Twenty High Schoolers Gain Professional Skills at 29th Annual NYSTEA Event

From the bright lights of the stage to the intricate world of sound design, Farmingdale High School students recently immersed themselves in the professional world of performing arts. From January 9-11, 2026, the New York State Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA) hosted nearly 900 students for its 29th Annual Student Conference in Callicoon, NY. This trip marked the district’s second year attending the prestigious gathering, allowing 20 of our talented students to learn from industry experts.

Hands-On Workshops and Technical Training

The conference was a whirlwind of creativity, offering over 100 different workshops. Students had the chance to dive deep into specific areas of interest, including technical theatre, acting, dance, and voice. These sessions allowed our high schoolers to build new skills alongside peers from across the state, bringing back valuable knowledge to our own drama program.

Outstanding Individual Achievements

Farmingdale pride was on full display during the conference showcase. Senior Devin Williams stood out among 80 auditionees and was selected to perform in a featured scene. Behind the scenes, senior John Marino was chosen to assist the sound crew, ensuring the showcase sounded professional for the large audience. Whether on stage or behind the mixing board, our students proved they are ready for the spotlight.

The Farmingdale High School community gathered on January 29, 2026, to celebrate the induction of 136 exceptional students into the National Honor Society. These students have shown they are leaders both in the classroom and in their neighborhoods. The evening was a tribute to their hard work and commitment to helping others.

A Night of Recognition

The ceremony took place at Farmingdale High School and was organized by advisors Mrs. Jill Greeney and Mrs. Lisa Jensen. The auditorium was filled with proud family members, district leaders, and Board of Education members. A special highlight of the night was the recognition of several dozen teachers. These "Inspirational Educators" were hand-picked by the students for making a lasting impact on their lives. Following the event, guests enjoyed a small reception in the Commons to celebrate the achievement.

The Power of Connection

The keynote speaker, Farmingdale High School Business teacher Donna Wright, delivered an inspiring message focused on the importance of building bridges. She explained how becoming a National Honor Society member connects these students to the broader world. Being a member is about more than just academic excellence; it is about being a well-rounded person who strives to make a difference. These 136 students have demonstrated a willingness to help others and to take on challenges with determination and grace. As these new inductees continue their academic journey, there is no doubt they will continue to impact the world around them positively.

Farmingdale High School technology students welcomed special guests from the AHRC for a unique service project on Wednesday, January 28. The AHRC is an organization dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event was designed not just as a woodworking workshop, but as an opportunity for students to use the skills they learn in the classroom to pay it forward to the community.

Building Skills and Self-Esteem

The woodshop echoed with the rhythmic sounds of hammering as students took on the role of mentors, handing over hammers and nails to their guests. The group included "project managers"—students with three years of woodshop experience—who helped lead the daily routines. Farmingdale High School Technology Teacher Mr. Corey Sterler noted that this leadership is by design.

“We have cultivated a strong work environment culture where respect, patience, and safety are always the number one priority,” said Mr. Sterler. “With the addition of the AHRC, it was incredible to see the students welcome guests into their workshop and show them how to assemble materials in a safe and positive environment.”

Real-World Skills

The Technology Students handed over hammers and nails to their guests, guiding them through the construction process. Rather than just building for them, the students taught the AHRC participants how to use the tools themselves. For the students, it was a chance to see their classroom lessons translate into real-world impact.

“After being in these tech classes for a few years now, you wonder when you'll begin to use these skills in the real world. So when we get the chance to pass down our skills onto a new group of people eager to learn, you feel your experience begin to pay off,” said Farmingdale High School senior Ryan Kearney. “It feels really special to be a part of something like this, where you can introduce people to the new things that you love doing.”

A Job Well Done

After the sawdust settled, the group sat down to enjoy lunch together, celebrating the completed projects and the teamwork that went into building them. This workshop marks the continuation of a strengthening bond between the district and the AHRC.

“We are thrilled to see our partnership with the AHRC continue to flourish,” said Farmingdale Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini. “We recently invited the group for a special daytime performance of our fall musical production in November, and this workshop is a wonderful evolution of that relationship. I look forward to seeing more projects that bring our students and community together.”

As the partnership grows, the district remains committed to creating inclusive spaces where every member of the community can learn, build, and belong.

Eight students, now in the 9th grade, were part of the accelerated, high school-accredited 8th-grade Studio Art course taught by Ms. Barbara Ginexi. Their hard work and creativity were showcased at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County’s Art competition.

This juried competition, evaluated by professional artists on criteria including craftsmanship, design, and imagination, saw a remarkably strong showing from our students, resulting in one Gold Winner, two Silver Winners, and five Bronze Winners. This collective success means that the work of all eight students is featured in the prestigious 2025-26 Cornell University Gardening Calendar and Guide, with the Gold-winning piece prominently featured for the month of September.

This recognition not only highlights the students' exceptional talent but also the dedication of our art educators and the rigor of the district's program. Please join us in congratulating these exemplary artists!

• Sabrina Badalamenti
• Emma Eng
• Chiara Elise Langkay
• Gabriella Agrillo
• Bridget Daniels
• Alexander Kost
• Yaison Maldonado
• Samantha White

Parents and guardians in the Farmingdale School District will soon have a new tool to make morning and afternoon routines easier. The district is thrilled to announce a partnership with BusRight to bring real-time bus tracking technology directly to our families. This initiative represents a significant step forward in modernizing our transportation communications.

For specific details regarding the rollout schedule and setup instructions, please review the official communication from the transportation department.