Seven swimmers qualified for the Feb. 19 to 21 Section IX Championships, based on their cut times:
•Senior Caleb Decker got 2 cuts in the 200 freestyle and 50 freestyle
•Senior Owen Skinner got a cut in the 200 IM
•Junior Eddie Edwards got cut times in the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke in a previous meet.
•Sophomore William Monahan got his first 2 cuts in the 200 and 500 yard freestyle
•Freshman Jacob Yourman got a cut in the 200 freestyle
•Eighth-grader Marcus Earl got a Section cut time in the 100 breaststroke
•Seventh-grader Alex Marincenko got a cut in the 200 freestyle
DO NOT COOK ON FEB. 15!
Who doesn't love a good Burrito Bowl?
Support the High School's Junior Class and dine at Chipotle in Middletown! Details are below and PLEASE SHARE!
New York Yankees vs. Miami Marlins!
--- Saturday, April 4
--- 7:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium
--- Tickets: $45 each for Terrace Level seating
--- Online ticket sales close March 1
--- Tickets will be delivered digitally to the email address provided.
--- Transportation is NOT provided.
Purchase tickets here: https://minisink-pto-yankee-game.square.site/
Back by request! Sign up today for the High School Art Club’s Feb. 10 “Paint & Snack” fundraiser! Have a wonderful afternoon painting a beautiful spring design under the guidance of a talented upperclassman art student! And, of course, there will be fabulous snacks! Open to all ages, but space is limited. Cost is $12 per adult, $10 per student and $5 for student siblings.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejmdJqNRluBrCttWfiMsXZ8Cu5-xqk0U9wP3GPo7oXlMKASw/viewform
Cole Lamendola
Patrick Frawley
RJ Sosler
Ryan Jones
Malachi Grant
Owen Skinner
Caleb Decker
Cree Kain-Dickinson
Varsity Football Coach Kevin Gallagher said this is only the second time in program history that a Minisink Valley football player has won this award. Tom Redmond won it in the early 1970s.
“Zach Filip is a coach’s dream,” Coach Gallagher said. “He is a great athlete with good speed, a very smart athlete, strong, a great teammate, with an incredible will to get better and to win! Zach was our heart and soul and is as tough as anyone in the state, but off the field he is a great kid well-respected by everyone. Zach is also a very good student and is looking to play football in college and become a physical education teacher and coach.”
Look who stopped by yesterday! Class of 1973 alumnus Tom Redmond —Minisink Valley’s first-ever Section IX Large School Player of the Year in 1972 — returned to campus to meet Zach Filip, the 2025 recipient of the same honor! Separated by 53 years, united by one tradition. Proof that while generations change, the brotherhood of football never does. Thank you, Mr. Redmond, for your visit!
AMAZING! Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Indoor Track 4x400 meter relay team of Chloe Beck, Ferrah Hill, Ella Michelitch and Salma Samdaoui, who proudly represented Minisink Valley in the prestigious Millrose Games, held Feb. 1, finishing fourth in the Suburban division (4:00.37) and besting local rivals Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick Valley in the process! PLUS: It's the first time in program history that a Minisink Valley team qualified for these games!
The Millrose Games is a major indoor track and field meet held every year in New York City. It's one of the oldest and most respected track meets in the world, starting in 1908. High school athletes often look up to the Millrose Games because it features the best runners and field athletes competing at an elite level, showing what is possible with hard work and dedication.
The meet includes many events including sprints, distance races, hurdles, and field events. For high school athletes, the Millrose Games is inspiring because it shows the highest level of competition and motivates young athletes to train, improve, and dream big in track and field.
For professional athletes, The Millrose Games is one of the most prestigious indoor track and field competitions in the world and is a cornerstone of the international athletics calendar. The event attracts elite athletes from around the globe who compete in a range of sprint, distance, hurdle, and field events, often producing record-breaking performances
Congratulations to Junior and Girls Varsity Wrestler Sara Pauls, who is one of 12 student-athletes representing Section IX and 170 student-athletes statewide attending the upcoming New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Student Leadership Conference in mid-April in Albany!
Current sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills by listening to presentations from a variety of speakers and participating in workshops to help positively influence their teams, athletic departments, schools, and communities.
“We look forward to having Sara share with her peers all the important information she will learn at this conference,” said Athletic Director Tim Bult. “We’re proud she’s representing Minisink Valley and Section IX.”
The idea of the conference was developed by the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Development Committee (SADC) several years ago with input from the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
“This is a program we have been focused on developing for several years,” said Kristen Jadin, NYSPHSAA Assistant Director, in a statement. “We are a student-based organization and what better way to develop students than to have an in-person conference with outstanding speakers who can share their expertise.”
