Jonathan Bonds’ “Film Studies II and “Mindful Self Design” classes; Jenn DiLeo’s “Science Fiction Novels & Film” class; and Christopher Ruckdeschel’s “SUPA Psychology” class the recent opportunity to attend a screening of “Project Hail Mary,” a newly released book-to-film adaptation produced and written by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller at Flagship Cinemas in Matamoras. It was a great opportunity for these high school students to escape the classroom, get immersed in a world of sci-fi bursting with bravery, humor and humanity and have very cool connections to their classes!
“Project Hail Mary” follows Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As his memories return, he realizes he’s on a desperate mission to save Earth from an extinction-level threat caused by a star-eating microbe. Stranded light-years from home, Grace unexpectedly befriends an alien scientist named Rocky who is facing the same crisis. Together, they must solve an interstellar puzzle that determines the fate of both their worlds.
The film addresses the themes of the psychological impact of isolation, exploring Grace’s isolation on the ship, his coping mechanisms, and how loneliness shapes his decisions. It also covers the theme of the nature of "first contact," as the first meeting between Grace and Rocky is the heart of the story and offers a unique, optimistic spin on first contact narratives. Additionally, the film features strategies for building meaningful relationships, focusing on the communication and trust between Grace and Rocky. And, there’s many organic and mystifying special effects
Most students said they appreciated the opportunity to experience the film on the big screen and praised it as a fun and heart-warming escape!
“Project Hail Mary” follows Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As his memories return, he realizes he’s on a desperate mission to save Earth from an extinction-level threat caused by a star-eating microbe. Stranded light-years from home, Grace unexpectedly befriends an alien scientist named Rocky who is facing the same crisis. Together, they must solve an interstellar puzzle that determines the fate of both their worlds.
The film addresses the themes of the psychological impact of isolation, exploring Grace’s isolation on the ship, his coping mechanisms, and how loneliness shapes his decisions. It also covers the theme of the nature of "first contact," as the first meeting between Grace and Rocky is the heart of the story and offers a unique, optimistic spin on first contact narratives. Additionally, the film features strategies for building meaningful relationships, focusing on the communication and trust between Grace and Rocky. And, there’s many organic and mystifying special effects
Most students said they appreciated the opportunity to experience the film on the big screen and praised it as a fun and heart-warming escape!
It's ULTIMATE DISCOUNT CARD time!
Support the great work of the Minisink Valley PTO by purchasing a card....or two! Order by May 15 by scanning the QR code!
Or: click here: https://mvpto-discount-cards.square.site/
Members of the High School’s Youth Against Cancer (YAC) Club learned how to make beautiful knit scarves, thanks to the kindness of English teacher Paula Conklin, who provided a recent lesson to them. Take a peek! The 12 scarves were recently donated to the Spagnoli Family Cancer Center at Garnet Medical Center in Middletown for its patients.
The club has been busy this school year raising funds to support patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis:
•$1,400 in warm meals for six families, provided by Cuginos and Bottom's Up Restaurant, dealing with cancer during the recent holiday season.
•Over $1,000 worth of toys were donated to Garnet Medical Center for its pediatric patients via a district toy drive
•$816 raised for breast cancer patients at Garnet Medical Center during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
•$200 raised and donated to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of a club member's grandfather that passed away from cancer.
•122 raised for St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital via donation Jars set up at Perino's, Callie's Coffee, and Slate Hill Market.
•A coin drop held at Cuginos, where 100% of what’s collected to be donated to Sparrow's Nest, the organization which prepares and delivers meals to individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis in Dutchess County and families with children 18 and under in the home in Ulster, Orange and Putnam counties.
Please join us in thanking the club for looking to make a positive difference in the lives of others through its many projects!
The club has been busy this school year raising funds to support patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis:
•$1,400 in warm meals for six families, provided by Cuginos and Bottom's Up Restaurant, dealing with cancer during the recent holiday season.
•Over $1,000 worth of toys were donated to Garnet Medical Center for its pediatric patients via a district toy drive
•$816 raised for breast cancer patients at Garnet Medical Center during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
•$200 raised and donated to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of a club member's grandfather that passed away from cancer.
•122 raised for St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital via donation Jars set up at Perino's, Callie's Coffee, and Slate Hill Market.
•A coin drop held at Cuginos, where 100% of what’s collected to be donated to Sparrow's Nest, the organization which prepares and delivers meals to individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis in Dutchess County and families with children 18 and under in the home in Ulster, Orange and Putnam counties.
