The High School marked Red Ribbon Week today, Oct. 29, with a "CHOOSE TO REFUSE" table and inviting students to participate by completing puzzle pieces explaining why it's important to them to make good, responsible and healthy choices and decisions. These pieces will be combined for a large puzzle display.
Students also had the chance to spin a wheel, answer a question tied to substance abuse, alcohol or distracted/drunk driving for an opportunity to win a prize. Take a look!
We're very proud to share that senior Emily Perricelli and 10th grader Eve Manuele, students at Orange-Ulster BOCES, were recently named ex-officio student representatives to the Orange-Ulster BOCES Board of Education.
This is a great leadership experience for both and we know they will represent only the OUB student population but the Minisink Valley School District with distinction! New York State's Board of Education ex- officio student representatives are non-voting members on school boards who provide student perspectives on district matters by communicating student concerns and feedback to the board, and then informing the student body about board actions. They are expected to participate in meetings and discussions, attend board workshops, and act as a liaison between the student government and the board.
The Varsity Boys Soccer team honored its seniors during its recent Senior Night! Thank you to Jandro Arias, Benjamin Danielson, Sean Aldana, Cesar Ramirez, Robert Davis, Julian Ochoa, Gavin Capper, John Falzon and Richard Cai for their many contributions to the team’s success.
Head Coach Jordan Mootz wants us to know about her talented seniors:
•Sean Aldana is the kindest, most easy going kid on the team. You can talk to him about anything! He alternates between defense and goalie.
•Captain Jandro Arias has played goalie, defense, and the frontline, and has excelled at all. He never fails to make his coaches and teammates laugh with his sarcasm. He is always a leader and willing to make others better.
•Richard Cai is one of the midfielders, and is a helpful teammate. He is always the first to assist with equipment. Always prepared and ready to go.
•Gavin Capper is the right defense, and he isn't afraid to boot the ball out or throw in a tackle. He has made significant improvement this year!
•Captain Ben Danielson is known for his speed and strong foot. He has played both defense and offense for us this year, and is a powerhouse. He is always willing to crack a joke, and make everyone laugh.
•Robert Davis joined the team this year and he has made such an impact on defense! He is always prepared at practice.
•Captain John Falzon is the center midfielder. He is the most unselfish player you will ever meet. He does not care about scoring goals, he cares about making his teammates better.
•Julian Ochoa has been playing both right back and left forward for us this year. He has done so with no questions asked, and succeeds at both. He has the farthest boot on the team!
•Cesar Ramirez has been the center forward this season. He has shown his love for soccer and always acknowledges his teachers in the hallway.
Congratulations to senior Robert LaBarbera and Dylan Fox of Port Jervis High School, who are the 2025 recipients of the John Bell Memorial Award! They were recognized and presented these awards during Friday’s Varsity Football game.
Coach Bell was a respected player for Port Jervis in the 1960s and a longtime Minisink Valley coach and teacher. The Minisink Valley and Port Jervis football programs established this annual award to be given to a member of each school who has demonstrated the qualities that Coach Bell lived by: Dedication, sportsmanship, loyalty and school pride.
•Andres Balseca - Saxophone
•Heather Day – Flute
•Caleb Decker – Saxophone
•Mitchell Demberg - Drum Major
•Alyssa Doane – Clarinet
•Tyler Doane – Clarinet
•Hana Ebbert – Saxophone
•Greg Gibbs – Trombone
•Luz Guerra – Saxophone
•Madeline Huggins – Flute
•Ryan Jones – Trumpet
•Malunga Kinzonzi - Drum Major
•Nolan Mann - Bass Guitar
•Gavin McGinnis - Drum Major
•Josel Ortiz Zhunio – Trumpet
•Faith Padavano – Clarinet
•Yuvia Portugal – Clarinet
•Gabriel Simpson – Euphonium
•Bridget Zhunio Cajamarca - Flute
Invitations (like the one here) have been mailed out to the area's veterans organizations. but ALL VETERANS ARE WELCOME! RSVP is Wednesday, Oct. 29.
We invite you to join us and have a lovely early evening out, with a dinner prepared NHS members and wonderful music by members of the high school's bands. Details are in the invitation, and thanks for sharing!
JOIN IN on the seasonal art fun and support the High School's Art Club!
The High School's Art Club is hosting its next "Paint n' Snack" fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in Room 217 at the High School.
A talented Minisink Valley Art Club student will guide participants in creating a beautiful fall-themed painting. There'll be apple cider to sip and yummy treats to snack on while painting.
Adults and children of all ages are welcome, but seating is limited to 25 people, so act fast if interested! All supplies and food are included with admission and all proceeds will go toward art scholarships, museums field trips for art students, future events, and additional supplies for the Art Club studio. THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT, so sign-up now and don't miss out!
