More than 60 future varsity stars representing the Minisink and Otisville Little Leagues stepped up to the plate to join the fun — and what a night it was! The festivities were capped off with a thrilling 9–8 varsity comeback win over Warwick Valley! Amazing!
These young student athletes — clearly future varsity standouts — were all smiles as they received their “Rising Star” bracelets, rounded the bases alongside varsity players, and even scored big by getting all the varsity player autographs they wanted! From dugout chats to on-field memories, it was a home run evening filled with mentorship, teamwork and plenty of heart.
What a beautiful display of paying it forward, beginning to build a future lineup by showing how much fun the game is, and reminding these rising stars that with practice, hustle, and love of the game, anything is possible!
The PTO hopes everyone is enjoying their meals and appreciates everything the High School staff do everyday to support our students and their successes!
Her elephant toothpaste lab feels less like a lab and more like a controlled eruption of foamy chaos on purpose!
Students mix hydrogen peroxide, a catalyst (often potassium iodide), soap, and a bit of food coloring, then step back as a tower of foamy bubbles explode out of a water bottle! Yes, it’s messy, but it’s unforgettable, which is exactly the point! Beneath the spectacle is a fast decomposition reaction where hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, and the soap traps that oxygen into billowing foam. Of course, the “toothpaste” isn’t for elephants, but it does a great job brushing up students’ attention spans.
What makes the demo clever is how it sneaks serious chemistry into something that looks like a science fair prank. The reaction is exothermic, so the foam comes out warm, giving students a tactile reminder that chemical reactions often involve energy changes. The catalyst speeds things up without being consumed, which can feel almost like cheating until students realize that catalysts are the unsung heroes behind everything from industrial manufacturing to enzymes in their own bodies.
By the time the foam subsides and someone inevitably asks if they can touch it (yes, they can, usually), the lesson has already stuck. Elephant toothpaste isn’t just about “wow,” it’s about connecting observable phenomena to invisible processes. It teaches that reactions have rates, that energy can be released, and that tiny changes — like adding a catalyst — can dramatically alter outcomes. It turns chemistry from a subject that a student can memorize into one he/she witnesses, feels, and remembers, which is a pretty effective formula for learning — even if it fills up a sink!
Friendly reminder to the information previously emailed to you: It’s time to order your SENIOR LAWN SIGN! There are so many options so allowing you to create a keepsake lawn sign to hold onto well after Graduation Day! DON'T MISS OUT and
You can order using the flyer or by using this simple Google link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeBW9eplR79vz.../viewform
IMPORTANT NOTE: Ordering deadline is Saturday, May 9 to ensure early June delivery.
Please email any questions to: mvhspg@gmail.com
It was an early route for Arantza, who arrived bright and early at 5:30 a.m. (with a little help from her mother) to get everything set up for the Transportation team to fuel up and start their day!
Her thoughtful gesture was a tremendously kind way of recognizing this team who keep the wheels of our buses turning safely and providing our students safe transportation every day!
“We want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication of our bus drivers and bus monitors who ensure our students arrive to and from school safely each and every day,” said Transportation Director Dwayne Powers. “Rain or shine, early mornings and long afternoons, they are often the first and last school employees our students see and they make a lasting impact. Our bus drivers demonstrate patience, responsibility, and care behind the wheel, while our bus monitors provide essential support by creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for every child on board.”
This past Friday, yearbook staff celebrated their last page submissions. Editor-in-chief Ella Michelitch, a four year member of the yearbook staff, read her letter to the readers aloud for the first time, which was inspired by this year’s theme, “So Much More,” and the opportunity the New York State cell phone policy gave her classmates to experience each day and connect with each other free of scrolling.
“Every year the staff starts with 256 blank pages and fills them with photos, quotes and stories created by students for students,” said Advisor Kat Hoolan. “The final deadline is always bittersweet. First, it’s the relief the massive project is complete which vibrates through the room. But this also means a goodbye to the seniors dedicated to creating Vale, Volume 63.”