Please join us in thanking the club for looking to make a positive difference in the lives of others through its many projects!
Vincent Napolitano’s High School Earth Science students did great work in their recent weather-disaster projects! Working in collaborative groups, students were challenged to create descriptive and informative presentations about significant historical weather disasters.
Each presentation explored three key areas:
•What happened during the disaster
•How a town or city could respond with effective relief efforts
•What individuals or families can do at home to stay safe and prepared
Their work was designed for an adult audience interested in understanding practical, real-world preventative measures to take before a disaster strikes. By studying past disasters, students and community members can:
•Recognize warning signs and understand the science behind extreme weather.
•Reduce risk by knowing how to prepare homes, gather supplies, and protect loved ones.
•Strengthen community resilience, ensuring that cities and families can recover more quickly.
•Make informed decisions, from evacuation planning to long-term mitigation strategies like building codes or infrastructure improvements.
Remember: Understanding prevention save lives and preparedness turns uncertainty into empowerment!
Each presentation explored three key areas:
•What happened during the disaster
•How a town or city could respond with effective relief efforts
•What individuals or families can do at home to stay safe and prepared
Their work was designed for an adult audience interested in understanding practical, real-world preventative measures to take before a disaster strikes. By studying past disasters, students and community members can:
•Recognize warning signs and understand the science behind extreme weather.
•Reduce risk by knowing how to prepare homes, gather supplies, and protect loved ones.
•Strengthen community resilience, ensuring that cities and families can recover more quickly.
•Make informed decisions, from evacuation planning to long-term mitigation strategies like building codes or infrastructure improvements.
Remember: Understanding prevention save lives and preparedness turns uncertainty into empowerment!
Bringing teams together beyond the playing field is a priority for our coaches, who know that strong bonds off the field translate into stronger performance on game day.
Just ask the Varsity Flag Football team, who recently swapped plays and drills for ropes courses and paintball battles. The outing wasn’t just high-energy fun — it was a chance for players to connect, challenge themselves and strengthen the trust that fuels great teamwork.
Coach Michael Tepper reports the team is leaving everything on the field this season and is excited for what’s shaping up to be a standout year.
Activities like ropes courses or paintball build communication, trust, and camaraderie — key ingredients for any successful team. When players feel connected and supported, they communicate better during games, recover faster from setbacks, and play with more confidence. Off-field bonding creates the cohesion that shows up in big moments on the field.
Just ask the Varsity Flag Football team, who recently swapped plays and drills for ropes courses and paintball battles. The outing wasn’t just high-energy fun — it was a chance for players to connect, challenge themselves and strengthen the trust that fuels great teamwork.
Coach Michael Tepper reports the team is leaving everything on the field this season and is excited for what’s shaping up to be a standout year.
Activities like ropes courses or paintball build communication, trust, and camaraderie — key ingredients for any successful team. When players feel connected and supported, they communicate better during games, recover faster from setbacks, and play with more confidence. Off-field bonding creates the cohesion that shows up in big moments on the field.
Christine Ertola’s and classroom aide Deborah Burger’s High School Career Achievement Program (CAP) recently completed a fun, hands-on PEEPS Liquid Science experiment!
The PEEPS Liquid Science Experiment explores how different liquids affect marshmallow Peeps. By placing PEEPS in liquids like water, vinegar, soda and lemon juice, students observed changes in size, shape, and texture over time. This experiment helps demonstrate how substances dissolve, react, and interact with sugar-based materials, making it an enjoyable and engaging way to learn about basic chemistry concepts!
•The PEEPS Liquid Science Experiment is a highly useful and seasonal chemistry lab because it uses accessible, vibrant Easter-themed candy to visually demonstrate complex scientific principles like solubility, polarity and chemical reactions. It's ideal for spring, providing a hands-on, edible STEM experience that allows students to observe how sugary, gelatin-based treats interact with different household liquids (water, vinegar, soda, oil) over time.
•PEEPS candy began in the early 1950s when Russian immigrant Sam Born’s company, Just Born Quality Confections, acquired the Rodda Candy Company, which made hand-piped marshmallow chicks. What once took hours to create by hand was soon transformed by automation, allowing PEEPS to be mass-produced. Over time, the seasonal Easter treat expanded into a year-round icon with new shapes, colors, and flavors.
