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TBR News Media sent a Q&A to local salutatorians and valedictorians, asking about the strategies that helped them become their school’s top performers. Here are the scholars leading Centereach High School’s Class of 2025 in the Middle Country Central School District.

Centereach High School Valedictorian Shawn Edbert

Shawn Edbert: Valedictorian

•GPA:  102.39.

•Activities: Robotics Club, Captain of the Varsity Golf Team, National Honor Society & National Technical Honor Society, French Horn. 

•Attending University of Pennsylvania

Ben Taciak: Salutatorian

•GPA: 102.0

•Activities: General Organization President (Student Body President), National Honor Society President, Environmental E-STEM Secretary, Math Team, Science Olympiad, Varsity Golf, Varsity Wrestling

•Attending SUNY Binghamton

What advice would you give an incoming freshman?

 Edbert: My biggest advice would probably be to try new things. Get involved around you and figure out what you actually want to do. From there, you can weed out the activities you don’t like and really put all your effort and talents into the things you enjoy. Another tip is don’t do extracurricular activities just to have them. Do them because you actually enjoy what they offer whether it be a sport, club, etc.

 Taciak: I would recommend that freshmen get as involved as they can in whatever activities the school offers. They should try things outside of their comfort zone to find their passions, then ceaselessly work to further pursue those passions throughout the rest of their high school career.

Centereach High School Salutatorian Ben Taciak

How did you stay motivated throughout your studies?

 Edbert: I like to plan out the work I need to do each day so I don’t have an entire worksheet or assignment to do at the end of the week. I also prioritized having a good work-life balance. I always find it hard to just grind out school work without giving myself some fun in between. Hanging out with friends, watching a movie or show were both ways I enjoyed some time outside the classroom. Getting sleep at night was also important for me. I would never do work past 9:30 p.m. to ensure I get enough sleep and can continue my days with full energy.

 Taciak: I set small goals for myself (ex: study for 15 minutes today) so I wouldn’t be daunted by the larger tasks ahead of me. This helped me stay diligently focused on my larger goals like getting into college while minimizing burnout. I also emphasized the importance of having a work/life balance, making sure I spent time with my friends instead of solely focusing on my studies.

Please share some study habits you employ that helped you maintain high grades.

 Edbert: For the majority of my studying, I actually liked listening to noise in the background. I’ve actually put on shows in the background just to get me through all of the work I need to complete. I also like to work with other people. Teaching other peers the work I am learning helps me learn the material significantly more thoroughly.

 Taciak: For me, studying has always been difficult. I was never able to focus for long periods of time using all of the famous strategies and thus, I would work inefficiently. I felt like this for years until my brother gave me a valuable piece of advice: “Not every car works best using the same oil; you can’t expect the strategies that work for others to always work for you.” This changed my perspective and taught me to seek out what made me work as best as I could. For me, this is to go to a place like a library, use noise-canceling headphones, and play white noise while taking 5-minute rest intervals every 30 minutes.

What are your goals or career aspirations?

 Edbert: I am planning to try and get a dual degree in business and engineering. I want to try and startup my own company in the future focusing on the defense segment.

 Taciak: I hope to get a dual degree in Finance and Data Science and then work in the buy side of Private Equity.

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File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a Patchogue man after he left his son in a parked vehicle during
extreme temperatures on June 24.

Sixth Precinct officers responded to the parking lot of Walmart, located at 161 Centereach Mall, at
approximately 1:40 p.m. after a good Samaritan called 911 to report a child sleeping in a parked 2007
Toyota Highlander that was not running with the windows open a few inches.

Officers were able to reach through the window to unlock the vehicle and remove the child. The boy, 2,
was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment.

As first responders were administering aid to the child, his father, Keniarold Andre, 36, of West
Woodside Ave., returned to the vehicle and was arrested. Andre was charged with Endangering the
Welfare of a Child.

The child was in the vehicle, unattended, for approximately 20 minutes and the outside temperature was
approximately 100 degrees. He will be released to a family member and Suffolk County Child Protective Services was notified.

Andre will be held at the Sixth Precinct and arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on June 25.