Pricing (cash at the door): Adults - $12; children/students - $10; and siblings discount: $5 per additional sibling. To reserve your spot, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFcFIzph-R4RHdlh3S0YmBrlAi_BxFCxZ7woOyck9kGSe2rQ/viewform
The girls helped welcome participants during registration time and participated in the walk. Well-done to all!
Students saw a piece by George Maciunas titled "One Year 1973-1974," comprised of various empty containers and packaging from items he consumed over that year. This led to a conversation about how if what one consumes contributes to their identity? And, if they complied a year's worth of their personal trash, what would that say about them?
They also worked on a deconstruction activity around Pushpamela N's piece titled "Staging Selves." They worked to match each image with a title that best suites it. Everyone later spoke more about this, including offering further introspection on the piece.
Students also made connections to "Identity" using a piece by Lotus L. Kang, making connections on the discussion map. Kang's piece "Molt (Toronto-Chicago-Woodridge-New York-Los Angeles)" is a piece made from tanned and unfixed film changed from light, humidity and other environmental elements. Kang once remarked: “We are porous beings, we are always in a state of becoming."
Students also had the opportunity to view Vincent van Gogh’s "The Starry Night, which hangs at the MoMA.
STILL UNDEFEATED: 7-0 --- and we are the 2025 CLASS A, DIVISION I CHAMPS!
The Varsity Football team continues to play extremely impressive ball, beating Warwick this past Friday night 37-13!
“Overall, I’m happy with the way we played on offense and defense,” said Varsity Coach Kevin Gallagher. “Warwick had a good game plan and they played us very tough in the first half. The second half --- we really played well with only one penalty and very few mistakes.”
Coach Gallagher also reported: “Zach Filip had another great game scoring five touchdowns while rushing for 150 yards. Robbie played another good game completing 6-8 passes for 94 yards. Max and Stetson came up with some big catches to keep the chains moving. Our defense only gave up 137 yards the whole game and stopped them inside the 10 two times.”
This Friday’s game is against undefeated Port Jervis, which also has a 7-0 record.
“We beat Port last year 28-14 and they went on to win the State Championship in Class B,” added Coach Gallagher. “We’re expecting a great game. They are very good offensively so we will have to be ready.”
This Friday’s game is also the district’s PINK OUT, where everyone is invited to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness, as well as football/cheer Senior Night.
NOTE: The team's win over Warwick has earned it a Bye Week for the first found of the Section IX playoffs, so there's NO GAME on Oct. 31. Minisink Valley will host the Nov. 7 game with its opponent TBD.
•Olivia Bohr: Olivia has been on the team for five seasons and is a team captain and plans on going to college for nursing.
•Madeline Huggins: Maddy has been on the team for three seasons and plans on attending college and getting her degree in elementary education.
•Erin Huggins-Williams: This is Erin's first season competing with the team and plans on attending college.
•Reilly Kain-Dickinson: Reilly has been on the team for three seasons and plans on attending college and majoring in journalism.
•Malunga Kinzonzi: Malunga has been on the team for six seasons and is a team captain. She plans on attending college and majoring in pre-law or political science.
•Siyassa Mathis: Siyassa has been on the team for four seasons and plans on attending college and majoring in political science.
•Syemma Mathis: Syemma has been on the team for four seasons and is currently undecided of her post high school plans.
•Brianna Soriano: Brianna has been on the team for three seasons and plans on going to college for nursing.
Congratulations to the senior members of the Varsity Volleyball team who were honored for their many contributions to the team during their recent Senior Night! We wish you all the best!
--- Natalie Barina, a three year varsity player, who has been a middle blocker and hitter her entire high school volleyball career. Although once very gentle, her senior year she found the fierceness to match her height. Her quiet leadership and kindness unknowingly make her a role model for those around her.
--- Joli Calcano, a two year varsity player who is a utility player who played as a defensive specialist her senior year but has also played as a setter and right side hitter. Her sunny demeanor brings smiles to everyone's face at just the right time.
--- Sophia Escobar, three year Varsity player, started her high school volleyball career as a middle blocker but successfully transitioned into an outside hitter for her Junior and Senior year. She is an 'all around' six rotation player that can play other positions if needed. Her consistency on the court has been essential to the success of the team.
--- Anhjela Jackson, a three year varsity player playing as a right side hitter and setter but has also played in the outside hitter position. She is an “all around” six rotation player and can play any position. She has great control of her sets and is a powerful hitter.
--- Ava Messina, a two year varsity player who is a right side hitter and setter. Her athleticism and drive allows her to play at a very high level. Her passion and dedication on the court is unmatched. She is a natural leader and is still hungry to learn everything there is to learn about the game.