•During the peak spring Easter season --- Just Born Quality Confections — ramps up production of its iconic treats: on average about 5.5 million PEEPS are produced every day, which adds up to roughly 2 billion PEEPS annually. Most of those are made and sold around Easter time when demand is highest
The PEEPS Liquid Science Experiment explores how different liquids affect marshmallow Peeps. By placing PEEPS in liquids like water, vinegar, soda and lemon juice, students observed changes in size, shape, and texture over time. This experiment helps demonstrate how substances dissolve, react, and interact with sugar-based materials, making it an enjoyable and engaging way to learn about basic chemistry concepts!
•The PEEPS Liquid Science Experiment is a highly useful and seasonal chemistry lab because it uses accessible, vibrant Easter-themed candy to visually demonstrate complex scientific principles like solubility, polarity and chemical reactions. It's ideal for spring, providing a hands-on, edible STEM experience that allows students to observe how sugary, gelatin-based treats interact with different household liquids (water, vinegar, soda, oil) over time.
•PEEPS candy began in the early 1950s when Russian immigrant Sam Born’s company, Just Born Quality Confections, acquired the Rodda Candy Company, which made hand-piped marshmallow chicks. What once took hours to create by hand was soon transformed by automation, allowing PEEPS to be mass-produced. Over time, the seasonal Easter treat expanded into a year-round icon with new shapes, colors, and flavors.
•During the peak spring Easter season --- Just Born Quality Confections — ramps up production of its iconic treats: on average about 5.5 million PEEPS are produced every day, which adds up to roughly 2 billion PEEPS annually. Most of those are made and sold around Easter time when demand is highest
Congratulations and well-done to members of the High School’s Mock Trial team for their hard work, dedication and strong showing at the March 21 Orange-Ulster BOCES Mock Trial Tournament!
This year’s New York State Mock Trial case was People v. A. Carmen Erickson & Carson Blocker. In this case, Erickson and Blocker were charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing used cooking oil from the Big Burns Bar B Que Pit in Butler, NY, on Aug. 31, 2025. During their arrest outside a local saloon, Erickson is also accused of resisting arrest while Blocker attempts to flee and later suffers a serious injury. The defendants maintain an alibi that they were online playing a video game together the night of the incident, and the case centers on whether the prosecution can prove their involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Mock Trial experience challenged students to step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a realistic courtroom competition. Team members spent weeks studying the case materials, analyzing evidence, preparing opening and closing statements, practicing direct and cross-examinations, and learning courtroom procedure and objections. Their preparation required not only legal reasoning, but also confidence, teamwork and countless hours of practice.
While the team is not further advancing in competition, they are to be commended for their commitment, courage, preparation and effort brought to the courtroom. Please join us in congratulating Sean Bellew, Brandon Bonet, Lucia Garcia, Noah Haley, Sara Melendez, Malunga Kinzonzi, Julia Meyer, Ryen Mitchell, Landon Ordway, Morgan Varian, Evan Washalski and Josephine Witherow!
Mock Trial is a unique academic competition in which students compete against other schools by presenting a full trial in a courtroom setting before a real judge. Students must think on their feet, speak persuasively and work together as a team while responding to the arguments and witnesses presented by the opposing side. It is an incredible hands-on experience that builds skills in public speaking, critical thinking, collaboration, and professionalism.
This year’s New York State Mock Trial case was People v. A. Carmen Erickson & Carson Blocker. In this case, Erickson and Blocker were charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing used cooking oil from the Big Burns Bar B Que Pit in Butler, NY, on Aug. 31, 2025. During their arrest outside a local saloon, Erickson is also accused of resisting arrest while Blocker attempts to flee and later suffers a serious injury. The defendants maintain an alibi that they were online playing a video game together the night of the incident, and the case centers on whether the prosecution can prove their involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Mock Trial experience challenged students to step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a realistic courtroom competition. Team members spent weeks studying the case materials, analyzing evidence, preparing opening and closing statements, practicing direct and cross-examinations, and learning courtroom procedure and objections. Their preparation required not only legal reasoning, but also confidence, teamwork and countless hours of practice.
While the team is not further advancing in competition, they are to be commended for their commitment, courage, preparation and effort brought to the courtroom. Please join us in congratulating Sean Bellew, Brandon Bonet, Lucia Garcia, Noah Haley, Sara Melendez, Malunga Kinzonzi, Julia Meyer, Ryen Mitchell, Landon Ordway, Morgan Varian, Evan Washalski and Josephine Witherow!
Mock Trial is a unique academic competition in which students compete against other schools by presenting a full trial in a courtroom setting before a real judge. Students must think on their feet, speak persuasively and work together as a team while responding to the arguments and witnesses presented by the opposing side. It is an incredible hands-on experience that builds skills in public speaking, critical thinking, collaboration, and professionalism.