Congratulations to the senior members of the yearbook staff for a job well-done! We can’t wait to see the yearbook!
Jack Blaikner
Ashlyn Burke
Kathryn Jones
Reilly Kain-Dickinson
Samatha Kassel
Siyassa Mathis
Ella Michelitch
Olivia Pollock
Brianna Soriano
It was a very powerful discussion and participants learned a lot. The biggest takeaway is that 988 Lifeline wants people to CALL if they’re in crisis. Crisis counselors are compassionate individuals who care about you!
Important reminders:
1. Anyone can call/text/chat no matter the reason. If you need a friend, they are there for you! They want to hear about your day! It does not need to be a crisis.
2. You can call them to talk about someone else that you are concerned about.
3. Crisis counselors completed a three month training which included taking calls with a mentor before being able to answer calls on their own.
4. Crisis counselors are based at the Orange County 911 Center in Goshen along with the 911 and 311 dispatchers. They all work closely together to ensure that the calls that come in are directed appropriately based on the needs.
5. They have a dress code and must wear black to keep distractions at a minimum.
Ms. Redden discussed how important it is for students to have a Safety Plan. At the club’s upcoming meeting this week, members will be doing this. Be sure you have a Safety Plan, too!
Friendly reminder to the information previously emailed to you: It’s time to order your SENIOR LAWN SIGN! There are so many options so allowing you to create a keepsake lawn sign to hold onto well after Graduation Day! DON'T MISS OUT and
You can order using the flyer or by using this simple Google link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeBW9eplR79vz.../viewform
IMPORTANT NOTE: Ordering deadline is Saturday, May 9 to ensure early June delivery.
Please email any questions to: mvhspg@gmail.com
His students were among the many New York State high school students invited to participate. They worked in teams for three hours on several, extremely challenging physics problems. The scores are in the process of being tabulated by RIT and awards will be presented to the top performers. In years past, Minisink valley students have performed well!
Thank you to these students who represented Minisink Valley with tremendous academic distinction!
• Jandro Arias
• Richard Cai
• Caleb Decker
• Roman Gangi
• Madeline Huggins
• Cree Kain-Dickinson
• Rogan Lynch
• Luciano Palacios
• Audrey Stokes
• Elizabeth Yozzo
• Madilyn Greenberg
• Owen Skinner
• Austin Arrredondo
The RIT High School Physics Olympiad involves solving challenging physics problems that go beyond standard classroom material, covering topics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and more. The competition features questions designed to test analytical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than memorization. Its goal is to encourage interest in physics and STEM fields while giving students experience with competition-style questions similar to those seen in more advanced contests like the United States Physics Olympiad.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all!
Members of the High School’s Youth Against Cancer (YAC) club have proudly presented a $543.65 donation to Sparrow’s Nest, supporting its mission to assist families facing cancer.
Sparrow’s Nest of the Hudson Valley is a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers homemade, nutritious meals to families facing a cancer diagnosis. Founded in 2012 by Krista Jones in New York, the charity aims to reduce the daily stress of meal preparation, allowing patients undergoing treatment to focus on healing.
This check represents 100% of the proceeds gathered during the club’s recent Cuginos Coin Drop initiative, and the club wants to express its gratitude to everyone who contributed to this effort.
“It was incredible to raise this amount in just a short three hours,” said Club Advisor Erin Natalizio. “We are incredibly grateful to Maria Cabrera of Cuginos and her generous patrons.”
Kudos to the high school’s Environmental Club, who visited Otisville Elementary yesterday to share their passion with Cynthia Muccari’s and Tammy Bosco’s second and third-graders! Led by Anthony Muccari and Toni McGinn, the club is dedicated to helping animals and protecting our environment—and they brought that mission to life in such a fun way.
