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SBU’s African centers co-founders to speak at Provost’s lecture Feb. 11

by Press Release - February 6, 2025

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Martin_Patricia photos — Lawrence Martin and Patricia Wright. Photos courtesy of SBU

Stony Brook University’s Charles B. Wang Center Theater, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host the university’s February Provost Lecture, featuring distinguished anthropologists Patricia Wright and Lawrence Martin on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Each will each give a brief lecture about their work and its significance followed by a reception with light refreshments. The lecture and reception are free and open to the public.

See press release below for more information:

Did you know that Stony Brook University has important African research and scientific discovery centers? The Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) in Kenya and Centre ValBio in Madagascar are both university Institutes and Centers and co-founded by members of university faculty.

Two SUNY Distinguished Service Professors, Anthropology Lawrence Martin, PhD, co-founder and director emeritus of the TBI and Patricia Wright, PhD, founder and executive director of the Centre ValBio will be speaking about their centers and the impact of thir own research to the local and university community at the upcoming Provost’s Lecture Series. The series, hosted by university Provost Carl Lejuez, showcases Stony Brook faculty who have earned the rank of SUNY Distinguished faculty. The distinguished rank is the highest honor available to faculty in the State University of New York 64-campus system.

About Lawrence Martin: Professor Martin is an expert on the evolution of apes and the origin of humans. He worked with the late world-renowned paleoanthropologist and conservationist Richard Leakey to build a bastion for research on human evolution, Stony Brook’s Turkana Basin Institute, which he directed for 17 years

About Patricia Wright: Professor Wright founded Centre ValBio, the modern research campus in the rainforest of Madagascar where she has combined her research with efforts to preserve the country’s endangered forests and the many species of plants and animals they harbor. She was the driving force behind the creation of Ranomafana National Park, a 106,000-acre World Heritage Site there, which is home to many endangered species, including several species of lemur that she works to save from extinction.

WHEN

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 3:30 – 5 p.m., ET (reception to follow lecture)

WHERE

Wang Center Theater, West Campus, Stony Brook University directions

LIMEHOF honors 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ Craig Knapp at awards ceremony

by Press Release - February 2, 2025

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Alumni and current students perform and pack the house to celebrate popular Rocky Point Music Teacher

Students, former students, colleagues, friends and family of Rocky Point Elementary Music Teacher and Department Chairperson Craig Knapp packed the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEOHF) recently to honor the 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ winner. The ceremony was held at LIMEHOF’s museum location in Stony Brook at 97 Main Street. The event featured three musical performances by current and former students, live and video recorded speeches from colleagues and students, a video presentation about Knapp’s career and a special citation presentation by New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio.

“The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame is thrilled to honor Craig Knapp with the ‘Educator of Note’ Award and to recognize his extraordinary dedication, innovation, and profound impact on countless students and on music education in our community,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham, who manages LIMEHOF’s education programs.

“I am absolutely honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame as the 2024 recipient of their ‘Educator of Note,’ said Knapp. “To be included on the list of past honorees—many of whom I have worked with collaboratively in a variety of music education organizations, committees, conferences, and initiatives—is both gratifying and humbling. I am very proud that I carved out a successful career in a rather unconventional and unique way.”

The event was emceed by LIMEHOF Educational Committee Member Mike Rodgers who is also director of music and performing arts in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District. Live speakers included Music Department Chair from Rocky Point School District Amy Schecher, 5^th Grade Student Emma Wurm, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York (MYO) Dr. Anthea Jackson, New York State Assemblywomen Jodi Giglio. There were also recorded messages from colleagues including MYO Concert Choir Director Dr. Doreen Fryling.

“I thought today’s event was absolutely beautiful particularly the students were the highlight of it,” said Rodgers. “Not only to see the work that was done but the reflection from the students themselves.”

Current and former students honored Knapp with special musical performances. Rocky Point Students Serena Carley and Olna Carley, MYO Treble Choir students Nate Drinkwater and Andrew Nagle. Former student now Deer Park Music Teacher Grace Donofrio sang Georges Bizet’s Carmen accompanied by pianist Sara Ruggerio.