Studying regional history is important because it can promote a sense of place and identity, enhances critical thinking, and connects individuals to key events in the history of a particular area. By understanding “the past,” students can better understand “the present,” including its challenges and strengths, which helps in being better prepared for what will happen in “the future.”
Robert Abate’s Archaeology and Metal Detecting Club members and Ezra Clementson’s, Frank Cherry’s and Jonathan Grady’s Global 9 students recently had the unique opportunity to step back in time during a visit to the historic Minisink Battleground Park in Sullivan County! Take a peek at their outing!
Their field trip offered a powerful, hands-on learning experience about one of the most tragic and heroic episodes in the region's Revolutionary War history. The trip was organized as one of the many ways the Minisink Valley History Department is recognizing the nation’s 250th anniversary of declaring independence.
Sullivan County Historian John Conway, whose knowledge and storytelling brought the events of July 22, 1779, vividly to life, led the tour along with reenactors Daniel and Joshua from the Fort Delaware Museum. They dressed in period attire and also demonstrated how to fire a musket.
The group toured key battleground areas, including Hospital Rock, where wounded militia members were treated, and Sentinel Rock, a silent witness to the fierce and fateful battle that unfolded on these very grounds.
Students gained insight into the significant losses suffered by local militia, who bravely engaged in combat against the forces led by the notorious Mohawk leader Joseph Brant. The field trip not only highlighted the sacrifices made by local patriots but also deepened students' understanding of the complex alliances and conflicts that defined the Revolutionary War in this region.
“This immersive experience left students with a greater appreciation for our area's rich history and the enduring legacy of those who fought and fell at Minisink,” said Mr. Abate. “We are grateful to Mr. Conway and the Fort Delaware reenactors for helping bring history to life in such a meaningful and memorable way.”
The group finished the trip with stops at the Roebling Bridge, the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the U.S. and an eagle observation point along the Delaware River.
Mark your calendars: The High School's Chorus Harvest Concert is Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.!
As students begin, or continue, on their journeys to look at the many college and university options in their next steps of their academic careers, this evening also helped them to discover potential schools, get personalized answers to questions, network, and further plan about their future education. DON'T BLINK...freshman year will be here before you know it!
STILL UNDEFEATED after Friday's amazing road 49-6 win against FDR!
THE DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS THIS FRIDAY, OCT. 17 at home against Warwick! BE THERE!
"We played a good game all around," reports Varsity Coach Kevinn Gallagher. "Zach Filip had a great game running the ball with 11 carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a monster game on defense. Max Wickwrath also had a great game on both sides of the ball with a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown and an interception return for a touchdown on defense."
Coach Gallagher added: "Robbie LaBarbera had six carries for 77 yards and a touchdown as well as throwing for one. Chris Thorpe also ran well scoring his first touchdown of the year. I thought our defense was great all night creating turnovers by Max Wickwrath and an interception by Anthony Alexis as well."
GIRLS TEAM: Audrey Defazio Schultz, Olivia Dzierzek, Lauren Figueroa, Merlot Hindley, Kathryn Jones and Concettina Siena!
BOYS TEAM: Caleb Decker, Nolan Mann, Luciano Palacios, Carter Rossi, Gabriel Simpson and Owen Skinner!
The district has equipped its entire bus fleet with cameras to catch vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus. If you see a bus’ red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, STOP! Otherwise, you and the vehicle you’re driving will be photographed and you WILL GET A $250 FINE.
Don't say we didn't tell you: Please pay attention and drive safe!
READ MORE: https://www.minisink.com/article/2365311
REHEARSALS ARE GOING GREAT -- BE SURE TO GET YOUR TICKETS!
Tickets are on sale for the High School Drama Club's performance of "Arsenic and Old Lace," with two shows taking place Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The show is a classic dark humor comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: Family!
Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding.
Ticket prices are $12 for adults, and $8 for students and senior citizens.
To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/minisink-valley-high-school/68c16206637eca2abefeeca7
BE BOLD! BE COLD!
FREEZE FOR A GREAT CAUSE!
Minisink Valley is again creating a team for the 2025 Orange County Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics New York! The plunge will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Rez in Highland Mills!
JOIN OUR TEAM and help us retain our title as the “Cool School Challenge” winner! Last year, Minisink Valley won the 2024 Cool School Challenge (retaining this title earned in 2023) and raised $4,022! We are looking to exceed this amount this year!
The “Cool School Challenge” is a friendly competition between local schools as part of the 2025 Orange County Polar Plunge. Not only are our school clubs and teams as well as families and students invited to join us our team, we’re looking for community members to be a part of it, too! It was great to see the large number of people participating last year and we’re hopeful to see this number grow this year!
Director of PPS Jeff Finton is overseeing Minisink Valley’s efforts to create a team. JOIN US and BE COLD: Email Jeff Finton at: jfinton@minisink.com.
Thank you for whatever you’re able to do to support this initiative!