The older students read “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss, teaching younger students about the importance of speaking up for the trees. Together, they talked about how the Truffula trees connect to real-life deforestation, what trees provide for us, and how pollution and habitat loss affect animals. They even noticed how much the environment changed from the beginning to the end of the story.
Then, even with cool and damp weather, the students headed outside to Mt. Hope Park for a clean-up adventure! They collected soda cans, wrappers, plastic bottles, and more—while laughing, helping one another, and even turning it into a friendly race to see who could gather the most.
The day wrapped up with more creative fun back in the classroom, including a coffee filter Earth craft, a BrainPop video, and writing about ways they can help protect our planet.
It was a wonderful, hands-on day full of learning, teamwork and inspiration—proving that even small actions can make a big difference for our Earth!
WHAT'S NEW with the outdoor track & field teams? FIVE NEW PROGRAM RECORDS!
The boys and girls outdoor track & field teams kicked their season and established five program records last weekend at the Red Raider Relays, hosted by North Rockland High School in the newly reopened Cordisco Stadium!
Senior Robert LaBarbera kicked the weekend off with a huge personal best in the 10-meter dash, eclipsing a 45-year-old district program record in :10.81 to win his preliminary heat. He followed that start up with a silver medal in the 100-meter dash final on Saturday, before establishing a second personal best and Minisink Valley program record in the 400-meter dash, with his winning mark of :48.10 establishing a new New York #1 ranking in the process!
And to close the meet in grand style, Robert, Angel Mendez, Chloe Beck and Ferrah Hill earned a commanding mixed 4x400 meter relay victory, shattering the state record in 3:35.11, with a team of Stetson Terpak, Jon Mausling, Salma Samdaoui and Emma Berkshire taking sixth place (3:47.68).
Senior Kessler Hirsch won in the javelin with a new program record of 116'04" and matched Robert LaBarbera's second-place finish in the 100-meter dash final, before anchoring 4x100 meter relay teammates Chloe Beck Ferrah Hill and Salma Samdaoui and 4x200 meter relay teammates Jerlivia Frederick, Julia Berkshire and Catori Thomas to a pair of victories. Also earning gold medals were the distance medley relay teammates Elijah Zittel, William Monahan, Caleb Decker and Luciano Palacios (12:25.32).
Seniors Delila Kronimus (10'6") finished third in the pole vault and Salma Samdaoui (1:11.69) also earned a bronze medal in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles, as first-year Dominique Celestin (1:15.03) raced to a new Minisink Valley class record in 10th place. Angel Mendez (:50.01) and Tarius Theodore (:51.25) joined Robert LaBarbera on the 400-meter dash podium, crossing the line in fourth and sixth place, respectively.
Several relay teams and individuals earned medals and established Minisink Valley class records. First-year teammates Catori Thomas, Sophia McKeon, Julia Berkshire and Caitlyn Moran established a new district class record (4:12.46) in winning the F/S 4x400 meter relay, with Thomas, McKeon and CaitlynMoran earlier teaming with Danica Martinez to win and break the district's class record (:52.70) in the F/S 4x100 meter relay.
And --- Eighth-grade phenom Abigail Caputo anchored teammates Kathryn Jones, Catharine Sullivan and Elizabeth Honsaker to a fifth place finish in the 4x800 meter relay, having snagged a sixth-place finish in the invitational section of the 1,500 meter run (4:53.92) and opened her weekend with a 10:57.78 finish in the 3,000 meters; the latter two marks rank #1 in New York state for middle school athletes! AMAZING!
The teams will next field 4x100 and 4x400 meter relay teams in the prestigious Penn Relays Carnival, hosted by Franklin Field on the grounds of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
The High School’s Latin Club recently sat for the National Latin Examination administered by the American Classical League. The tests consist of 40 questions involving Roman culture and mythology, Latin grammar and Latin reading comprehension.
Seven Minisink students received awards for their performance on the “Introduction to Latin” exam: Luciano Palacios, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Charlotte Curraba, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; James Arias, Magna Cum Laude; Conner Doane, Magna Cum Laude; Yuvia Portugal, Magna Cum Laude; Adrianna Arrendondo, Cum Laude; and Justin Roccabruna, Certificate of Merit.