Cayla Tangney’s High School Art History students are studying impressionism, a movement that focuses on light and its quick-changing qualities.
Students looked at the work of Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt, who are among the world’s great impressionist painters, as a prelude for when they went outdoors to paint as if they were impressionists! They had 25 minutes on a recent gorgeous day to draw the landscape behind the high school building and were reminded not to blend their colors, as visible brushstrokes were a key characteristic of the movement.
It was a challenging assignment for many students, who were used to perfecting every mark made on their paper.
“They did an incredible job,” said Ms. Cagney. “I emphasized that even if they didn't finish, that was okay. It was more about mimicking the style and subject of the painting.”
The next day, students did a gallery walk around the classroom and placed awards next to the paintings they thought "best emulated the Impressionist style" and "most accurately depicted the landscape. WELL-DONE, everyone!
•Impressionism (1870s–1880s) revolutionized art by capturing fleeting moments, light, and modern life using quick, visible brushstrokes rather than realistic detail. Led by Monet and Renoir, these painters left studios to work en plein air (outdoors), made possible by the invention of portable tube paints.
•While Monet focused on landscape light and Degas on movement, Cassatt brought a unique perspective, highlighting the private lives of women.
•In the late 19th century, impressionists were battling with the invention of photography and its new ability to capture moments quickly while paintings took days, months, or years to complete. Artists like Claude Monet had several series of works where he painted the same landscape in different seasons, times of day, and weather conditions to show how much light and movement could shift from one variable to the next. Impressionist artists painted quickly with visible brushstrokes so that they could record the moment before the light or weather changed.
Yesterday, March 19, the gallant knights of the High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society successfully undertook a quest of tremendous proportion: To host the most grand banquet for our most honored and noble community seniors!!
Our distinguished seniors – over 180 --- wise and wonderful as any council of elders in Camelot, were treated like royalty for a banquet featuring voluminous amounts of pasta!
With the precision of a well-experienced royal court, NHS members spent days preparing—summoning centerpieces into existence, crafting desserts of deliciousness and ensuring the feast was worthy of legend! And lo, it was! Our seniors arrived not as mere guests, but as the true royalty of the realm—greeted with warmth and laughter!
The hall rang with cheerful conversation and merriment, as students and seniors shared in a celebration that readied them for the High School Drama Club’s triumphant performance of Spamalot! With flair, fanfare and just the right amount of chaos, they brought the tale to life—complete with bold knights, questionable bravery, shrubbery and enthusiasm that could only be described as “Sir Lancelot-level.”
A resounding thank you to the NHS members for their tireless efforts, to the Drama Club for their spectacular show, and to our wonderful seniors, whose presence made the entire quest worthwhile. Truly, this was not just an event—it was a legendary gathering of community, kindness and comedy!
It was an afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and a perfectly measured dose of Spamalot absurdity. Have a look at our merry band of guests—and remember: Tickets to Monty Python’s Spamalot are still available (and highly recommended for those seeking further nonsense!).
See more photos on the district's Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid0HQ5nHRHo9NkFWJgbomU5Up3Rm4HNBNRTcNypFHpsx8XHyPZiz8SSVfpHSSJk5fQal?__cft__[0]=AZZZoX3azef4qSaboIoNmTrtxD4ErlGQnJbpnIXtuSEbOEjIYuBx7dgwoW7FrpwRhyupTvY8G3Q19pX_IWoUeKGoit3BwlZ0R7tGDSxtyhSQGPPQQrcA8Akk0CZtkfU0V7DhyTivSFK8BoNr0t29P5xDH3hHAH2ABnlDAXEFVm0tU5Y6o_pdrmMZlcSqXJJUgR8&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
Our distinguished seniors – over 180 --- wise and wonderful as any council of elders in Camelot, were treated like royalty for a banquet featuring voluminous amounts of pasta!
With the precision of a well-experienced royal court, NHS members spent days preparing—summoning centerpieces into existence, crafting desserts of deliciousness and ensuring the feast was worthy of legend! And lo, it was! Our seniors arrived not as mere guests, but as the true royalty of the realm—greeted with warmth and laughter!
The hall rang with cheerful conversation and merriment, as students and seniors shared in a celebration that readied them for the High School Drama Club’s triumphant performance of Spamalot! With flair, fanfare and just the right amount of chaos, they brought the tale to life—complete with bold knights, questionable bravery, shrubbery and enthusiasm that could only be described as “Sir Lancelot-level.”