“Mr. Knapp is one of the most inspiring people and most deserving people of this kind of award,” said Donofrio. “He inspires me to be a music teacher, and I hope that I can be half of him one day as I learn and grow and continue in my career.”

Former student Julia Brandow traveled in from out of town, driving for over five hours to honor Knapp.

“Once he told me this was happening, I had to come… it was like no question, Brandow said. “He has done so much for us. The least I could do was be here today for him. Music is the biggest thing in my life and he 100% is the foundation for that.”

Music Teacher Desiree DeMelfi (herself a 2019 LIMEHOF Scholarship recipient) also spoke. She had nominated Craig and was mentored by him when she started her music teaching career.

“Craig has always wanted me to be the best music teacher and course director I could be,” said DeMelfi. “The impact of a true educator and mentor is evident from my story alone. Craig saw an opportunity to guide a young student from the same town he grew up in. He acted as a leader and decided to give me the best student teaching experience possible.”

With an impressive career that spans 27 years on Long Island, Craig Knapp is the 18th music teacher to be recognized by LIMEHOF since the ‘Educator of Note’ Award was established in 2007. This award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate a commitment to music education, play an active role in the community, and have a significant influence on the lives of music students of all backgrounds and abilities.

Craig Knapp is the director of the Nassau and Suffolk Treble Choirs of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, Elementary Classroom Music Specialist and Choral Director in the Rocky Point Public School District, former Adjunct Assistant Professor at Hofstra University, former Director of the Early Childhood Community Music Program at Stony Brook University, music educator, guest conductor, clinician, folk dance leader and author. He says of all his accomplishments, the most significant honor to him is the lasting influence he has had on his students.

“I have the luckiest job in the world as I get to wake up every Monday morning and make music with incredible children,” Knapp said. “Of all that I have achieved—more important than any accolades I could receive, books I could publish, guest conducting opportunities I could receive, invitations to present at professional development conferences, or performances I direct—my greatest accomplishment, and what I’m most proud of, is that students still come to visit me decades later to tell me that I was their favorite teacher and to thank me for the positive impact I had on their life. What could be better than that?”

For more information about the LIMEHOF ‘Educator of Note’ Award, visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/educator-of-note/

Northport-East Northport BOE outlines budget challenges at recent meeting

by Dylan Friedman - February 1, 2025

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By Dylan Friedman

Northport-East Northport Union Free School District Board of Education held a meeting Jan. 23 to provide an initial overview of the district’s budget planning for the 2025-2026 school year. Superintendent David Moyer and Assistant Superintendent for Business Bob Howard presented details on the budget development process, expenditure projections, revenue sources and long-term financial planning.

“The objectives for the presentation are to provide an overview of timelines and the budget development process, review expenditures and five-year budget and facilities projections, and review anticipated revenue and levy history,” Moyer explained.

One key challenge the district faces is the shifting tax burden due to the LIPA settlement. As Moyer stated, “We recognize the challenges of the shifting tax burden to our community due to the LIPA settlement, and are sensitive to being as fiscally responsible as possible while maintaining the quality of programming that the community expects.”

The administration is also closely monitoring staffing levels amid declining enrollment. “This year, it is possible that the district may need to assess some staff to meet its programming needs and levy a budget target,” said Moyer.

Providing an overview of the district’s five-year budget history, Howard noted that while personnel services costs have seen modest increases, the district has made continual reductions in staffing. “The fact that the total cost, despite those contractual increases, is only increasing by an average of 0.2% is illustrative of and showing the facts that there have been staffing and salary reductions,” he explained.

However, contractual expenses and employee benefits have faced higher inflationary pressures. As Howard stated, “These are the costs that are driving a lot of our budget increases so salaries are flat or relatively low. Contractual costs are inflationary sensitive areas [and] are higher than average.”

Looking ahead, the administration is anticipating modest increases in health insurance, salaries and BOCES tuition as well as a slight decrease in the teachers’ retirement system rate. “We’re expecting about a 3.5% increase in our BOCES tuition costs. They’re giving us an indication that, you know, maybe they’re trying to keep it under 4%,” Howard said.