The Latin Club offers students instruction in introductory Latin and no previous experience is necessary. Multi-year members will advance to study real Latin authors. The club also explores Greco-Roman history, art and mythology. At the end of the year, students have the chance to take the appropriate level of the National Latin Exam.
“Our relationship with the veterans at the American Legion is something our program takes a lot of pride in, and our players are always ready to answer the call when the opportunity comes up,” said Varsity Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “This is a great chance for our guys to represent the program the right way and honor those who have served.”
Coach Gallagher noted that this has been part of the team’s culture for the past 12 years, and it remains a tradition they fully intend to keep in their playbook moving forward.
Players executed their roles seamlessly—prepping salads, serving and delivering ziti and meatballs, and making sure every table was taken care of with coffee and cake—showing the same discipline and teamwork they bring to game day.
Coach Gallagher added: “This gives our guys an opportunity to connect, communicate, and learn firsthand what servant leadership looks like. It’s about more than football—it’s about doing your job, supporting others, and understanding how being part of a team can make a real impact in the community.”
Enjoy some great sandwiches, salads or soups at Panera in MIddletown and support the High School's FBLA Club! Details are in the flyer below, and thanks for sharing!
Ms. Whaley-Williams is the owner of “Sadie's Bookseum,” the first Black-owned bookstore in Orange County. She has over 20 years in education, beginning as a math teacher in Brooklyn and she has led schools across New York City and the Hudson Valley. She is a first-generation college graduate with degrees from Brown and Pace universities, and is the host of the “UNtenured Podcast.”
“We worked together years ago when she was a district administrator for the Monticello Central School District,” said Ms. Bryne. “Since we reconnected in October, we have been planning a visit for her to speak with Minisink students.”
Students who come to the library often, or are voracious readers, and other students recognized by teachers as being book lovers were sent invitations to the event to attend either the morning or afternoon session. The invitation asked students what books “built them,” meaning what books impacted their lives up to this point. They ranged from Bill Martin, Jr.’s and John Archambault’s “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” to John Steinbeck's “East of Eden.” Students were also asked to reflect on an artifact that would represent them in a museum case, an item that embodies their identity.
The list of artifacts shared by attendees were made into a collage of all their answers which was used to open dialogue about the items during the presentation.
Students were inspired by the message of keeping their "Spine Strong" literally, in their body, and figuratively, reading books.
"All the books we read are a way to build ourselves, shield ourselves, empower ourselves, and enrich ourselves,” said Ms. Bryne. “We were all ‘spine stronger’ after the huddle and we hope to plan more events in the future.”
Slogans like” UnApologetic Bookworm,” “Powered by Pages,” and "Ask me about a book that built me" were buttons students took away with them!
THANK YOU to Ms. Whaley-Williams for visiting and sharing her knowledge!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and students Mia Whiting and Abigail Rogers, members of the school’s Mental Health Awareness Club, have organized "Two Weeks of Wellness" events that students have been made aware of but we wants to be sure high school families knew about, too. PLEASE SHARE!
The first is on Wednesday April 22: Crisis Counselor Clare Redden of 988 Lifeline will meet with students, faculty and staff after school to talk about how the 988 Lifeline works to clear up any misconceptions or fears that may prevent someone from reaching out for help.
“Sharing information about 988 is an important way to take part in preventing suicide, helping others in crisis and changing the conversation around seeking help,” said Advisor Susan Papa. “It’s an important conversation to have. We welcome all high school students to attend and learn more. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, call or text 988 or chat online to get an important, direct connection.”