A resounding thank you to the NHS members for their tireless efforts, to the Drama Club for their spectacular show, and to our wonderful seniors, whose presence made the entire quest worthwhile. Truly, this was not just an event—it was a legendary gathering of community, kindness and comedy!
It was an afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and a perfectly measured dose of Spamalot absurdity. Have a look at our merry band of guests—and remember: Tickets to Monty Python’s Spamalot are still available (and highly recommended for those seeking further nonsense!).
See more photos on the district's Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid0HQ5nHRHo9NkFWJgbomU5Up3Rm4HNBNRTcNypFHpsx8XHyPZiz8SSVfpHSSJk5fQal?__cft__[0]=AZZZoX3azef4qSaboIoNmTrtxD4ErlGQnJbpnIXtuSEbOEjIYuBx7dgwoW7FrpwRhyupTvY8G3Q19pX_IWoUeKGoit3BwlZ0R7tGDSxtyhSQGPPQQrcA8Akk0CZtkfU0V7DhyTivSFK8BoNr0t29P5xDH3hHAH2ABnlDAXEFVm0tU5Y6o_pdrmMZlcSqXJJUgR8&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
BADMINTON MARCH BIRDIE MADNESS!
Move over brackets and buzzer-beaters—it was time for Birdie Madness to take center court!
Yesterday, March 18, the High School Physical Education Department served up its annual Badminton Tournament, and the energy was nothing short of championship-level excitement!
From lightning-fast volleys to clutch last-second saves, students battled it out like true March Madness contenders—only this time, the “ball” was a blur of shuttlecock feathers! Did you know that the badminton shuttlecock is actually the fastest object in racket sports?
The gym was alive with cheers, friendly rivalries, awesome outfits and bracket-busting surprises. Just like this month’s NCAA tournament, every match counted—and every swing had the crowd rooting for their favorites!
It was a fabulous day of fitness, fun, and fierce (but friendly!) competition. Whether pairs were considered a top seed or a Cinderella story, everyone brought their A-game!
WINNERS: Co-Ed Division:
1st: Jaida Macaluso / Stetson Terpak
2nd: Hannah Wieboldt / Landon Ordway
3rd: Kate O'Neill / Zach Filip
4th: Hannah Ringus / Sophia Escobar
WINNERS: Boys Division:
1st: James Arias / Ethan Rodriguez
2nd: RJ Sosler / Roman Gangi
3rd: Joseph Uhrig / Will Burretto
4th: Rogan Lynch / Luciano Palacios
Special thanks to Technology Teacher Christopher Tuthill and his students for making the championship badminton plaques and Senior Gavin McGinnis for singing the National Anthem prior to the tournament's start!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02MYTC4ZeHY4MysP4TqavvZZsTWuCon6TZp5sbUoBLixpbwtGWYZiYUF2V51aeNp9zl?__cft__[0]=AZanG623JYq2hmFhPXVhlpXWM0BimDT4mdtjjQC7Z7k4vrIKjGLFpF62cfcA5Yh7gf8pilZertdteRUD2LQhihvKkP8vDlnhyfUuKk-eQga6Lp2NKmbQKs7LWdEWkLRjv9kSPFrs6DoVTZl_uRRqHjRw2dVZH5ne-IMcG1TxsS7Y3khuwUUTvaczPp9uU4vHpjc&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
•A badminton shuttlecock has 16 feathers—precision matters!
•Smashes in badminton can travel faster than a tennis serve.
•It’s one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in Asia and Europe.
Move over brackets and buzzer-beaters—it was time for Birdie Madness to take center court!
Yesterday, March 18, the High School Physical Education Department served up its annual Badminton Tournament, and the energy was nothing short of championship-level excitement!
From lightning-fast volleys to clutch last-second saves, students battled it out like true March Madness contenders—only this time, the “ball” was a blur of shuttlecock feathers! Did you know that the badminton shuttlecock is actually the fastest object in racket sports?
The gym was alive with cheers, friendly rivalries, awesome outfits and bracket-busting surprises. Just like this month’s NCAA tournament, every match counted—and every swing had the crowd rooting for their favorites!
It was a fabulous day of fitness, fun, and fierce (but friendly!) competition. Whether pairs were considered a top seed or a Cinderella story, everyone brought their A-game!
