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We are always grateful when alumni return to share their experiences and inspire our students. 2014 High School Valedictorian Allison Davis recently spoke with members of the High School’s Youth Against Cancer (YAC) Club, offering a powerful and deeply personal perspective on resilience, hope and perseverance.

A former Division I cross country, indoor, and outdoor track athlete at Binghamton University, Ms. Davis earned her nursing degree and built an impressive career caring for others. She has served as a Bone Marrow Transplant Nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, a travel oncology nurse, telephone triage oncology nurse, medical/surgical float pool nurse and radiation oncology nurse.

In early 2025, however, Ms. Davis found herself on the other side of healthcare when she was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. During a virtual meeting with students, she courageously shared her journey — from the first symptoms and diagnosis to the challenges treatment brought to her life as a young adult. Her story offered students a firsthand look at the realities of cancer, while also demonstrating the strength that can emerge in the face of adversity.

Ms. Davis also spoke about the Ulman Foundation, a Baltimore-based nonprofit that became an important source of support during her cancer journey. The organization helps young adults navigate treatment and recovery, provides free housing, wellness programs, peer support, fertility guidance, and resources tailored to the unique needs of adolescent and young adult cancer patients.
Today, Ms. Davis describes herself as being in the “survivorship” phase of life. While the physical and emotional challenges of treatment do not simply disappear, she shared that her experience has given her a deeper appreciation for life and gratitude for each day.

To honor the support she received from the Ulman Foundation, Ms. Davis will run the upcoming New York City Marathon as a member of the Ulman Foundation Team, raising funds to help other young adults facing cancer. The Youth Against Cancer Club proudly donated $300 to support her fundraising efforts and this meaningful cause.

Please join us in wishing Ms. Davis the very best as she trains for the marathon and continues to turn her personal journey into a source of hope, inspiration, and support for others. Her courage reminds us that even in life's most difficult moments, strength, compassion, and purpose can prevail.
about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
adults in a virtual mtg
students with a check
students in a meeting

Traveling to Binghamton on Friday for the FINAL FOUR softball matchup? It’s going to be Minisink Valley vs. Calhoun at 2:30 p.m. at the Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park in Binghamton!

REMINDER: You’ll need tickets! All NYSPHSAA Championships will use online ticketing. Ticket prices are $13.60 (inclusive of fees). Cash sales will not be available at the gate. For tickets, click here: https://nysphsaa.org/sports/2023/4/11/SoftballTickets.aspx
Here’s the live stream link; please note, a subscription is required. https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/nysphsaa/gama1d5e21737

about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
softball ticket art
Congratulations to Unified Basketball team members Jonathan Franco-Coelho and Kathleen Gutierrez, who were honored for their many contributions to the team’s success during the team’s recent Senior Game. That same day, the team hosted its “America Night” game against Valley Central. Thank you to members of American Legion Post 1607 for attending!
about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
basketball players
basketball player
basketball player
group of people
students with flag
WOW! Congratulations to eighth-grader Maeve Walicki, who reached an incredible 100 draw controls in her very first season on the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team!

Why is that such a big deal? A draw control is what gives a team possession of the ball at the start of each quarter, at the beginning of the game, and after every goal. Winning draw controls means creating opportunities for your team to attack, control the pace of play and keep the ball out of your opponent’s hands.

Maeve’s 100 draw controls helped her team gain possession time and time again — an outstanding achievement and a huge contribution to the team’s success!
about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
lacrosse girls with poster
The High School Band recently traveled to Chicopee High School in Massachusetts to participate in the Trills and Thrills Music Festival, where they performed before a panel of adjudicators and showcased their musical talents through challenging repertoire that was evaluated on technical accuracy, musicality, tone quality and artistic interpretation.

Their hard work, dedication and countless hours of preparation paid off in a big way — the band earned an incredible cumulative score of 96! THAT’S HUGE!

The ensemble delivered outstanding performances of “Tripwire,” “Byzantine Dances,” and “Manhattan Beach March,” demonstrating both musical excellence and professionalism on stage.

Trips like these are about much more than the final score. Performing at festivals gives students the opportunity to grow as musicians by receiving valuable feedback from experienced adjudicators, experiencing new performance environments, and challenging themselves to achieve their personal and collective best. Just as importantly, these experiences help build confidence, teamwork, responsibility and lasting friendships — skills and memories that extend far beyond the music classroom.