The district also shared its five-year master facilities plan, which outlines a combination of “pay-as-you-go” capital projects funded through the annual budget and more significant bond-funded initiatives. As Howard explained, “The district has recently invested more in its facilities, budgeted more, and transferred more into capital to maintain its buildings than it has in the past.”

On the revenue side, the presentation reviewed the district’s tax levy history, which has been below the tax cap limit each year. The administration is projecting a tax levy increase between 2.1% and 2.3% for 2025-2026, which is lower than the current year’s 2.33% increase.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to minimize this year’s levy recommendation to the board,” Moyer said.

Despite the challenges ahead, the administration reaffirmed its dedication to fiscal prudence while prioritizing the continued excellence of educational programs for students. Their proactive approach aims to balance budgetary constraints with the community’s expectations for quality education, ensuring that every financial decision supports the district’s long-term goals and the success of its students.

Middle Country BOE expands special education services, adds new hearing officers

by Peter Sloniewsky - January 31, 2025

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By Peter Sloniewsky

Middle Country Central School District Board of Education convened a regular meeting Jan. 22 at Centereach High School. At the meeting, they covered a variety of matters, including provisions for special education.

The board approved committee recommendations from a series of past meetings with regard to special education. Specifically, they provided the programs and services recommended by meetings of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education, Sub-Committee on Special Education and the district administration office’s annual review.

They also replaced some of the district’s impartial hearing officers. The IHOs oversee due-process hearings requested by parents or school districts regarding disputes over individualized education programs for special-education students, class placement decisions, services and accommodations for such students and disciplinary action for students with disabilities.

In New York, IHOs are independent and neutral individuals certified by the New York State Education Department who are assigned cases on a rotational basis. At this meeting, the board approved the addition of four new IHOs and removed four existing IHOs.

Lastly, on the point of special education, the board approved a contract with the therapy agency Little Angels Center to continue to work alongside students’ individualized education plans throughout the remainder of the school year.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Beth Rella presented a report on property-tax exemptions that reduce a property’s assessed value before taxes have been calculated. She covered the exemptions that the district is both enrolled in and has opted into, including some basic points as to how they’re set.

After the opening executive session, the board recognized the elementary students of the month: Thomas Castelli, Kayla Kowalczyk, David O’Leary and Aubrie Riccio. They then presented a certificate of appreciation to the owners of Salvino’s Pizzeria in Selden for providing free Thanksgiving Day meals to hundreds of families.

The board also gave Athlete of the Month awards to Madelyn Madrigal (basketball), Andrew DiMondo (wrestling), Sheyla Lynton (basketball), Ryan Hicks (basketball), Anthony Cardiello IV (fencing) and Ava Kahler (track and field).

Lastly, the board approved past treasurer’s reports, minutes from their last meeting, a listing of extracurricular classroom activity and the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year and opened the floor for 40 minutes of public comment.

The board will meet next Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at Centereach High School.

For more information visit the school website: www.mccsd.net.

Obituary: Northport baseball coach John DeMartini passes but won’t be forgotten

by Steven Zaitz - January 31, 2025

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By Steven Zaitz

John DeMartini, an educator in the Northport School district for more than half a century, has died at the age of 81.

Larger than life, yet at the same time unassuming, DeMar, as he was known to everyone in his orbit, was a physical education teacher and Northport High School head baseball coach from the mid 1980s to 2018, won 350-plus games as Tiger skipper, but more importantly enriched the lives of countless students, families and fellow faculty over the course of his 57 year career.

Born in the Bronx, DeMartini moved to Westbury as a boy and attended W.T Clarke High School and then Adelphi University, where he was pitcher and an outfielder on the Panthers baseball team. In 1966, he became a teacher and basketball coach in the Northport-East Northport School District, taking over as Tiger head baseball coach in 1985; a position he held for 33 years until an issue with his heart required him to take an extended leave of absence.

Sean Lynch, an assistant coach at that time and one DeMar’s best friends, took over the team in 2019 as DeMartini recovered from his illness. The two men shared an office for 25 years.

