Five Miller Place High School student-athletes earned recognition by Newsday in the newspapers’ list of the top Long Island athletes for the 2026 season. The recognition highlights the high schoolers outstanding performances and dedication in their respective sports.

Senior Lorenzo Killary was named one of Newsday’s Top 100 Long Island boys soccer players for 2026. Lorenzo continues to elevate his game, building on a strong sophomore season with an impressive junior campaign. He increased his offensive production from four goals and four assists as a sophomore to nine goals and eight assists as a junior, becoming a key contributor to the Panthers’ offense.

Senior Nicholas DiCaprio was named one of Newsday’s Top 50 Long Island boys cross country runners for 2026. Nicholas established himself among the region’s top runners, ranking in the top 10 on all three of Long Island’s most prominent 5K courses this fall. He currently ranks fifth at Sunken Meadow with a time of 16:48.3, third at Queensbury with a time of 15:56.1, and sixth at Bowdoin with a time of 16:44.8.

Sophomore Violet Dvorsky was named one of Newsday’s Top 100 Long Island girls soccer players for 2026. Violet emerged as a key force on the Panthers’ offense, recording 10 goals and three assists. Her continued development and strong contributions on the field have established her as a player to watch this season.

Senior Kelsey Hoffmann was named one of Newsday’s Top 50 Long Island High School field hockey Players for 2026. A five-year varsity player, Kelsey established herself as a standout midfielder, recognized for her exceptional stick skills, field hockey IQ and ability to see the entire field. After making a significant impact as a sophomore on a veteran Panthers team, she  continued to raise the bar and play an important role in the team’s success.

Senior Allison Creighton was recognized by Newsday among Long Island’s top girls cross country runners for 2026. Allison had a breakout junior season, posting a time of 20:13.7 in the 5K at Sunken Meadow, which currently ranks 15th on Long Island. Her strong performance highlights her continued growth and places her among the region’s top distance runners.

“These recognitions are a tremendous accomplishment for these five students and a reflection of their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Marc Ferris, Superintendent of Schools. “We are proud to see our student-athletes earning recognition among the best on Long Island and representing Miller Place with pride.”

Some of Miller Place High School’s Virtual Enterprise students are celebrating a national achievement after their student-run firm, RetroBites, earned a spot in the top 10 percent nationwide in the 2026 Virtual Enterprises (VE) National Newsletter Competition.

Representing the VE New York State region, RetroBites was recognized for its strong business strategy, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial skills during the nationwide evaluation. The national competition is open to participating Virtual Enterprise firms from across the United States that choose to submit their work for consideration, but only 17 schools earned top 10 percent recognition in this particular competition.

“RetroBites’ national recognition is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the students’ creativity, teamwork, and dedication,” said Thomas Fank, Miller Place High School Business Education Teacher and Virtual Enterprise Facilitator. “I am incredibly proud of the work they put into building their business and representing Miller Place on the national stage.”

Throughout the process, students gained hands-on experience in the many facets of running a business, from developing a brand and managing finances to creating products, overseeing human resources, and building a marketing strategy.

RetroBites was created as a virtual business simulation by Miller Place High School’s Period 3 VE class during the 2025-26 school year. The company developed a throwback-style food and beverage concept inspired by classic arcades and diners, offering nostalgic snacks and discontinued food and drink products designed to bring together the flavors and experiences of the past and present.

The students’ main mission was to recreate the happiness and comfort associated with classic foods while developing the skills necessary to operate a successful business. Throughout the school year, students gained hands-on experience in the many facets of running a business, from developing a brand and managing finances to creating products, overseeing human resources, and building a marketing strategy.

The team proudly added its national recognition certificate that it received this month to the “VE Wall of Fame” in Room 240, where higher achievements are displayed to recognize the accomplishments of Virtual Enterprise students for years to come.