WINNERS: Co-Ed Division:
1st: Jaida Macaluso / Stetson Terpak
2nd: Hannah Wieboldt / Landon Ordway
3rd: Kate O'Neill / Zach Filip
4th: Hannah Ringus / Sophia Escobar
WINNERS: Boys Division:
1st: James Arias / Ethan Rodriguez
2nd: RJ Sosler / Roman Gangi
3rd: Joseph Uhrig / Will Burretto
4th: Rogan Lynch / Luciano Palacios
Special thanks to Technology Teacher Christopher Tuthill and his students for making the championship badminton plaques and Senior Gavin McGinnis for singing the National Anthem prior to the tournament's start!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02MYTC4ZeHY4MysP4TqavvZZsTWuCon6TZp5sbUoBLixpbwtGWYZiYUF2V51aeNp9zl?__cft__[0]=AZanG623JYq2hmFhPXVhlpXWM0BimDT4mdtjjQC7Z7k4vrIKjGLFpF62cfcA5Yh7gf8pilZertdteRUD2LQhihvKkP8vDlnhyfUuKk-eQga6Lp2NKmbQKs7LWdEWkLRjv9kSPFrs6DoVTZl_uRRqHjRw2dVZH5ne-IMcG1TxsS7Y3khuwUUTvaczPp9uU4vHpjc&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
•A badminton shuttlecock has 16 feathers—precision matters!
•Smashes in badminton can travel faster than a tennis serve.
•It’s one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in Asia and Europe.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who attended Project Graduation’s Tricky Tray this past Saturday evening at the high school. An amazing $15,000 was raised, which will support Project Graduation’s determined work to organize and run a spectacular and memorable graduation party for the Class of 2026! These wonderful volunteers couldn’t do this without your support! We’re all grateful!
It’s never too late to honor the singers and musicians who represented the High School and school district with distinction at the recent OCEMA High School All-County Festival at Cornwall High School and OCEMA Jazz Festival at the Newburgh Free Academy. These students joined their exceptional peers from across the county, participating in outstanding concerts and showcasing their remarkable and extraordinary talents. Congratulations to:
All-County Chorus:
Heather Day
Charlie Curraba
Hana Ebbert
Hunter Gomez
Gavin McGinnis
Ella Pascal
All- County Band:
Dan Oenga, Clarinet
Vincent Galligan IV, Trumpet
Landon Straw, Trumpet
Ava Conklin, Trombone
Jacob Yourman, Trombone
Anthony Mota, Tuba
All-County Orchestra:
Malunga Kinzonzi, French Horn
Mitchell Demberg, Percussion
All-County Jazz Choir:
Madison Tvedt
All-County Chorus:
Heather Day
Charlie Curraba
Hana Ebbert
Hunter Gomez
Gavin McGinnis
Ella Pascal
All- County Band:
Dan Oenga, Clarinet
Vincent Galligan IV, Trumpet
Landon Straw, Trumpet
Ava Conklin, Trombone
Jacob Yourman, Trombone
Anthony Mota, Tuba
All-County Orchestra:
Malunga Kinzonzi, French Horn
Mitchell Demberg, Percussion
All-County Jazz Choir:
Madison Tvedt
Three High School students who attend the Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) distinguished themselves among more than 500 competitors at the recent New York State SkillsUSA Leadership and Championships qualifier, hosted by Southern Westchester BOCES in Rye Brook. Congratulations and well-done!
Junior Alex Vicaretti earned second-place honors in the Heavy Equipment category, demonstrating exceptional skill and technical knowledge.
Senior Sean Bellew also secured third-place honors in the Criminal Justice category, highlighting his interest for a potential future career in this or a similar field.
Junior Edward Edwards was part of a team that captured third-place honors in the CSI category, showcasing strong investigative and teamwork abilities.
“I couldn't be more proud of our students for their contributions, dedication, and efforts throughout the competition,” said OUB CTEC Principal Eugene Hewitt. “They represented themselves, their programs, and Orange-Ulster BOCES in the finest light. They should be extremely proud of themselves, as we all are of them.”
Junior Alex Vicaretti earned second-place honors in the Heavy Equipment category, demonstrating exceptional skill and technical knowledge.
Senior Sean Bellew also secured third-place honors in the Criminal Justice category, highlighting his interest for a potential future career in this or a similar field.
Junior Edward Edwards was part of a team that captured third-place honors in the CSI category, showcasing strong investigative and teamwork abilities.
“I couldn't be more proud of our students for their contributions, dedication, and efforts throughout the competition,” said OUB CTEC Principal Eugene Hewitt. “They represented themselves, their programs, and Orange-Ulster BOCES in the finest light. They should be extremely proud of themselves, as we all are of them.”