Following the festival, students celebrated their accomplishment with a fun-filled afternoon at Six Flags New England, making the trip both a rewarding musical experience and a memorable day with friends and classmates.
Congratulations to all of the student musicians and their conductors for their outstanding achievement, commitment and hard work. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing what they achieve next!
about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
students  on stage
students on stage
students in park
students in park
students in park
students in park
students in park
students in park
students in park

BREAKING FRIDAY EVENING SPORTS NEWS!

FINAL FOUR BOUND! Amazing!!

Meet your NYSPHSAA Regional Class AA Softball Champions: The Minisink Valley Varsity Softball Team!

Please join us in congratulating the players and coaches of our Varsity Softball team, who beat Section I's East Chester in a 4-2 final held at Monroe-Woodbury High School!

NEXT UP: The NYSPHSAA Softball Championship Final Four matchup will be held Friday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m. at the Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park in Binghamton; with the championship game to be held Saturday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. Watch for more details coming soon!

about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
softball team

Elementary School transitional kindergarteners and kindergarteners had gorgeous weather for their recent field trip to Pierson's Farm! What an educational and fun time they had!

Established in 1790 and operated by the Pierson family for seven generations, this historic Hudson Valley farm features seasonal attractions such as pumpkin picking, sunflower fields, hayrides and opportunities to learn about livestock and local food production. Students can connect classroom lessons in science, ecology, and history to real-world experiences while exploring a working farm environment. The combination of hands-on learning, outdoor exploration and engaging farm activities made Pierson's Farm the perfect destination for these little students, helping students better understand where food comes from, the importance of agriculture, and the rich farming heritage of Orange County.

See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid0Hk15U9UcGJFhB4yZvUp2B6jQPZvrKeG6n1wfqRrgBpwV95E7Dy5d9RaYbMwNw45Cl?__cft__[0]=AZaGe6MjUbbnWdlwAlGYnSfOYejFi5YvMsodjOXrsvjq4XetoJiNYOXNZ9m86S3FUTFiXBVCbmFrIc1Q-wKwlAgOu1XrKXFDpzp7p6GgcdMpLF-BImONBaNn7PFF5dIRpGkadrGIWYqNhsJwsa4NED3TGYPSmFuiAMeWd5nBT7dOfmogQvMm3fPglN4v7chYZrw&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
kids on field trip
kids on field trip
kids on field trip
kids on field trip
kids on field trip
kids on field trip
kids on field trip
kids on field trip
kids on field trip
WHAT A BRICK-TASTIC TIME!
Otisville fifth-graders had a terrific time at their recent class trip to LEGOLAND New York! Between the rides, attractions and jaw-dropping LEGO creations, students enjoyed a day that was equal parts fun and STEM-inspired learning. Take a look!
As they explored, built, and discovered, students put their curiosity into action and proved that great ideas — like great LEGO models — are built one brick at a time
about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
students at legoland
students at legoland
students at legoland
students at legoland
students at legoland
students at legoland
students at legoland
students at legoland
CHEERS to the winners of the Middle School’s annual Bookmark Design Contest! Students and staff members were invited to vote on their favorites to determine the top three winners! These winning designs will be professionally printed and made available for people to take from the library.

It’s really true: A bookmark may save your page, but a good book always leaves its mark on you!

Congratulations to:
--- Eighth-grader Delilah Becerril
--- Sixth-grader Alicia Suen
--- Eighth-grader Elisa Vernatter
about 2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
bookmark winners
bookmark art
bookmark art
bookmark art
Leyla Johnson, Jonathan Sakadelis and Ross Potter recently brought together ES physical education first-graders and IS physical education third-graders for a fun-filled teamwork challenge focused on rolling skills, cooperation and a little friendly competition.

Working in teams, students took turns carefully rolling balls toward hula hoops. If a ball rolled into a hoop and stayed there, the team earned the hoop and brought it back to their side. The race was on to see which team could collect all of its hoops first!

The activity also served as a lead up game which to introduce them to Bocce, a classic target game in which players roll large balls and aim to land them closest to a smaller ball called the “jack,” or “pallino.”
2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
physical education students
physical education students
physical education students
physical education students
physical education students
physical education students
physical education students
If you’re visiting the Slate Hill campus after school, you may see the newly created Middle School Bikers Club in action! Rain or shine, middle school bikers are on the move! You’ll see them pedaling around campus on sunny days or (shhh, don’t tell anyone!) practicing in the hallways when it rains! Take a look!

“This year is about more than just riding,” said Advisor Kelsie Doller. “We’ve designed our own custom helmets and bikes, hosted guest riders and mastered our road signals with some creative sidewalk chalk practice.”

Ms. Doller reminds all of us why bicycle riding is a great activity:

Health: Staying active and strong.
Focus: For students ---clearing the mind for class.
Eco-Friendly: Rolling for a greener planet.
Confidence: Mastering safety and independence.
Community: Building friendships on two wheels.