The Miller Place School District congratulates the RetroBites leadership and business team, which includes:

• Nick Russo — Chief Executive Officer
• Charlotte Davidson — Chief Financial Officer
• Josh Mcdonald — Chief Operating Officer
• Marc Lindemann — Chief Marketing Officer
• Peyton Anderson — Chief of Design
• Keira Felser — Chief of H.R.
• Jordel Vigfusson — Accounts Payable
• Ava Ficarola — Inventory Specialist
• R.J. Rau — Accounts Receivable
• Christopher Di Gennaro — Payroll Manager
• Brett Winslow — Marketing Manager 1
• Luke Angelo — Marketing Manager 2
• Dena Lehmann — Product Manager
• Erik Eichler — Sales Manager 1
• John Chiaramonte — Sales Manager 2
• John Scarfogliero — Sales Manager 3
• Jacob Marcario — Sales Manager 4
• Paige Reitan — Website/Social Media Manager
• Elissa Feldman — Graphic Designer
• Kayla McDonnell — Graphic Designer
• Dominick Blandi — H.R. Manager
• Nicolas Freire — H.R. Manager

Students at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School recently took part in age-appropriate lessons and activities to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, and explore themes of remembrance, resilience, hope, and the importance of working together. Throughout the building, teachers incorporated a variety of books, videos, discussions and collaborative projects to help students learn about September 11 in ways that were appropriate for their grade levels.

“September 11 is an important part of our nation’s history, and we want our students to understand its significance in a way that is meaningful and comprehensible for their age,” said Dr. Jean Marie D’Aversa, Principal of Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School. “Through these lessons, our students had the opportunity to reflect on themes of resilience, hope, and compassion while learning about the importance of coming together as a community.”

All third-grade students participated in a memorial chain project, creating links in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11. The collaborative project provided students with an opportunity to come together as a grade level while reflecting on the importance of remembrance.

Students in Ms. Bergano and Ms. Baader’s third- and fourth-grade classes viewed educational videos about September 11 and participated in a read-aloud of This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth by Sean Rubin. Students also learned about Ms. Baader’s personal experiences in the military and her visit to the World Trade Center two years before the attacks. Following the lessons, students explored the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s Survivor Tree Leaves of Hope activity, creating their own messages of hope and reflection.

In fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms, Ms. Ott and Ms. Molinaro’s students watched a BrainPOP lesson about September 11 and read The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein. Students discussed the importance of working together and then collaborated to create a large American flag to display in their classroom. The flag will serve as a reminder of the strength and accomplishments that can come from working together.

Fifth-grade students in Ms. Volk’s class watched a reading of 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy and completed a related activity, using the story to further explore themes connected to compassion, unity and community. Meanwhile, Ms. DeFrank and Ms. Muratore’s fifth-grade students also read This Very Tree and discussed themes of resilience, hope, peace, and rebuilding. Each student wrote a personal message of hope on a leaf, which will become part of a classroom tree representing the collective thoughts and reflections of the class.

Through these lessons and activities, Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School students were given opportunities to learn about an important moment in American history while focusing on age-appropriate themes of compassion, perseverance, unity, and hope.

“The variety of lessons taught at Laddie Decker is just one example of the many meaningful ways our District reflected on the significance of September 11,” said Dr. Marc Ferris, Superintendent of Schools. “Throughout our schools, students and staff took time to honor those who lost their lives, remember the heroes and first responders who answered the call, and learn about the lasting impact of this day on our nation and our community. It is our responsibility to ensure that these stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience continue to be remembered and shared with future generations.”  

The Miller Place School District enthusiastically welcomed back students across its four schools on Wednesday, September 2, launching the 2026–2027 school year with a sense of excitement, optimism and anticipation for the year ahead.

“The beginning of a new school year is always a special time, and it is especially meaningful for me as I begin my first year with the Miller Place School District,” said Dr. Marc Ferris, Superintendent of Schools. “It was incredibly exciting to welcome our students back and see the enthusiasm throughout our schools. I am grateful to join such a dedicated community of educators, staff, families, and students, and I look forward to working together to make the 2026–2027 school year a year filled with learning, growth, and success.”

The opening day was filled with smiles, reunions, and the excitement that comes with beginning a new chapter. At Andrew Muller Primary School and Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School, students arrived ready to begin the year, greeted by District administrators, principals, teachers, and staff. The warm welcome helped set the stage for a year centered on learning and building meaningful connections.

At North Country Road Middle School and Miller Place High School, students reunited with friends and educators, navigated their schedules and settled into the rhythms of a new academic year. With a renewed focus and enthusiasm, students across the District began the 2026–2027 school year ready to embrace new challenges, opportunities, and experiences.