Congratulations and best wishes to the senior members of the Girls Varsity Basketball team, who were honored for their many contributions to the team’s success during their recent Senior Night: Alyssa Doane, Cassie Jennings, Kate O'Neill and Elizabeth Yozzo! (Their costumed red attire was for a skit they performed that evening!
Congratulations to Junior Hannah Wieboldt, who was recently selected as the 2026-27 New York State Dairy Ambassador!
Hannah is the 63rd dairy promoter selected to represent New York State’s dairy industry, a distinction that dates back to 1963. She has been serving as the Orange County Dairy Ambassador since Spring 2025.
As New York State Dairy Ambassador, Hannah will now serve as a spokesperson and advocate for dairy farmers by attending special events to engage with and educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land in order to produce a sustainable product, and the importance of the dairy industry to the New York State economy.
New York State Dairy Ambassadors were selected based on their communications skills and knowledge of the dairy industry. The Dairy Ambassador program aims to build critical professional skills and confidence of young individuals who are passionate about the dairy industry.
Ambassadors will be involved in statewide promotions and events. Participants will gain experience collaborating with a team, knowledge of ADA North East promotion and marketing programs, and will participate in sessions led by experts in public speaking, social media, team building and leadership.
•With 2,800 licensed dairy herds and more than 16 billion pounds of milk produced annually, New York State is a leader in dairy production in the United States.
•The dairy industry is the largest agricultural commodity in the state, and according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
•New York ranks nationally as the fifth largest producer of milk and is also the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese.
Hannah is the 63rd dairy promoter selected to represent New York State’s dairy industry, a distinction that dates back to 1963. She has been serving as the Orange County Dairy Ambassador since Spring 2025.
As New York State Dairy Ambassador, Hannah will now serve as a spokesperson and advocate for dairy farmers by attending special events to engage with and educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land in order to produce a sustainable product, and the importance of the dairy industry to the New York State economy.
New York State Dairy Ambassadors were selected based on their communications skills and knowledge of the dairy industry. The Dairy Ambassador program aims to build critical professional skills and confidence of young individuals who are passionate about the dairy industry.
Ambassadors will be involved in statewide promotions and events. Participants will gain experience collaborating with a team, knowledge of ADA North East promotion and marketing programs, and will participate in sessions led by experts in public speaking, social media, team building and leadership.
•With 2,800 licensed dairy herds and more than 16 billion pounds of milk produced annually, New York State is a leader in dairy production in the United States.
•The dairy industry is the largest agricultural commodity in the state, and according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
•New York ranks nationally as the fifth largest producer of milk and is also the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese.
Congratulations to Senior Boys Varsity Basketball players Liam Barry and Chris Krupinski, who were honored for their many contributions to the team during their recent Senior Night! We wish you all the best!
Be there this Saturday! It's Project Graduation's TRICKY TRAY! Support the Class of 2026 and have a great evening out!
Congratulations to the three indoor track and field individual athletes and two relay teams who have advanced to the March 7 and 8 NYSPHSAA State and Federation Championship via their successes at the Feb. 28 Section IX State Qualifier meet, held at the Armory Track & Field Center in New York.
Scoring individual/team event victories which now qualify them to compete at state competition are:
--- Ella Michelitch in the high jump with a 5' 10.5” finish. This is a school program record and ranks her No. 1 in New York State. Ella also qualified in the long jump via her runner-up finish of 18' 9.5", which is also the highest program record and places her No. 8 statewide.
--- Robert LaBarbera in the 600 meter run, with a 1:20.37 finish. This is the second highest program record and places him as No. 2 statewide.
--- Maximillian Wickrath in the 55 meter dash with a :6.32 finish. This is a school program record and places him as No. 2 statewide.
--- The boys 4x400 meter relay team of Max Wickrath, Angel Mendez, Stetson Terpak and LaBarbera outlasted Newburgh Free Academy with a 3:21.26, ranking this finish as the third highest in the school program and placing them as No. 2 statewide.
--- The girls 4x400 team of Ferrah Hill, Chloe Beck, Salma Samdaoui and Ella Michelitch advanced after a tight battle with Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick Valley with a 4:00.37 finish. This is the second highest program finish and places them as No. 10 statewide.
The 4x400 relay lineups will be filled out by alternates Jeremiah Alexis, Emma Berkshire, Lyla LaBarbera and Michael Moran.