“It’s more than just biking,” she added, “It’s an adventure.”
2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
student bikers
student bikers
student bikers
student bikers
student bikers
student bikers
student bikers

Author Matthew McElligott visited the Elementary School last Friday to share his love of and the process of writing and illustrating books to all K-2 students.

Mr. McElligott, who is also a professor at Russell Sage College, gave a wonderful and interactive presentation which delighted these young readers!

Author visits are highly valuable for elementary students because it’s another opportunity to inspire a love for reading, demystify the writing process and even boost a student’s creativity in their own writing process!

THANK YOU to the Elementary School PTO for sponsoring this wonderful enrichment program!

2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
author at school
group of students
author at school
slide of books
REMINDER: “Ministock,” the benefit music festival featuring live music and great vibes will take place Saturday, June 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. in front of the high school!

This year’s festival features performances by alumni Mia Twyman, Hannah Veety, The Flat 5’s, Dean and Co., The Sweet Tarts, Turning Forward, Ruckrock, Indoor Board, The Amphibians, The Specs and the Ukulele Club.

Ministock is the High School’s annual music business event and a celebration of student talent, creativity and community spirit. The Ministock Music Business Club is a student-led organization dedicated to learning and applying real-world music industry skills. During the first half of the school year, members engage in lessons focused on music business fundamentals, including marketing, artist management, and festival production. In the second half of the year, students apply their knowledge by actively planning and executing the Ministock event.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the entrance of the event. See you there!
2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
ministock flyer
A perfect game is one of the rarest achievements in either baseball or softball. It means no opposing player reaches base at all—no hits, walks, hit batters, errors or dropped third strikes! A perfect game is often considered one of the sport's most difficult individual accomplishments.

We’re so proud to share that eighth-grader and Junior Varsity softball pitcher Melanie Ward threw a perfect game during the recent Minisink Valley/Port Jervis matchup, where Minisink Valley won 7-0!

She pitched seven full innings giving up 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and the field committed 0 errors. Melanie had 10 strikeouts and threw 74 pitches in the entire seven inning game. That is simply amazing! #MINISINKProud

“Mel stepped up as an eighth-grader this year to provide quality innings in the circle and she did just that pitching 54 out of our 119 innings played,” said Junior Varsity head Coach Michelle Worden. “She is a quiet kid who doesn't let anything faze her, which will contribute to her future success. Pitching a perfect game is not an easy feat. The amount of perfection that needs to happen to accomplish this, is impressive. It does not only fall on her, it falls on every single player on this team. Making the plays in the field can become stressful the further the game goes, but this team did not falter and made some great plays to stand behind Mel's strong performance. There is a reason why perfect games are so incredibly rare. We are so proud of Mel as a team and as an organization and look forward to watching her continued success with Minisink.”

2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
softball player
softball players
softball players
Kudos to seniors Mulunga Kinzonzi and Ashlyn Burke, who recently attended a food insecurity training and turned their inspiration into immediate action!

Mulunga and Ashlyn teamed up with High School Career and Achievement students and High School Social Workers Erin Bradley and Julie Anne Sullivan to host a successful food drive to benefit the Minisink Cares Backpack Program.

Because the wonderful donations from the Minisink Valley community, the Backpack Program provides essential food to enrolled students over weekends and school breaks. THANK YOU to everyone who contributes and ensures students have the support they need!
2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
student with collected food
student with collected food
students with collected food
students with collected food
student with collected food
students with collected food
students with collected food
Tiffany Guareno and Bridget Kelly’s ES kindergarteners had the sweetest surprise this past Friday: Two very special visitors named Nibbles and Butch!

These adorable Boer baby goats — called kids — are just a little over two weeks old, and they completely stole the show! The students were thrilled to bottle-feed them, share gentle moments and learn all about caring for these fluffy little farm friends.

Along the way, they also discovered some fun facts about Boer goats! Boer goats are a popular breed known for their calm, friendly personalities and fast growth. They were originally bred in South Africa and are especially well known for being strong, hardy animals that adapt well to different environments. Baby Boer goats are famously playful and curious — always hopping, climbing, and exploring everything around them, which made them extra fun for the kindergarteners to watch!

What started as a visit quickly turned into a sunny outdoor learning adventure filled with hands-on discovery and laugher! (And that includes the adults, too!)