Miller Place High School recently hosted a special court dedication ceremony honoring William Brown, a longtime Miller Place educator, coach, Athletic Director, and mentor. Known affectionally as Bill, his dedication to students and athletics left a lasting legacy throughout the Miller Place School District and community.

“Bill Brown represents the very best of Miller Place,” said Kevin Slavin, Miller Place High School Principal. “His impact extends far beyond the basketball court. He was a mentor and role model who believed deeply in our students and in the power of athletics to build character and community. It is incredibly fitting that this court now bears his name, and we are proud to honor the lasting legacy he has created for generations of Panthers.”

Mr. Brown began his career with the Miller Place School District in 1974 as a social studies teacher and coach. During his tenure as the boys basketball coach, he led the program to two league championships, earned three Coach of the Year honors, and amassed more victories than any other boys basketball coach in Miller Place history. He later served as the District’s athletic director, where he played an important role in supporting and sustaining Miller Place’s athletic programs. He also established the “Save Our Sports” (S.O.S.) Miller Place Outing, an initiative that helped support the District’s athletic offerings and reflected his commitment to providing students with opportunities to grow and succeed.

A decorated athlete and U.S. Navy veteran, Bill Brown earned Navy All-District honors in basketball and football during the Vietnam War before continuing his basketball career at Suffolk County Community College and Southampton College. His accomplishments and contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including induction into the Suffolk County Community College Athletic Hall of Fame and the Miller Place Athletic Hall of Fame, as well as being named a Times Beacon Man of the Year.

The dedication ceremony brought together Miller Place School District administrators, staff, students, and coaches, along with Brown’s former colleagues and family members to celebrate his remarkable career and the many lives he has touched throughout his decades of service to the District. The newly dedicated gymnasium signage will serve as a lasting reminder of Brown’s contributions to Miller Place and the generations of students who benefited from his commitment to excellence.

As many Miller Place High School seniors prepare for a new level of independence behind the wheel, the school recently welcomed approximately 100 students and their parents and guardians for the first Driver Safety Night of the year, an important program designed to promote safe, responsible driving.

Driver Safety Night is offered to all Miller Place High School seniors who want to obtain a school parking spot. The school holds four sessions throughout the year—two in September, one in November and a final session in January—giving students and families multiple opportunities to participate.

“For our students, earning a driver’s license is an exciting milestone that represents greater independence, but it also comes with a tremendous responsibility,” said Miller Place High School Principal Kevin Slavin. “Driver Safety Night gives us an opportunity to make sure our students understand that the choices they make behind the wheel can have lasting consequences.”

The program is led by Allen Ferrari, a Miller Place community member and former New York City police officer with extensive experience in driver safety and law enforcement. Through a thorough, straightforward presentation, Mr. Ferrari addresses the very real dangers and consequences associated with unsafe and distracted driving, drawing on his real-world experience to help students understand the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle.

Allen Ferrari’s firsthand experience allows him to move beyond statistics and help students understand how quickly an unsafe decision can turn an ordinary trip into a life-changing event. Students are encouraged to take an active role in creating a culture of safe driving by putting their phones away, following speed limits, wearing seat belts, speaking up when a friend is driving unsafely, and making responsible choices every time they get behind the wheel.

The goal of Driver Safety Night extends beyond fulfilling a requirement for on-campus parking. The program emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential consequences of speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, failing to wear a seat belt and succumbing to distractions or peer pressure when friends are in the vehicle.

“Student safety is always our highest priority, and programs like Driver Safety Night play an important role in preparing our students to make responsible decisions behind the wheel,” said Dr. Marc Ferris, Superintendent of Schools. “We sincerely thank Mr. Ferrari for sharing his expertise and helping our students understand the importance of safe driving.”

District Prepares for the 2026-2027 School Year

The Miller Place School District recently held its annual reorganization meeting, at which time Lisa Reitan and John Galligan were sworn in for their new terms as trustees.

Lisa Reitan was elected by the Board of Education as President and Andrea Spaniolas was elected by the Board of Education as Vice President. The 2026-2027 Board of Education also includes trustees Bryan Makarius and Jennifer Keller.