“The most important thing that John took pride in, is the many great relationships that he built over the years and the impact that he had on so many lives,” Lynch said. His love for the kids and the people he touched so positively were always the most important thing to John over wins and losses, and I think that’s truly what his legacy is and will always be.”

One of those kids is NHS Class of 2019 Trent Mayer, who has recently begun a career in education as a teacher in the Franklin Square School District. He also serves as both the Northport Junior Varsity Boys volleyball and baseball coach.

“As I begin my journey as a physical education teacher and coach, I carry with me the invaluable lessons DeMar taught me,” said Mayer. “He always emphasized the importance of being myself and connecting with students. His last words to me were ‘kids don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.’ This has become my guiding principle. I aim to create a supportive environment where students feel valued and inspired and DeMar’s mentorship has shaped not just my career, but my outlook on life. I am grateful for his guidance and proud to continue his legacy.”

DeMartini’s legacy is multi-generational, as current Northport Baseball Booster Club president and baseball mom Noelle Hardick, Class of 1992, can attest. Her eldest son Thomas was the Tigers’ starting second baseman in 2024 and he graduated last spring. Michael Hardick, an outfielder, will graduate in 2026 and both Hardick boys started playing in summer baseball camps led by DeMartini when they were 5 years old

“Coach DeMartini has and always will be the heart and the face of Northport baseball,” Mrs. Hardick said. “He was the coach when I was a student there and was a huge part of not only the baseball team, but the whole school and community. Everyone in the Northport community knows DeMar. That’s something really special and it’s something that you can’t fake or make up. He was the most genuine, loving, kind and selfless person.”

One of DeMartini’s longest relationships was with legendary girls basketball coach Rich Castellano, who has over 750 wins in his career, many of which were witnessed by DeMartini, who was often perched behind the visiting team’s bench to watch Castellano’s girls do their thing.

The two men met in 1976 and quickly became close friends. In recent years, they were often spotted riding around the Northport campus in golf carts, ostensibly to monitor practices and games, but more often to spread good cheer to other student-athletes or anyone lucky enough to cross the path of their cart.

“I promised him that nobody is going to take his name of that golf cart,” an emotional Castellano said. “John’s heart was always with kids and his team, and he was just a good friend that way. The kids loved him for it. He was like a kindly grandfather to these kids and had a huge following. We all saw that when we dedicated the field to him and so many kids, event ones that graduated, made it back for that ceremony to celebrate not just the field-naming, but to celebrate the man.”

On a sunny Saturday morning in September of 2021, the NHS baseball field was named in DeMartini’s honor. Tiger baseball stars past and present came to the ceremony to reminisce, embrace DeMar and shake his hand, and then see his name across the top of the scoreboard in big block letters.

Rows and rows of folding chairs were spread across the infield for family and VIPs as hundreds of students, parents and faculty cued both the foul lines from home plate to the outfield. Northport Athletic Director Marc Dantuano spoke, as did fellow coaches Jim DeRosa, Lynch and Castellano, along with a few former Tiger players.

DeMar, the final speaker of the morning, was moved to tears as he finished his speech. As he stepped down from the podium, he doffed his cap to the crowd of close to 1,000.

“It’s always been his field,” said Lynch. “That ceremony just made it official. It was a great day.”

Class of 2023 grad John Dwyer, who played first base and catcher for Northport and is now playing baseball at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was at that ceremony. When the coach returned from his heart issue in 2019, he became the Tiger pitching coach and thus, he and Dwyer, along with the pitching staff, would spend a lot of time together trying to gameplan a way to get opposing hitters out.

“Coach DeMar was such a kind and extremely dedicated man, who put a tremendous amount of time and energy into the baseball program, the school, and the community as a whole,” Dwyer said. “He really cared about each person he encountered and looked to put a smile on their face with his great sense of humor. He impacted so many people over the years and we’re all going to miss him a lot.”

One of the last conversations Lynch had with DeMartini was a few days before he passed. DeMar had developed a succession of ailments and did not fully disclose how serious they were, as he did not want anyone to worry.

At the time, Lynch did not realize it would be their last conversation.