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The Centereach High School robotics team at the convention. Photo courtesy the Middle Country Central School District
A scene from the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship. Photo courtesy of Middle Country Central School District
The Centereach High School robotics team at the convention. Photo courtesy the Middle Country Central School District
A scene from the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship. Photo courtesy of Middle Country Central School District
The Centereach High School robotics team at the convention. Photo courtesy the Middle Country Central School District
A scene from the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship. Photo courtesy of Middle Country Central School District

The Centereach High School robotics team showcased their engineering prowess and technology skills at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship, held May 9–11 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

The prestigious international event welcomed over 840 teams from more than 45 countries, uniting the world’s top young engineering minds in a celebration of creativity, collaboration and innovation.  

Centereach’s team, named the CouGears, a play on their district mascot the Cougar, participated in the highly competitive Engineering Division where they stood out for their technical acumen and collaborative spirit. Their outstanding sportsmanship and commitment to excellence earned them the coveted Worlds Sportsmanship Award, a distinction given to teams that exemplify kindness, respect and teamwork both on and off the competition field.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and character of our students,” said Centereach High School Principal Tom Bell. “Their passion for STEM and ability to work together under pressure was on full display. We couldn’t be prouder.”

The CouGears’ success at the world championship is the culmination of months of preparation and problem-solving, reinforcing Centereach High School’s commitment to STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities.

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

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The Picklr will open in Centereach in the fall.

The Picklr, an indoor pickleball franchise headquartered in Kaysville, Utah, has announced that they will be opening their first location on Long Island in the former Big Lots at 217 Middle Country Road in Centereach in the fall of this year.

The Picklr will move into the former Big Lots in Centereach.

The 33,900-square-foot location will feature 10 courts with high-quality proprietary outdoor surfacing from Just Courts, as well as full pro shop, and private event space.

Members of The Picklr will have access to unlimited open play, league play, and tournaments and an option to enroll in private and semi-private lessons and clinics by The Picklr’s certified trainers. Additionally, all members will have the ability to use their membership at all The Picklr locations nationwide. 

“The Picklr Centereach is our first club on Long Island in a multi-unit strategy to grow the sport and offer more courts for Long Islanders. We expect to announce additional club locations soon,” said Syosset resident Tom Neale, the Founder of Arete Sports Group, the franchisee with The Picklr rights to Long Island, in a press release.

“Part of our mission is to uplift people’s lives through the sport of pickleball and to contribute to the growth of the sport. We believe that once players discover The Picklr’s first class state-of-the-art premier facilities, an all-inclusive exceptional member experience, professional level playing conditions, and wide range of programs for every age and skill level, they’ll choose The Picklr as their home for pickleball,” he added.

The new club in Centereach is a part of The Picklr’s national expansion, including more than 475 new locations with roughly 4,750 courts being built over the next few years, according to the release.

For more information, visit thepicklr.com/location/centereach/.

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Savers in Centereach. Photo by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

Savers Thrift Store and Donation Center has announced the grand opening of its newest location at 51 Centereach Mall Drive in Centereach will be on Dec. 12. This is the chain’s 4th store in Suffolk County, along with Medford, Commack and Holbrook.

The 27,000 square foot store, located in the former Modell’s Sporting Goods off Middle Country Road, will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters Long Island. “Each time you donate items to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island at our store, we pay them for your stuff, providing revenue to help them fund important programs in your community. Our secondhand store is a one-stop shop to drop off your donations and declutter responsibly,” said the release. 

On its website, the company, which also goes by the name Value Village in other parts of the United States, says it “is committed to giving reusable items a second chance at life while helping save millions of pounds of clothing and household goods from landfills every year.” 

Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the hours for the donation center are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call 631-519-2158 or visit stores.savers.com.

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Malissa and Francis Mangogna

These are a few of our favorite things about the fall — pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and the annual Women’s EXPO at the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach on Thursday, October 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  More than just a trade show, the EXPO showcases the talents, products, and businesses of Long Island women entrepreneurs.

An initiative of the Middle Country Library Foundation, this annual event supports the work the library’s Miller Business Center does all year to help local entrepreneurs. 

“Advocating for women-owned businesses not only sets the stage for presenting to young women a path to entrepreneur possibilities,” says Carol Allen, CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union and the EXPO’s long-time Café Sponsor, “but has proven to be essential to overall grass-roots community and overall economic growth.”  

From limited access to funding to balancing personal and professional responsibilities, women entrepreneurs navigate numerous obstacles on their path to success. EXPO Supporting Sponsor Stony Brook Small Business Development Center’s Director Martha Stansbury, “applauds today’s women entrepreneurs for their perseverance in commercializing their business ideas.”

