Commack’s Future Business Leaders of America scored big in results announced from the recent national conference in Orlando.

In Coding and Programming, Shivani Muthukumar placed fourth nationally among 86 competitors.

Additionally, Ava Javaheri and Farah Raufi were finalists in Web Design out of 105 competitors.

The national conference included more than 12,000 students from nearly 2,100 schools in 43 states and U.S. territories competing in 100 business-related events.

Registration for 2024 fall driver's education program is now open!

The registration form will remain on the district website until the maximum number of students that the program can accommodate for the fall 2024 semester is reached.

If you have any questions regarding the driver's education program, please call Mr. Matthew P. Keltos, coordinator of driver education, at (631) 912-2107.

Only 11th and 12th grade Commack High School students who are in good standing and have met all of their academic requirements for their present school year are eligible to enroll. Students must be 16 years old.

For full details and the registration form and calendar, click here.

The Board of Education welcomed new trustee Dana Schultz and elected Steven Hartman president and Dr. William Hender vice president during its reorganization meeting on Thursday evening.

The Board of Education also presented a gift to outgoing president Justin Varughese, who will be resigning the board at the end of the month as his family relocates out of state.

"Commack will always, always, always have a special place in my heart and the heart of my family," said Varughese, whose family has lived in Commack for the past 20 years.

Dara Gordon, who graduated from CHS last month, has earned a scholarship from the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook.

Gordon had an illustrious high school career, excelling in numerous dramas and musicals — both within the school and beyond.

Her talent earned her the Hunting-Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Play in 2022 and Best Vocalist in a Musical this year from the Town of Huntington. She also received the 2024 Scholar-Artist Merit Award in Theatre from the Long Island Arts Alliance.

In addition to theatre accomplishments, Gordon was highly active in several high school choirs and was a vocalist for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.

She was a long-time participant in NYSSMA, SCMEA and NYSCAME.

A versatile musician, Gordon plays piano, ukelele and the kalimba. She was a proud member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the International Thespian Society.

 

Gordon will study musical theater at the Conservatory at Shenandoah University beginning this fall.

Con-grad-ulations to the Commack High School Class of 2024!

Family, friends and educators of 498 seniors celebrated commencement on Thursday evening at the school’s stadium.

The event included addresses from student academic speakers Jonathan Zhang and Evan Stern and class president Conor Spahn presenting assistant principal Andrea Allen with a class gift — outdoor furniture for the school’s courtyard.

Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox offered a gift to each senior as well — an evergreen tree that the graduates can plant and watch take root and grow throughout their adulthoods.

Before awarding of the diplomas, the ceremony included a pause to recognize the graduates who are entering the various military branches.

“The strongest trees sway with the really heavy winds and don’t break,” Dr. Cox told attendees during the commencement ceremony. “When the tough storms come, and they will, be able to bend. And then once they pass, return to standing proud and tall. Don’t let those tough times break you or uproot you.

“And, lastly, don’t ever forget to remember your roots. I promise you that you are graduating from a place that is absolutely over-the-moon excited for you, that cares about you and loves you.”

For family members and friends unable to attend our commencement ceremony in person on Thursday at 5 p.m. at CHS, please consider sharing one of our streaming links:

YouTube

Boxcast

We look forward to you joining us virtually or in person!

On the final day of the school year, Senator Mario Mattera visited to Wood Park Primary on Wednesday to honor a local hero.

Sen. Mattera presented school monitor Francesca Augello a New York State Liberty Medal for her quick thinking in applying the Heimlich maneuver to save choking second grader Grayson M. in the school’s cafeteria in March.

Grayson and his family as well as superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox, district clerk Debbie Virga and Wood Park principal Michelle Collison were on hand for the ceremony.

The Liberty Medal is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the New York State Senate.

Grayson also received recognition from Sen. Mattera to recognize his bravery under trying circumstances.

“This is an amazing school district,” Sen. Mattera said.

Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox presented custodian Brandon Beatty with the Commack Star Award at Building Blocks Developmental Preschool Friday afternoon. 

 

The Commack Star is awarded to district employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement, contribution and performance in their roles.

 

This year, Beatty was assigned to Building Blocks as a leave replacement head custodian and during that time he fulfilled the role with fidelity. He is excited to come to work each and every day and fulfill his responsibilities. Beatty is eager, willing, and creates a rapport with all of the children he sees.  

 

Beatty’s nomination came from Building Blocks Executive Director Donna Charbonneau, in which she described Beatty stepping in at the last minute to perform in a staff circus for Building Blocks children.

 

“Brandon’s impact on the children has been so positive,” Charbonneau said. “That day, he remained in costume while he went to all of the classrooms to collect the trash.  You should have heard the giggles and excitement of the children as he entered their classes.”

 

Dr. Cox echoed Charbonneau’s sentiment.

 

“To say that Brandon has gone above and beyond during his time here at Building Blocks, and in Commack as a whole, is an understatement,” Dr. Cox said. “He truly exemplifies all the qualities of a Commack Star. Congratulations.”