“My phone created a memory that day of a photo of DeMar and me, so I texted it to him. I thought it would raise his spirits,“ Lynch recounted. “As the conversation went on, he told me that he wasn’t sure that he would be able to get back this year to help out with the baseball team. He then said ‘Just make sure nobody forgets about me.’ I thought he was speaking in the context of this season, so I assured him that nobody was going to forget about him, and I told him that he would soon be back out there on his field where he belongs. That was the last conversation we had.”

Demar may no longer set foot on his namesake field, or sit in the dugout, or make a trip to the mound to give his pitcher an encouraging pat on the behind, but his legacy and impact on the Northport community will never fade from it.

John is survived by his sister, Lynn McDonald, and her husband, Stephen McDonald, along with his nephew Justin McDonald and his family, Erica (wife), Chloe (daughter), and Harper (daughter). In lieu of flowers, if you wish, you can make a donation to the Northport High School Baseball Booster Club, 9 Tanager Lane, Northport, NY 11768 – Checks should be made out to NHS Baseball Booster Club and in the memo line please write DeMar.

Three Village BOE unveils 2024 district data and discusses bond referendum

by Sabrina Artusa - January 30, 2025

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WardMelvilleHS-700x517 — Ward Melville High School. File photo

By Sabrina Artusa

The New York State Education Department released data on enrollment, New York State Assessments and Regents scores. Assistant to the Superintendent and Chief Information Officer Laura Pimentel dissected the data in Three Village schools in a presentation on Jan. 22 to the Three Village Central School District.

Enrollment has decreased to 5,433 students: 75 students less than 2024 and 1,296 students less than 2015. Elementary school enrollment has been consistent throughout the past few years while middle and high schools continue to decrease.

Despite this, demographic data reveals an increase in English language learners and economically disadvantaged students.

Elementary and middle school students have somewhat recovered from the post-pandemic chronic absenteeism spike. Of high school students 7.2% are chronically absent: a higher percentage than the previous four years.

If a student misses two days per month, they would be considered chronically absent. The high percentage of chronically absent students occurs concurrent with the increase in economically disadvantaged students and demand for mental health services, Scanlon noted.

“People look at Three Village and think of a North Shore district doing very well academically. We do have this component that has really created some needs budgetarily and from what we put in the supports,” Superintendent Kevin Scanlon said.

“We aren’t data-driven because of the opt-out movement and we have to put things in place that are going to give us that data so we can make some decision about our instructional program,” Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Brian Biscari said.

NYS assessments

NYS assessments are offered to students from grades 3 through 8, but amid the opt-out movement that has swept Long Island school districts in recent years, no meaningful analysis can be surmised from the data.

“These assessments help us evaluate the effectiveness of our instructional programs against the state standards, which is something we haven’t been able to do in a quote some time at the elementary and junior high school level,” Pimentel said.

Of students who opted out,36.4% were from the English assessments, 35.2% from math and 34.3% from science. This contrasts with the federal government requirement that 95% of students take the test. The percentage of student participation is over 20% below the state average in both math and English Language Arts.

The assessments are no longer representative of teacher performance and have no impact on students’ grades.

“In the absence of that we had to put in other benchmarks…about how we are able to compare students to one another in their grade level and from cohort to cohort as they are coming through, so that is another increase in the district because we have to supplement for what parents aren’t taking that is free with what the state offers,” Scanlon said. “The data is important to us as we try to place students appropriately and give them services appropriately.”

Bond referendum

Jeffery Carlson, interim deputy superintendent and head of the business department discussed funding for district expenses. The district is considering a bond proposal to pay for the $125 million in construction expenses and projects.

The list of construction projects is aspirational, not realistic. Carlson said that while all the project will be listed, they do not intend to complete them all.

“Sixty-six percent of the cost comes back to us in building aid. Whatever the cost of the project is, the state is paying two-thirds of the cost. And it isn’t only on the construction cost, it is on the interest as well,” Carlson said.

The bond would mean a $284 tax increase every year for 15 years, which would be the length of the bond. Scanlon said that safety and security projects — “things we must get done” — would be the priority while other projects like air conditioning for elementary school gyms and cafeterias could wait.

Armed guards

Following a presentation Jan. 8 reviewing the past security measures and future options by Scanlon, the board discussed the possibility of arming guards. The district could arm guards outside the schools or inside the schools.