“Our District looks forward to another successful year under the leadership of a dedicated Board of Education team.” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie, who was also sworn in at the meeting for his final time at Miller Place.

The District wishes a warm welcome to the 2026-2027 Board of Education as it prepares for the school year ahead.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visitwww.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.

Students and Staff Take Home Several Awards After a Successful Season

The Miller Place Panthers once again cemented their place among Suffolk County’s best at the 53rd Annual Suffolk County Wrestling Awards Banquet, earning an impressive number of team, coaching, academic and administrative honors.

Leading the recognition, Miller Place Athletic Director Ron Petrie was named one of Suffolk County Wrestling’s Administrators of the Year for his continued leadership and commitment to the district’s athletic programs.

The Miller Place Panthers Varsity Wrestling Team was honored as Suffolk County’s “Most Improved Team” for the 2026 season. In addition, the Panthers were recognized as Suffolk County’s only Wrestling State Champion Team, a remarkable achievement that highlights the program’s dedication, perseverance and competitive excellence.

Varsity Head Coach Matt Kaszubski earned League VII and Suffolk County Division II Coach of the Year honors. Assistant Coach Dan Cassera was named League VII Varsity Assistant Coach of the Year, while Junior Varsity Coaches Chris Bold and Domenico Lo Re were recognized as the League VII JV Coaches of the Year.

Varsity wrestlers Alex Southworth, Reese Zakar, and Christian Caccavale were each honored as three of Suffolk County Wrestling’s Top 21 Scholar Athletes and received scholarship awards for their accomplishments. Alex earned a scholarship from the Suffolk County Wrestling Coaches Association, while Reese and Christian received scholarships from the Suffolk County Wrestling Officials Association.

Notably, Miller Place was the only school in Suffolk County to have three scholar-athletes recognized this year, a testament to the district’s commitment to excellence both on the mat and in the classroom.

“Our wrestling program continues to exemplify the very best of Miller Place,” said Miller Place Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “These honors reflect the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic leadership, as well as the strong support from our families and community. We are incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished both athletically and academically.”

The Panthers’ success at this year’s awards banquet reflects a season defined by hard work, resilience, teamwork, and excellence at every level of the program.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visitwww.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.

Camryn Hardy Honored at the Suffolk County Scholar Athlete Brunch in May

Miller Place High School is proud to announce that student athlete Senior Camryn Hardy was recognized on a county level for his athletic excellence and was honored at the Suffolk County Scholar Athlete Brunch.

Camryn Hardy received the 2025 Bryan Collins Memorial Scholarship, a $5,000 award from the Collins family, for his outstanding performance as one of Suffolk County’s top football players as well as someone who had to overcome adversity while excelling on the field. Camryn has faced unimaginable hardship and loss throughout his life, yet found purpose, stability, and strength through football.

This scholarship, presented by the National Football Foundation (NFF) Suffolk County Chapter and honoring the former LIU Post and Stony Brook University coach, recognizes elite regional football talent and supports recipients in their collegiate careers.

“Excelling in sports while overcoming adversity is a tribute to his character said Kevin Slavin, principal of Miller Place High School.  Camryn accepted this challenge and was awarded for his hard work and dedication.” 

The District congratulates Camryn Hardy on his incredible achievement.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.

District’s music program earns the NAMM 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Award

For the 11th consecutive year, the Miller Place School District was named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. The honor highlights the District’s unwavering commitment to music education and celebrates the exceptional efforts of its music administrators, teachers and students.

Miller Place’s comprehensive music program offers daily instruction at the elementary, middle and high school levels, while providing students with frequent opportunities to perform and showcase their talents. Throughout the year, students participate in concerts, recitals, school productions and special community events, enriching both their educational experience and the broader community.

The 2026 Best Communities for Music Education designation was awarded to just 1,008 school districts nationwide, recognizing those that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education for all students.

Miller Place has earned this distinction for 11 consecutive years. To qualify, the District responded to a rigorous set of criteria, including questions related to funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for music programs and community music-making opportunities. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“We are proud to receive this recognition for the 11th year in a row,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “Music is an essential part of a well-rounded education, and this honor reflects the passion and dedication of our teachers, the enthusiasm of our students and the strong support from our community. We remain committed to ensuring that every student has access to enriching musical experiences.”

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 members around the world. The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.