This team entered the tournament prepared and fearless. In Round 1, they dominated Section III’s Carthage with a decisive 50–17 victory. After a BYE round, they showed their dominance again in Round 2 with an emphatic 57–16 win over Section V’s Fairport. Each wrestler competed with toughness, pride and unity — never backing down, never giving less than everything he had.
As they always do, these 2026 Section IX Dual Meet Wrestling Champions represented Minisink Valley with honor, heart and distinction. Their work ethic, commitment to one another, and refusal to quit define what true champions look like. They are winners in every sense of the word!
Please join us in congratulating our incredible wrestlers, coaches, and everyone associated with the wrestling program on a truly spectacular season. This group has set the standard—and make no mistake, they will be back next year!
Congratulations and best wishes to Varsity wrestling seniors Keira Filip, Jaida Macaluso and Avery Wingen, who were honored during the team's recent Senior Night!
THANK YOU for dedication, hard work and many contributions to the team's success!
Who doesn't love a good Burrito Bowl?
Support the High School's Step Dance Team and dine at Chipotle in Middletown! Details are below!
PLAY BALL! Support the PTO and have a great time at a New York Yankees game at this fun PTO fundraiser!
New York Yankees vs. Miami Marlins!
--- Saturday, April 4
--- 7:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium
--- Tickets: $45 each for Terrace Level seating
--- Online ticket sales close March 1
--- Tickets will be delivered digitally to the email address provided.
--- Transportation is NOT provided.
Purchase tickets here: https://minisink-pto-yankee-game.square.site/
• 1st Team: Senior Max Wickrath, DB
“Max is a versatile, explosive athlete known for his speed, toughness, and instincts,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “As a slot receiver, he’s a reliable target with breakaway speed and elusiveness in space. On defense, he’s a hard- hitting safety with a nose for the ball and excellent play recognition. Add in his electric kick return ability, and Max is a true three-phase game-changer.”
Max finished the season with eight interceptions from the safety position and two of those were returned for touchdowns. He finished with 44 tackles on the year, 24 solo and 20 assisted. Max was a kick returner who averaged close to 30 yards per return, while also scoring 1 touchdown. On offense he had 27 catches for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver. As a rusher Max ran for 218 yards and an additional three rushing touchdowns.
• 2nd Team: Senior Zach Filip, RB
“Zach is the kind of athlete every team wants in their locker room—gritty, dependable, and relentlessly driven” said Coach Gallagher. “Known for his tireless work ethic and consistent performance, he leads not with words, but through action. Zach embodies resilience and accountability on and off the field.”
Zach rushed 209 times for 1,503 yards and 24 touchdowns. Zach averaged an impressive 7.19 yards per carry and 136.6 yards a game. His 24 rushing touchdowns is a school record for most in a single season.
• 2nd team: Senior Jayden Pressley, OL
A versatile and relentless two-way lineman, Jayden excels at both offensive tackle and on the defensive line, Jayden brings a strong understanding of the game to every position played,” said Coach Gallagher. “Known for his leadership on and off the field, Jayden sets the standard in the locker room and the classroom, maintaining high academic standing while balancing a demanding athletic schedule. Coaches and teammates praise Jayden for a tireless work ethic,
physical toughness, and an unshakable commitment to team success.”
Jayden was an anchor on both the offensive and defensive line. He led an offensive unit that rushed for nearly 3,000 yards. He did not allow a sack this season on over 100 passing attempts. Jayden also set a single season record of 15 sacks in a season, while now being the school’s all-time leader with 18 total He added an additional 63 total tackles and an interception.
• 5th Team: Senior Robert LaBarbera, QB
“A standout in the Class of 2026, Robert is a dynamic quarterback known for his leadership, athleticism, and relentless drive to succeed,” Coach Gallagher said. “As a natural athlete with excellent field vision and quick decision-making, he commands the huddle with confidence well beyond his years. He excels in the classroom, maintaining strong academic performance while balancing the demands of varsity athletics. Whether leading a comeback on Friday night or setting the tone in team meetings, he consistently sets the standard through his work ethic, discipline, and unshakable focus on growth.”
Robert finished the season with 1,086 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes, while also adding 1,135 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
• Honorable Mention: Junior Mike Moran, K
“Mike this season was 3 for 4 on field goals, with a long of 28 yards,” said Coach Gallagher. “Forty-eight of 53 on extra points, and accumulated a total 57 team points this season. Mike worked hard in the offseason to gain experience and make sure his team could count on him. His hard work paid off, as he was the difference in the Section IX championship game, with a field goal that gave us a 24-21 victory.”
Christopher Tuthill's construction students are assisting the Otisville Elementary Drama Club with the design and building of backgrounds and props for its forthcoming performances of "Seussical JR." It's another great example of inter-school cooperation and assistance!
BRAVO to the talented cast and crew of "Immortal til Death," the murder/mystery dinner fundraiser presented by the High School Drama Club last evening, Jan. 13.