The EXPO not only celebrates these entrepreneurs but also highlights how supporting women-owned businesses strengthens community and economic growth across Long Island. The event not only brings shoppers, it connects the women with each other. “The EXPO provides an invaluable opportunity for women to connect, learn from one another, and collaborate. By coming together, we create a powerful network of support and innovation that fosters both personal and professional growth,” said Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Director of Middle Country Public Library.

Let’s shine a spotlight on some of the incredible local women entrepreneurs who will be this year’s Women’s EXPO:

Malissa and Francis Mangogna

Malissa and Francis Mangogna

Beam of Light Designs

Malissa and Frances Mangogna made a bold leap into entrepreneurship in the summer of 2023, launching Beam of Light Designs. Inspired by the creative potential of the Innovation Space at the Middle Country Public Library, they initially created laser-engraved items as gifts for friends and family. However, as interest in the designs grew, Malissa and Frances decided to turn their hobby into a business.

They started by selling through Instagram and Facebook, with last year’s EXPO being their first event. Meeting and speaking with people in-person allowed Malissa and Frances to learn more about what customers really want. Malissa loves designing new products, from custom ornaments to unique visor frames. She says that this year’s EXPO will feature even more personalized options and that they will be affordable. “I’ve been in a position where things were too expensive, and I don’t want anyone to feel that way about our products,” says Malissa. 

When asked about their biggest business success, Malissa says, “Our repeat customers. People order a personalized item and often order another right away.”

Vanessa Rodriguez

Vanessa Rodriguez

Creations by Bazookilla

Returning for her second year, Vanessa Rodriguez of Creations by Bazookilla reflects on how far she’s come since last year, when she attended her first ever event – the Women’s EXPO.  Vanessa taught herself to crochet, giving her blankets, hats, and more to friends and family. “People would always tell me I should sell my items, but it was just something I did for fun.” That changed when her friend and mentor gave her the push she needed. “I wasn’t sure I could do it,” Vanessa admitted. “But I’m so glad she pushed me into it.” Vanessa, a single mother, balances her budding business with her studies in payroll management. Despite the challenges, she continues, driven by the memory of her late father, whose work ethic continues to inspire her to move forward. 

She met many fellow women entrepreneurs at the last EXPO, including Lisa Brunetti of Fashion Forward with Lisa. Since connecting at the EXPO, Lisa has encouraged Vanessa to sell her products at Retro Relics in Lake Grove and join a networking group. Vanessa joined TNT and through the meetings she has gained vital support, helping her business grow. She says, “The best thing about starting this business has been meeting new people—other entrepreneurs—and connecting with them.” From hobbyist to business owner, from uncertainty to confidence, Vanessa feels like this year is her “moment.” And she’s just getting started.

Sue Folan

Sue Folan

Sue’s Balsamic Glazes

Sue Folan, a registered dietitian, was looking to do something different. Having spent a lot of time helping people season food in healthy ways and knowing balsamic glazes are an easy, healthy way to add that flavor, Sue’s Balsamic Glazes was born. 

Unsure where to start, Sue used some of the resources available to entrepreneurs in New York starting at the Stony Brook Small Business Development Center where a business counselor helped her get begin. Still Sue knew she needed to learn more about getting a food product to market safely, so she worked with the Cornell Center for Excellence for Food and Agriculture.  This led to her being invited to be a part of the inaugural session of the Cornell Food Spark, a program designed and led by leading food science experts to help entrepreneurs bring new food products to market. 

After all her hard work, Sue’s Balsamic Glazes were ready for market in June 2023. In her first year, Sue sold 3,700 bottles and is on track to sell more than 5,000 this year.  She is looking forward to her first EXPO.  Former EXPO vendors have recommended the event as “a great way to meet and talk with other women in business,” says Sue.

Even though being an entrepreneur means Sue works 7 days a week, she is excited about what’s to come.

Sena Kolayli

Sena Kolayli

The Cinnamon Candle

Sena Kolayli’s journey from chemist to candle maker is as unique as the hand-poured sculptural soy candles she creates. Originally from Turkey, Sena moved to the U.S. to work as a chemist at a pharmaceutical company, but her career path shifted when she became pregnant. Wanting to balance her desire to work with staying home to care for her son, Sena took an online candle-making course. With her background in chemistry, she saw an opportunity to create natural, safe candles and was determined to craft the best product possible.

