photo courtesy MCCSD

The Newfield High School robotics team, the Roverines, recently displayed their skill and dedication at the VEX Over Under Robotics Competition in Farmingdale. The Roverines earned the Tournament Skills Champion trophy while reaching the finals of the tournament. 

Newfield High School principal, Scott Graviano, was duly impressed with the work of the Roverines.

 “Their dedication, hard work and passion displayed were truly inspiring,” Graviano said. “To reach the finals of a tournament as competitive as the VEX Over Under Competition is a testament to the Roverines’ talent and commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to have them represent Newfield High School at the upcoming New York State championship.” 

The Roverines robotics team left no room for doubt about their abilities as they scored an impressive 257 points in the skills portion of the tournament. Their performance earned them the Tournament Skills title and set a new standard for excellence in the competition. The second-place robot trailed behind by 72 points, scoring 185 points. The performance earned the Roverines a well-deserved invitation to the highly prestigious VEX Robotics New York State Championship Tournament, which will take place Sunday, March 3, in Katonah. There, the Roverines will compete against other top-notch teams from across the state. 

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ achievements, please visit the district’s website at www.mccsd.net. 

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Shawana Williams
Tina White

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 23 that Tina White, 36, of Bellport, and Shawana Williams, 45, of Centereach, each pleaded guilty to unlawfully receiving thousands of dollars for filing separate, fraudulent Small Business Administration loan applications.

“At a time where people were falling ill to COVID-19 and struggling financially, these two U.S. government employees abused a system designed to assist small businesses in order to line their own pockets,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I want to thank the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for working with my office to investigate and prosecute those who would steal taxpayer funds.”

According to the investigation and the defendants’ admissions during their guilty plea allocutions, on May 7, 2020, and July 6, 2020, respectively, White and Williams each filed COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications with the Small Business Administration in which they each claimed to be the owners of businesses in need of financial assistance due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

White claimed to be the Chief Operating Officer of an agricultural business, and Williams claimed to be the Chief Operating Officer of a medical services business. However, neither business existed. White received $6,000 and Williams received $4,000 as initial cash advancements while their respective loan applications were being processed. Both loan applications were ultimately denied, but White and Williams never returned the money they unlawfully received.

On December 21, 2023, Tina White pleaded guilty before Acting County Court Judge, the Honorable James McDonaugh, to Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. White paid restitution in the amount of $6,000, and was sentenced on December 21, 2023 to a conditional discharge.

On February 23, 2024, Shawana Williams pleaded guilty before Judge McDonaugh to Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree and Petit Larceny, both Class A misdemeanors. She paid restitution in the amount of $4,000, and was sentenced on February 23, 2024 to a conditional discharge.

Both White and Williams were represented by Michael Brown, Esq.

These cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katharine D’Aquila of the Public Corruption Bureau.

 

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Police car

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 23 that Jordan Endler, 46, of East Northport, an attorney based in Suffolk County, was arrested for alleged Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree and Harassment in the Second Degree, for allegedly remaining in a mosque after being asked by an employee to leave and harassing the employee.

“I want to remind everyone that no matter what else is going on in the world, here in Suffolk County, we will not tolerate bias or hate. I want to thank the Muslim community for alerting us to this incident, so that detectives from our office and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Hate Crimes Unit can continue to investigate it,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all Suffolk County residents feel safe in their houses of worship, regardless of their faith.”

According to the investigation, on February 21, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Endler knocked on the door of the Islamic Center of Melville and allegedly began questioning the employee who opened the door. Endler then asked the employee to come inside the mosque, and the employee let him in. Once inside, Endler allegedly began harassing the employee.

The employee asked Endler to leave the Center, but Endler allegedly refused, began yelling at the employee, and stayed inside the building until police arrived. Endler was arrested by the Suffolk County Police Department at his home on February 22, 2024.

On February 23, 2024, Endler was arraigned on one count of Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree, a Class B misdemeanor, and Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation, before District Court Judge, the Honorable Alonzo G. Jacobs. Judge Jacobs ordered Endler released on his own recognizance during the pendency of the case but issued an order of protection for the employee at the request of the District Attorney’s office. Under current New York State law, the offenses Endler is charged with are considered non-bail eligible. Endler is due back in court on April 3, 2024, and he is being represented by Bob Curran, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Emma Behrens of the Intake & Discovery Compliance Bureau.

 

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Fifth graders tested their filtration systems by pouring dirt mixed with water through the top, yielding cleaner water after passing through the filter. Photo courtesy of TVCSD
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Fifth graders tested their filtration systems by pouring dirt mixed with water through the top, yielding cleaner water after passing through the filter. Photo courtesy of TVCSD
Fifth graders tested their filtration systems by pouring dirt mixed with water through the top, yielding cleaner water after passing through the filter. Photo courtesy of TVCSD
Fifth graders tested their filtration systems by pouring dirt mixed with water through the top, yielding cleaner water after passing through the filter. Photo courtesy of TVCSD
Fifth graders tested their filtration systems by pouring dirt mixed with water through the top, yielding cleaner water after passing through the filter. Photo courtesy of TVCSD
Fifth graders tested their filtration systems by pouring dirt mixed with water through the top, yielding cleaner water after passing through the filter. Photo courtesy of TVCSD

Fifth graders at Arrowhead Elementary School turned environmental engineers during a recent science lab with Ms. Lukralle. Students learned about how people can protect earth’s systems and were tasked with building their own water filters.

Students were given several materials to design a filter including a sponge, cotton balls, gravel, rocks, sand and a coffee filter. They examined the materials and noted the properties of each before drawing a diagram of what their filter would look like. Next, they constructed their filters inside of a plastic water bottle.

The fifth graders put their filters to the test by mixing soil and water together, then pouring them over their filtration systems. For many students, cleaner water dripped into a cup underneath, showing the effectiveness of their filters. 

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole from a Kings Park store in January.

A man allegedly stole merchandise valued at $674 from T.J. Maxx, located at 42 Indian Head Road, on January 27 at approximately 3:45 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online atwww.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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