The show was written by School Senior Hana Ebbert and focused on the 200th anniversary banquet of the Stotolian Society, an organization built from Aristotle’s dream for the elite to rule the world.
Ada Eldritch, the eternally young founder, welcomed guests with assurances that this night will go completely according to plan, with no unexpected surprises. But everything suddenly descended into chaos after an incredibly dramatic murder, and unfortunately guests were forced to watch a ridiculous cast of egomaniacs scrambling to play the blame game, all for the sake of power.
Guests interacted with other society members to come up with their own conclusions on what was really going on. Everyone had their own dark secrets, and guests needed to figure out who’s secrets were the darkest!
THANK YOU to all who supported this Drama Club fundraising performance! See more photos on the district's Facebook page!
WE ALSO HAVE AN EASTERN STATES CHAMPION! Please also join us in congratulating Junior Wyatt Boice, who was the Number 1 seed in his 175-pound weight class and won the 175-pound weight class! He beat Number 7 seed Connor Wilson of Our Lady of Lourdes 19-6 in the finals. Wyatt earned two tech fall wins in the opening rounds and beat Quentin Getzin of Ithaca 15-5 in the semifinals.
“Wyatt didn't give up an offensive point the whole tournament and won each match by bonus points,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “Zach Filip took second place at 215 pounds and wrestled great all day, dominating some highly ranked kids along the way. Jayden Pressley also wrestled great placing fourth and beating three state ranked kids along the way. Overall, we wrestled tough and taking first place as a team out of 184 teams is a great job.”
The Eastern States Wrestling Tournament is a renowned high school wrestling event for boys that brings together top competitors from across the eastern U.S. Held annually, it showcases elite talent and intense competition among some of the nation’s best wrestlers. Athletes compete in multiple weight classes, testing their skill, strength and mental toughness. The tournament is widely respected for its high level of competition and tradition, making it a major highlight of the high school wrestling season.
Congratulations to Junior Sara Pauls, who won her 126-pound weight class! Sara pinned top seeded Sara McLaughlin of Choate Rosemary Hall in Massachusetts, ranked 13th nationally, at the 1:09 mark of the match. Sara was an Eastern States finalist in 2023 and 2024.
Senior Jaida Macaluso finished in fourth-place in the 152 weight class.
Sara entered the competition as the fourth-seed, and Jaida as second-seed in their respective weight classes.
PLUS: Special congratulations to Senior Keira Filip who recorded her 100th career win at the Eastern States Tournament on Sunday!
The girls tournament for girls is an annual and premier high school wrestling event that features top female athletes from across the eastern U.S. It provides a highly competitive platform where wrestlers compete across multiple weight classes. The tournament highlights the growth and strength of girls wrestling while showcasing exceptional skill, determination and sportsmanship. It's widely recognized as an important and prestigious event in the high school wrestling season for girls.
Congratulations to Senior Kate O’Neill, who was recently named to the 2025 All-State Girls Soccer Class AA Fourth Team by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports (NYSSCOGS),
“With 15 goals and three assists, she was a constant offensive threat and someone the team could always rely on in big moments,” said Head Coach Rachael Moran. “A two-year captain and six-year member of the program, Kate led with heart, focus, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates. This recognition celebrates not only her talent, but the leadership and dedication she brought to the field every day.”
The trip was much more than simply seeing the sequel to the first movie. It gave students the opportunity to experience a major studio release in a theatrical setting while connecting course concepts across multiple disciplines.
“This trip was an opportunity for off-campus enrichment,” said Mr. Bond. “Students attending these trips are interested in art, film, writing, or in the case of the ‘Zootopia 2’ trip, philosophy or psychology as well. Letting students watch a film in whole on the big screen gives them the opportunity to build valuable social connections while also analyzing and appreciating the multi-layered narrative of the film.”
The sequel expanded on the original film’s imaginative world through strong character development, sharp humor, and vibrant animation. Yes, it’s an entertaining movie for all ages, but “Zootopia 2” also offered meaningful social commentary that encouraged deeper analysis.
The film explored themes of identity, bias and social responsibility, giving students plenty to reflect on from philosophical, psychological and cultural perspectives. From dynamic storytelling and well-crafted character arcs to underlying psychological motivations and ethical questions, the movie sparked thoughtful, cheerful, and engaging conversations afterward.
Student Melanie Tierney noted the movie served as a strong example of how film can be both enjoyable and intellectually engaging.
“The screening was incredibly well received by all who attended and proved to be a valuable shared experience that blended entertainment, student choice and academic discussion into one memorable field trip," she said.
Mr. Bond added: “After watching the film, each class had a project where the students reflected on the film and its relationship to the course curriculum. In addition to discussing their enjoyment of the experience as a whole, each class project elicited creative conversations and debates that accentuated the value of the trip.”
