Month: June 2025

FBLA Team Creates First-Place Invention at “Pitch it to Win It” Competition

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students at Miller Place High School in the Miller Place School District has proudly claimed first place in the New York State “Pitch It To Win It” competition by showcasing innovation, entrepreneurship and technical creativity through their original invention.

“We’re incredibly proud of the FBLA team for standing out in this prestigious competition with their incredible invention and creativity,” said Miller Place School District Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “Their ingenuity, teamwork, and dedication truly raised the bar and each of them is deserving of this recognition.”

Seniors Nick Vallary and Erin Felser led the team to victory with their groundbreaking invention, MasterKey: an external device that transforms any standard piano into a player piano without requiring any physical modification to the instrument. Their invention impressed judges for its practicality, market potential and seamless integration with existing musical equipment.

MasterKey not only exemplifies cutting-edge thinking but also holds promise for broad application in both educational and entertainment settings, providing musicians, instructors, and music lovers with a cost-effective way to automate piano performances.

The “Pitch It To Win It” competition challenges high school students across New York to conceive, develop, and pitch innovative business or product ideas to a panel of industry and academic judges. The Miller Place FBLA team’s first-place finish marks a significant achievement and highlights the school’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.

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.

Brendan Lake is Presented with Honor Named After Motivational Speaker and Accomplished Athlete Rohan Murphy

The Miller Place School District is proud to announce that Miller Place High School student Brendan Lake recently earned the esteemed Rohan Murphy Inspirational Wrestler of the Year Award by the Suffolk County Wrestling Coaches Association. Nominated by his coaches and teachers, Brendan was presented with the remarkable recognition at the 52nd Annual All County Awards Dinner.

“Brendan Lake exemplifies everything this award stands for: resilience, heart, and the unwavering belief that hard work can overcome any barrier,” said Miller Place School District Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “His story has been an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of witnessing it.”

The Rohan Murphy Award honors student wrestlers who demonstrate strength, tenacity and dedication in transcending obstacles. On and off the mat, Brendan’s journey and achievements have served as a powerful source of inspiration for his teammates, coaches and the Miller Place community.

The award is named after Rohan Murphy, a celebrated American Paralympian, accomplished wrestler, and nationally recognized motivational speaker. Having had both legs amputated at a young age, Murphy overcame extraordinary challenges to compete as a Division I wrestler at Penn State University. His story has been featured by ABC News, Sports Illustrated, 20/20, and as part of Nike’s groundbreaking ‘No Excuses’ campaign.

Murphy’s legacy continues to motivate young athletes across the nation, and Brendan Lake’s nomination places him among a special group of students who demonstrate what is possible through perseverance and determination.

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.