To learn more, visit: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/crisis/988.html?utm_source=google-search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NYS-OMH-988-Year-2_ENG_General_NYS_GOOG-S_10/6/2025-8/31/2026_1845&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23075777512&gbraid=0AAAAA-JmjD3g5SUCNg_8qgCGcocGU7mOE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh5G4w9DykwMVbTYIBR1eSyA7EAAYASAAEgKNvfD_BwE
We LOVE it when our students and staff are part of wonderful community activities and events!
KUDOS to members of the Varsity Football and Wrestling teams, who were part of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight Mission 38’s “Welcome Home Rally” at Stewart Airport this past Saturday!
Players and coaches were on hand to welcome all Mission 38 veterans when they returned from a daylong trip to Washington, D.C., but particularly to welcome home Air Force E-4 Sergeant, crew chief and aircraft maintenance specialist Arthur Olah, who served during the Vietnam War conflict at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. Mr. Olah is the grandfather of Varsity Offensive/Defensive Line Coach Andrew Fenner, who is also an IS third-grade teacher; and father-in-law of IS/ES Head Custodian Dave Fenner.
A day with the Hudson Valley Honor Flight begins early, often before sunrise, as veterans gather with volunteers and guardians for a warm send-off. There’s an atmosphere of excitement and gratitude as families, supporters, and community members cheer them on. The group boards a flight bound for Washington, D.C. and veterans are treated with special care and recognition throughout the entire trip.
Once in Washington, the day is filled with visits to powerful memorials such as the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. Volunteers ensure each veteran has time to reflect, connect and be honored for their service. The trip often includes a special “mail call,” where veterans receive letters of appreciation from loved ones and strangers alike. By evening, they return home to a heartfelt welcome celebration, greeted by crowds waving flags and expressing gratitude. It’s an unforgettable and deeply emotional end to a meaningful day.
“This is such a great event and our coaches, players and wrestlers were honored to be a part of it,” said Varsity Football and Wrestling Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “Our football program has a special relationship with the American Legion and one of us was on that flight! Arthur Olah, who served in the U.S. Air Force and is the grandfather of our offensive and defensive line coach Andrew Fenner which made it that much more special! The guys were awesome and really started to understand the effect they had on Mr. Olah and all of the veterans that they cheered for! It was a great night.”
To learn more about Hudson Valley Honor Flight, visit: https://hvhonorflight.com/
What college/university is your student attending this fall? What career is he/she stepping into? Will he/she be entering the military?
The BIG, FUN REVEAL DAY (for students only) is coming: Friday, May 1 at the high school! It's National Decision Day!
Reminders are going out to all seniors, and we're letting you, too, because you may still be on the hunt for the perfect shirt/hoodie/hat for your student to wear for photo ops "announcing" and celebrating his/her decision! It's a BIG DEAL!
We'll have a fun background display for them to take photos! We can't wait to share the news!
Congratulations to Junior Sara Pauls for earning third-place honors in the 126-pound weight class --- and ALL-AMERICAN status --- at the recent National High School Coaches Association’s (NHSCA) 37th annual High School Nationals Competition in Virginia Beach! Her third-place success came from a bracket of 85 girls!
Also wrestling were Jaida Macaluso and Keira Filip, who wrestled with grit and honorably represented Minisink Valley!
And…and equal congratulations to Junior Wyatt Boice who earned fifth-place in the 175-pound weight class – and ALL-AMERICAN status --- at this same tournament! Thus far, Wyatt has earned ALL-AMERICAN honors each of the past three seasons! Wyatt went 6-2 over the three day tournament.
Also wrestling was Jake Murphy, Mason Murphy, Colin Matone, Vinny Coppola, Joe Uhrig and Zach Filip --- who came up one match short of All American status as he lost in the blood round.
A wrestler earns All-American status by finishing among the Top 8 at a recognized national tournament!
We’re so proud of all our wrestlers who competed in great matches against some of the best in the nation! The NHSCA High School Nationals is a premier wrestling championship for high school athletes from across the nation (and sometimes international competitors). The NHSCA Nationals serves as a showcase for talent and is often attended or scouted by college coaches and recruiters.