Before 2012, secondary schools within the district only had one guard. Since the Sandy Hook shooting, the district added over 500 security cameras, vestibules, sign-in procedures, license readers, employee background checks and a head of security with a background in law enforcement.

This year, the board also added an AI weapons detection technology called Zero Eyes. Scanlon noted that the district adds cameras every year, so the new tech does not impact the number of cameras added in a year.

Since many security guards possess the background and clearance to be armed, the district could easily arm guards without having to undergo significant staff changes.

“I would like to poll parents and students. As a board member who bears no risk whatsoever, I feel that I personally should have very little say in this,” said trustee David McKinnon. “I am happy to follow the lead of the major stakeholders here.”

Three Village teacher on leave after Facebook post

by Sabrina Artusa - January 30, 2025

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By Sabrina Artusa

A science teacher at R.C. Murphy Jr. High School in theThree Village Central School District is now on leave after posting an incendiary political post on Facebook.

The teacher, Pamila Pahuja, wrote in the post, “To all Trump supporters – hope the next time you take a drink it doesn’t swallow right and you go get help but no one is there and you slowly wither away while struggling to gasp and you suffer long.”

The post has sparked outrage from some parents. Others feel Pahuja did nothing wrong.

“I always like to put the shoe on the other foot,” former teacher and Hauppauge resident Dan Simon said, noting that teachers still have the freedom of speech. He added, however, that what she posted was a mistake. “Should she be doing that? Probably not.”

A father of a middle-school child, Doug said, “Just saying that about another person – it’s not right.” His child does not go to a district school.

He said that middle-schoolers are still learning right from wrong, and to “say stuff like that, you are kind of brainwashing them. It gets them thinking differently.”

Litigator Andrew Lieb said that there is a case to be made under labor law 201-d, which protects against discrimination for participating in certain activities including political activities outside of working hours and off the employer’s premises. Lieb has worked on similar cases pertaining to teachers.

“That is a hyperbole that wasn’t a specific threat,” Lieb said. “As long as she was off working hours off working premises, she is allowed to do this stuff. She is working for the government and the government can’t block speech.”

“Imagine all these teachers wanting to speak and not being able to have a voice,” he said. “That’s what this does and that’s why these laws are so important.

Pahuja also wrote, “To all my friends and their families worried, stay safe. America is no longer the land of the free – we are prisoners of the governments. Only a matter of time before they come for all women. Welcome to gilead, it’s on the way.”

On Jan. 26, the district released a letter to parents notifying them of Pahuja’s absence.

“Please be assured that we have taken steps to ensure a smooth transition and continued high-quality instruction in science. A qualified and certified science teacher will be assigned to your child’s class in her absence,” the letter, signed by Principal Michael Jantzen, reads.

The Three Village BOE and the Three Village Teachers Association would not comment on matters of personnel.

Intersection renaming ceremony held for Sachem high school teacher

by Press Release - January 28, 2025

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0-7 — Pictured with family and friends are (back row, starting fifth from right) Supervisor Dan Panico, Councilman Neil Manzella and Councilman Neil Foley. Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven

On January 27, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, Councilman Neil Manzella and Councilman Neil Foley joined hundreds of Sachem North High School students and faculty, family and friends to honor Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano, who succumbed to Stage 4 Kidney Cancer in 2020 at the age of 42 years old.

They gathered to rename the intersection at Smith Road and Manor Road as Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano Way. The location is directly across from Sachem North High School where “Dezy” was an admired teacher and coach for 19 years. He was inducted into the Sachem High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017, the College of Mount Saint Vincent Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, and the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. Diagnosed in early 2019, he organized the “Dezy Strong Foundation” to help other cancer patients live a fuller life.

The renaming ceremony included heartfelt words from “Dezy’s” family, Supervisor Panico, Councilman Manzella and Councilman Foley, as well as a stirring vocal performance of the Maroon 5 song, “Memories,” sung by Sachem North High School students.