Minisink Valley will compete against athletes representing all 11 NYSPHSAA sections for state medals, as well as qualifiers from the AIS, CHSAA and PSAL for Federation podium positions. Qualifiers in individual events and relays were selected by virtue of winning events at a section qualifying meet or having achieved a state standard performance.
The state championship will be held at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island.
Scoring individual/team event victories which now qualify them to compete at state competition are:
--- Ella Michelitch in the high jump with a 5' 10.5” finish. This is a school program record and ranks her No. 1 in New York State. Ella also qualified in the long jump via her runner-up finish of 18' 9.5", which is also the highest program record and places her No. 8 statewide.
--- Robert LaBarbera in the 600 meter run, with a 1:20.37 finish. This is the second highest program record and places him as No. 2 statewide.
--- Maximillian Wickrath in the 55 meter dash with a :6.32 finish. This is a school program record and places him as No. 2 statewide.
--- The boys 4x400 meter relay team of Max Wickrath, Angel Mendez, Stetson Terpak and LaBarbera outlasted Newburgh Free Academy with a 3:21.26, ranking this finish as the third highest in the school program and placing them as No. 2 statewide.
--- The girls 4x400 team of Ferrah Hill, Chloe Beck, Salma Samdaoui and Ella Michelitch advanced after a tight battle with Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick Valley with a 4:00.37 finish. This is the second highest program finish and places them as No. 10 statewide.
The 4x400 relay lineups will be filled out by alternates Jeremiah Alexis, Emma Berkshire, Lyla LaBarbera and Michael Moran.
Minisink Valley will compete against athletes representing all 11 NYSPHSAA sections for state medals, as well as qualifiers from the AIS, CHSAA and PSAL for Federation podium positions. Qualifiers in individual events and relays were selected by virtue of winning events at a section qualifying meet or having achieved a state standard performance.
The state championship will be held at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island.
WELL-DONE to the members of the Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving team, who honorably represented Minisink Valley at last weekend’s Section IX Championship meet!
Here’s how they fared:
•Senior Owen Skinner had personal best times in the 200 IM (placed 19th) and the 100 breaststroke (placed 13th)
•Senior Caleb Decker had personal best times in the 200 free (placed 18th) and 500 free (placed 15th)
•Junior Eddie Edwards had personal best times in the 100 free (placed 16th) and 100 back (placed 8th)
•Freshman Jacob Yourman had personal best times in the 200 free (placed 14th) and 500 free (placed 16th)
•Eighth-grader Marcus Earl had personal best times in the 200 IM (placed 18th) and 100 breaststroke (placed 19th)
•Junior Vincent Galligan (100 breaststroke), sophomore William Monahan (200 and 500 free) and seventh-grader Alex Marincenko (200 free and 100 back) also participated in their first Section Championships in individual and relay events
Here’s how they fared:
•Senior Owen Skinner had personal best times in the 200 IM (placed 19th) and the 100 breaststroke (placed 13th)
•Senior Caleb Decker had personal best times in the 200 free (placed 18th) and 500 free (placed 15th)
•Junior Eddie Edwards had personal best times in the 100 free (placed 16th) and 100 back (placed 8th)
•Freshman Jacob Yourman had personal best times in the 200 free (placed 14th) and 500 free (placed 16th)
•Eighth-grader Marcus Earl had personal best times in the 200 IM (placed 18th) and 100 breaststroke (placed 19th)
•Junior Vincent Galligan (100 breaststroke), sophomore William Monahan (200 and 500 free) and seventh-grader Alex Marincenko (200 free and 100 back) also participated in their first Section Championships in individual and relay events
Congratulations to Senior Jenna Bartels and Freshman Melody Begnoche, who won People’s Choice Awards at the recent Orange County Arts Council’s recent “Arts build Confidence” Showcase at the Galleria at Crystal Run. Jenna won second-place and Melody won third-place! Visitors to the show were invited to participate in a free “People’s Choice” voting to select a favorite work.
Their work was among other Minisink Valley student-artists and Orange County student-artists (representing 12 Orange County high schools) on display. Jenna and seniors Lexie Giakoumis, Catalina Maidens, Kayleigh Bakke and Syemma Mathis are students in Jenna McElroy’s “AP Art” class; junior Gianna Squitieri is an “Advanced Photography” student; sophomore Gemma Skinner is a “Mixed Media” student; and Melody is “Studio Art” student.
“Arts Build Confidence is a powerful reminder of how deeply creativity supports student growth,” said Brandi McLendon, OCNY Arts director of programming and operations.