We have a feeling more than a few students went home with one important question: “Can we get a baby goat?”
THANK YOU to parent Samantha Knuth for visiting with her "kiddies!"
2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
kids feeding goats
kids feeding goats
kids feeling goats
kids feeding goats
kids feeding goats
kids feeding goats
kids feeding goats
kids feeding goats

Erin Chase’s ES first-graders recently enjoyed a memorable visit from Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Livestock Educator Zoe Lockburner, who stopped by to check on the class’s incubating eggs, read a story, and answer students’ many thoughtful questions.

One of the most exciting moments of the visit was egg candling, a process that uses a bright light to illuminate the inside of an egg. By carefully candling the eggs, students were able to observe the remarkable changes taking place as the chicks continue to develop before hatching. Seeing life grow inside the eggs sparked curiosity, wonder and plenty of excitement throughout the classroom.

Incubating eggs is a popular hands-on learning experience in many elementary schools because it brings science to life. Students learn about animal life cycles, growth and development, observation skills, responsibility and patience as they care for the eggs and track daily changes. Watching chicks hatch helps children make real-world connections to lessons about living things, ecosystems and the natural world in a way that books alone can't provide.
Ms. Lockburner’s visit transformed these important science concepts into an engaging, interactive experience for students! From learning about chick development to witnessing the fascinating process of egg candling, it was a fun and educational day!

2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
egg candling
egg candling
guest reading a book
eggs in incubabator
Otisville family members showcased their careers and talked to students about their jobs at last Friday’s Career Day. THANK YOU to organizers and every family member who participated!

Talking to K–5 students about careers and jobs is important because elementary school is a beginning critical time for developing interests, building self-awareness and expanding students' understanding of the world around them. At this age, career exploration is not about choosing a future occupation but about helping children discover the many possibilities available to them. Learning about different careers connects classroom subjects to real-world applications, helps students recognize the value of education and encourages them to develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and responsibility. Exposure to a variety of professions also broadens students' aspirations and helps them see that people from many different backgrounds can achieve success in a wide range of careers.

What’s equally important is Otisville’s Career Day brought together the school, participating family members, businesses and community organizations to support student learning. By inviting local professionals to share their experiences, schools like Otisville create meaningful connections between students and the people who contribute to the community every day. These interactions help students better understand the roles that various careers play in society while allowing community members to engage directly in education. And, it’s another way Otisville prepares students for future success and creates stronger relationships between the school and the community!

See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02hXm1BFhaf4aR6JEj9vXYkGD1oidFSX7qVCydBDrcvanuHLvwunacn7WRhdoBbLa1l?__cft__[0]=AZb7N7UNKbRoco8zYChePEmBd3u8w0zGZkLTWkjq7dcm0jRwsRt1BOhvRC4QBNceMP4PEfuVrVI7T2B-2Obbg2DUXSwOeAq_Rni9haJLBiLOEM84U6TbrICezaDcIxnDTCwgUKxYM7_2Waczhu8Q3_B5W0FQF5VVfNBFhZjn7R297qDERcbkm5n8XQe_TV3_ABc&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
student at career day
students at career day
students at career day
students at career day
students at career day
students at career day
students at career day
students at career day
Even if you're not able to build a birdhouse, you can certainly draw one! That’s what Joan Giardina’s IS third-grade art students are doing! Take a peek at their preliminary pencil drawings, they’re doing a great, job!

A birdhouse is a small shelter people make or hang outside to give birds a safe place to nest, sleep, and raise their young. It usually has a small entrance hole and is designed to protect birds from weather and predators.
2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
birdhouse art
birdhouse art
birdhouse art
birdhouse art
birdhouse art
birdhouse art
birdhouse art
State Sen. James Skoufis welcomed the valedictorians and salutatorians representing the New York’s 42nd Senate District at an annual gathering he hosted May 21 in Albany and that included valedictorian Conner Doane and salutatorian Colin Hansen and their families!

Students and family members met with Sen. Skoufis in the historic building, where photos were taken onto the Senate Chamber dais and the famous “Million Dollar Staircase.” After lunch and a Q&A session with the senator’s staff, students watched a Senate session from the balcony. During the session, they were recognized by the New York State Senate with a standing ovation after Sen. Skoufis read their names aloud.

“I’m always delighted to host Orange County’s valedictorians and salutatorians at the NYS Capitol,” Sen. Skoufis said. “This day continues to be one of the highlights of the legislative session every year. These students have worked tirelessly throughout their academic career, striving for and achieving excellence. It’s my pleasure to welcome and share this historic building with them and their families, and highlight their accomplishments before my colleagues --– Orange County’s future is definitely bright!”
2 months ago, Minisink Valley School District
students in albany
students in albany
students in albany
students in albany
students in albany