Cold Spring Harbor High School student appointed state officer of the International Thespian Society

by Press Release - January 27, 2025

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Zoe Abelson starring as Hamlet in this year’s high school production

Zoe Abelson, a senior at Cold Spring Harbor High School, has been elected New York State officer of the International Thespian Society. In this position, Abelson will serve as a voice for all theatre students in New York, ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances, has access to the tools, education, and opportunities they need to shine. As part of this appointment, Abelson joins the International Thespian Society’s board of directors and will also serve as social media officer.

Zoe Abelson as Gretchen Wieners in the community theatre production of “Mean Girls The Musical”

“Zoe Abelson’s appointment as a New York State Officer of the International Thespian Society is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her leadership, passion and commitment to the performing arts. At Cold Spring Harbor, we take great pride in being recognized for academic and athletic excellence, and Zoe’s success highlights our growing reputation as a top school for performing arts as well,” said James Guarini, chairman of the music department at Cold Spring Harbor High School. “Her accomplishments–ranging from her All-State recognition to her Best Lead Actress Hunting-Tony nomination–serve as an inspiration to her peers and demonstrate the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students. We are incredibly proud of Zoe and excited to see the positive impact she will continue to have at the state level.”

In this role, Abelson is responsible for advocating for the needs and interests of theatre students across New York. She will work with the board to support the organization’s expansive mission, which includes lobbying for more funding at next month’s Albany Advocacy Day, promoting Theatre in Our Schools Month, and preparing for the upcoming New York Thespian Festival. The event takes place at LIU Brooklyn on March 8-9 and hosts the Thespys, an awards event that recognizes the highest level of achievement in school theatre performance, technical theatre, playwriting, and filmmaking.

“I am a huge advocate of fostering diversity in storytelling because as actors, it’s our responsibility to inspire harmony by promoting a better understanding of the world,” said Abelson. “I wanted to work with the International Thespian Society to help drive this kind of positive, social change by encouraging more diversity, equity, and inclusion in performing arts. By representing Cold Spring Harbor High School’s Thespian Troupe #7583 at the state level, I hope to create more opportunities for our aspiring actors and inspire more young thespians to be active in our theatre community.”

The appointment comes on the heels of Abelson’s intensive studies at prestigious universities Carnegie Mellon and New York University, where she earned college credits while training with some of the best instructors and working actors in the country, including NYU’s Experimental Theatre Wing Director, Rosemary Quinn, Carnegie Mellon’s acclaimed acting coach, Jill Wadsworth, and actor Jason McCune from The Outsiders TV series fame.

LIMEHOF announces 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ award winner

by Press Release - January 26, 2025

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Ed_of_Note_Craig_Knapp-1 — Craig Knapp Photo courtesy of LIMEHOF

Presentation event on Feb. 1 to honor music teacher Craig Knapp

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEOHF) recently announced Rocky Point Elementary Music Teacher and Department Chairperson Craig Knapp as its 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ winner.

With an impressive career that spans 27 years on Long Island, Knapp is the 18th music teacher to be recognized by LIMEHOF since the ‘Educator of Note’ Award was established in 2007. This award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate a commitment to music education, play an active role in the community, and have a significant influence on the lives of music students of all backgrounds and abilities.

“I am absolutely honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame as the 2024 recipient of their ‘Educator of Note,’” said Knapp. “To be included on the list of past honorees—many of whom I have worked with collaboratively in a variety of music education organizations, committees, conferences, and initiatives—is both gratifying and humbling. I am very proud that I carved out a successful career in a rather unconventional and unique way.”

Knapp is the director of the Nassau and Suffolk Treble Choirs of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, Elementary Classroom Music Specialist and Choral Director in the Rocky Point Public School District, former Adjunct Assistant Professor at Hofstra University, former Director of the Early Childhood Community Music Program at Stony Brook University, music educator, guest conductor, clinician, folk dance leader and author. He says of all his accomplishments, the most significant honor to him is the lasting influence he has had on his students.

Knapp will accept the award at a special presentation ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 1st at the LIMEHOF, 97 Main St., Stony Brook at 2 p.m. The event will feature a performance and visual presentation. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $29.50 per person at www.limusichalloffame.org and at the door.

For more information, please call 631-689-5888.

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