Now in her third holiday season with The Cinnamon Candle, Sena has grown her business from a single color, scent, and mold to offering five scents and a variety of colors and designs. “I started small, but I’ve always wanted to keep growing and adding to my collection,” she said. She hopes to offer candle-making workshops in the future and possibly open a coffee/candle shop — an idea inspired by her sister’s love of coffee.

For Sena, the biggest success is the positive feedback from customers. “People tell me my candles make their homes beautiful, and that just makes me cry,” she said. “I put so much care and effort into every single candle.”

A neighbor mentioned how much she enjoyed the EXPO and encouraged Sena to apply. She is looking forward to being around other women entrepreneurs

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Whether it’s the corner deli, the local card shop or an entrepreneur at the Women’s EXPO, every local purchase is a vote of confidence in your community.

The 24th annual Women’s EXPO will take place on Thursday, October 10 at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and there is ample parking. For further information, call the library at 631-585-9393 x296 or visit www.womensEXPOli.org.

 

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Centereach girls volleyball vs. Deer Park on Sept. 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Centereach girls volleyball vs. Deer Park on Sept. 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Centereach girls volleyball vs. Deer Park on Sept. 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Centereach girls volleyball vs. Deer Park on Sept. 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Centereach girls volleyball vs. Deer Park on Sept. 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Centereach girls volleyball vs. Deer Park on Sept. 28. Photo by Bill Landon
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Chloe Arnaiz keeps the ball in play for the Cougars. Photo by Bill Landon
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Kayleigh Balsamo sets the play for the Cougars in a home game against Deer Park. Photo by Bill Landon
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Maya Cosmo passes the ball for Centereach. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

The Cougars of Centereach girls volleyball squad has won four out of six games to open their 2024 season, and in all of those four wins they have swept their opponent 3-0 in the best of five sets. 

The Cougars hosted Deer Park Saturday morning, Sept. 28, and made short work of their visitors, 25-17, 25-10 and 25-17, in the League III matchup for the fourth victory.

Outside hitter Chloe Arnaiz, a junior, led the way with 15 kills along with eight digs. Senior Meaghan Grieco notched eight kills and eight service aces, and Lexi DAttolico and Francesca Vera had four kills apiece.

Ashley Welch had 23 assists and Kayleigh Balsamo recorded 11.

— Photos by Bill Landon 

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Pixabay

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico declared a state of emergency at 8 a.m. on Aug. 19, due to severe rain in the Town of Brookhaven. Damage was especially severe on the North Shore, which experienced significant flooding.

The North Shore communities of the Town of Brookhaven were particularly hard-hit by the storm, which brought heavy rain, strong winds and flooding. Residents are urged to report storm-related issues by calling 631-451-TOWN (8696). For emergencies, dial 911. To report power outages or downed wires, contact PSEG at 800-490-0075 or visit www.psegliny.com.

To ensure accurate documentation of Brookhaven’s damages for potential federal, state and county funding, residents should complete Suffolk County’s online submission form, available on the Town’s website at www.brookhavenny.gov.

For ongoing updates on the storm, emergency contact information and additional resources, please visit the Town’s website.

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Middle Country Central School District. File photo

The Middle Country Central School District announced that Michael Cosmo from Centereach High School and Saitta Roy from Newfield High School are their schools’ respective Class of 2024 valedictorians, while Gregory Mears from Centereach High School and Danica Lyktey from Newfield High School are the salutatorians.

Throughout their four years in high school, these students excelled academically, were active community members, and participated in various extracurricular activities.

Centereach High School Class of 2024 valedictorian Michael Cosmo achieved outstanding academic success during his high school tenure. His weighted GPA of 103.9 is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Michael’s academic achievements include completing 13 AP classes and two additional college-level courses. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Beyond academics, Michael has made significant contributions to all facets of Centereach High School. He serves as the GO treasurer, demonstrating his leadership and involvement in school activities. Michael’s talents extend to the arts and athletics as well. He excels as a musician, playing the trumpet in the school’s jazz band and pit orchestra, and as a varsity basketball player and captain of the varsity tennis team. He has been recognized as an Academic All-County player by Suffolk County basketball coaches.

Moreover, Michael has shown a commitment to community service, tutoring elementary students, volunteering at basketball camps, and participating in Tri-M Music Honor Society-sponsored events. After graduation, Michael plans to pursue a career in law at Georgetown University, building on his internships with local lawmakers during high school.

Centereach High School Class of 2024 salutatorian Gregory Mears also achieved academic success. His combined SAT score of 1530 places him in the top 1% of all students nationally. Gregory has completed 11 AP classes and four additional college-level courses, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit Scholarship Commended student. He is a valued member of the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

In addition to his academic achievements, Gregory is deeply involved in Centereach High School’s co-curricular activities. He holds the position of vice president of the science club, co-founded the school’s chess club, and actively participates in Tri-M Music Honor Society-sponsored events. Gregory’s commitment to community service is evident through his hours spent with the Avalon Nature Initiative in Stony Brook. As a talented musician, he serves as principal bassist in the Philharmonic and chamber orchestras. Gregory embodies the spirit of the music department and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. After graduation, Gregory plans to pursue English literature at Colby College in Maine.

Newfield High School Class of 2024 valedictorian Saitta Roy boasts a weighted GPA of 102.19 and will have the potential to graduate in June with more than 30 college credits. She keeps herself busy as a member of the school’s mock trial team, the crochet club, the newspaper club, and the pit orchestra. She is also the vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and president of the National Honor Society.

Outside of school, Saitta works at the Middle Country Public Library and serves as a tutor, also known as a homework pal, for elementary-age students. Saitta has accumulated over 100 hours of community service as a book buddy, making donations to Stony Brook Hospital through the crochet club, serving food at the New Lane Elementary School MVP dance, and running a station at the Bicycle Path Literacy Expo through the National Honor Society. Saitta will be attending the University of Notre Dame, where she will major in mechanical engineering on her way to law school.

Newfield High School Class of 2024 salutatorian Danica Lyktey earned the number two spot out of 324 seniors, maintaining a 101.68 weighted GPA. She took a total of 15 AP and college-level classes throughout her high school career. Danica has the potential to graduate with more than 40 college credits.

Danica is an active member of the Spanish Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and is part of the school’s varsity kickline. Outside of school, she is a competitive dancer at Inspirations Performing Arts Centre and this year she is teaching a class for 3- to 6-year-old students. Danica will be attending SUNY Binghamton in the fall, majoring in psychology.

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

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By Samantha Rutt

All members of the Brookhaven Town Board at the May 16 meeting sported a green ribbon to signify their support for mental health awareness. “We are all wearing green ribbons … that is for mental health,” town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) said. “Statistics show one in five people in this country have a mental health issue. It is an issue that touches all of our lives, some of our families and what we want in the Town of Brookhaven for you to know you are not alone.” 

Panico continued, “There is help out there. If you feel you need help or a family member needs help, contact the supervisor’s office or your councilperson.”

Moving on to the public hearing portion of the meeting, several applications were addressed including a modified site plan of Mount Sinai Meadows. The plan to amend the excess materials to be removed from the site was approved and will have no financial impact. 

In Centereach, the Centereach Hyundai filed an application for a change of use for the reduction of the building size from 45,150 square feet to 40,091 square feet, update landscaping, lighting and parking areas, special permit for outdoor parking or overnight parking with variances for property located on the north side of Middle Country Road. The application was approved with oversight from the town Environmental Protection Division ensuring no significant impact on the environment. 

Soon after, the board addressed the resolution agenda portion of the meeting. As part of the town’s agreement with the Long Island Housing Partnership, an extension of the initial agreement was granted. This agreement from May 25, 2022, was created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. The general purposes of the program include expanding the supply of decent and affordable housing, particularly rental housing, for low and very low-income persons. The program is fully supported with HUD Federal funds. There is an adequate budget of $90K remaining resulting in no financial impact.

A request was made by District 1 councilmember, Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) for increased travel efficiency of the Port Jefferson Ferry terminal. The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company is currently in the process of a major construction project at the ferry terminal by connecting to a sewer line located in a Port Jefferson Village parking lot. Approval of the councilmember’s request is awaiting state Legislature approval. 

Still pending decision, the application by Staller Associates for a zone change from Business to a Commercial Redevelopment District located on Patchogue Road in Port Jefferson Station. The application, initially submitted in 2021, proposes a demolition of an existing commercial building and an addition of a new mixed-use development. The proposed development includes seven commercial buildings for retail, restaurant, health club, professional/medical buildings as well as 280 dwelling units — 20% of which will be marketed as affordable housing units. 

The next Town Board meeting will be held on June 6 at the Town Hall in Farmingville. For more information about the Town Board visit brookhavenny.portal.civicclerk.com.

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