2020 National Center for Women & Information Technology Award

Congratulations to Bethpage High School Grade 11 student Maya Maciel-Seidman for being a recipient of the National Center for Women and Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing. Maya was one of forty national award winners out of an applicant pool of over 4,700 from all fifty states and the only winner from New York State!  She was recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and future goals for women in computing and technology.

Maya received a beautiful trophy from the Aspirations in Computing Team.  She was also acknowledged by New York State with a Certificate of Recognition for her great achievement! 

Bethpage Schools congratulates Maya on this wonderful achievement and wishes her continued success going into her senior year!

The Bethpage School District held four unique moving up ceremonies for each of their three elementary schools and one middle school.

Kramer Lane Elementary School held a drive-in moving up ceremony for fifth grade students and families on June 17. Each car had a specified parking space and arrived decorated to show their Kramer Lane spirit. Families remained in their vehicles throughout the ceremony, which was projected through a speaker system and also broadcasted through FM radio. The ceremony included speeches from Principal Kerri McCarthy, President of Student Council and fifth grade student Elizabeth Hoffner and fifth grade teachers. Awards were presented to the fifth grade class and to culminate the event, students and their families drove around the main circle to be presented their moving up certificates.

Also on June 17, Central Boulevard Elementary School held a hybrid moving up ceremony, with a virtual component as well as an in-person car parade. Students and families were sent a link to a virtual ceremony, which announced special awards and recognitions for students. Families were then instructed to drive through the school’s main parking lot at a specified time. Each fifth grade student was individually recognized by a variety of faculty and staff members, who excitedly cheered each child’s name as they arrived. Students also collected a moving up packet, complete with a certificate of achievement and their yearbooks.

Rounding out the events on June 17, Charles Campagne Elementary School held a drive-in moving up ceremony for fifth grade students, complete with a DJ and decorations provided by the school’s PTA. Principal Erin DiFiglia led the ceremony from the roof of the school building, as families arrived in their decorated vehicles. Following the ceremony, students drove through the front of the building where they were able to pick up their yearbooks and take a photo with Mrs. DiFiglia and their fifth grade teachers.

At the middle school level, John F. Kennedy Middle School recognized their eighth graders moving on to high school level with a virtual awards ceremony followed by a car parade on June 18. The ceremony included student performances, faculty speeches and a photo montage. After the ceremony, the entire eighth grade class was invited to participate in a car parade at the school. Students received their year books and diplomas, and had a photo taken with Principal Kevin Fullerton. Over 70 staff members were present at the parade, dressed in Bethpage’s blue and gold with homemade signs, eager to congratulate the students on their accomplishments.

In observance of the state’s outdoor graduation capacity of 150 people, Bethpage High School held five graduation ceremonies on Saturday, June 27 for the Class of 2020. Before each of the intimate ceremonies, students were given special Bethpage face masks and gathered with classmates after months of distance learning.

Following the procession of students, staff and administrators onto the school’s football field, each ceremony began with the National Anthem, sung by one of five talented students. They were: Joseph Colavolpe, Katelyn Harold, Bridget Pheifer, Alexa Rolleri and Maria Sandoval.

A few distinguished members of the Class of 2020 spoke to their classmates over the course of the day’s events. Salutatorian Rahul Busri, Valedictorian Jessica Kneller, Senior Class President Adina Rahman and Student Council President Bryan Hanley each delivered speeches, acknowledging the commitment and hard work every member of their class exhibited throughout all four years of high school.

Superintendent of Schools David Schneider delivered a welcoming speech, noting how the senior class continued to thrive and accomplish their goals, despite the unique form this school year took. “I want to say thank you to the class of 2020 for your commitment to excellence,” said Mr. Schneider. “Your achievements in academics, the fine and performing arts and athletics have showcased your school and the community and made us all very proud.”

Principal Nicholas Jantz then approached the podium to address the graduates, noting the many ways the Class of 2020 has always been dedicated and motivated group of students. “I want to thank you, the Class of 2020, for all of your contributions to Bethpage High School,” said Mr. Jantz. “Wherever you are going next year, please remember to bring not only the knowledge that you learned here, but more importantly the lessons, morals and experiences that have made you into the people you are here today.”

Following his speech, Mr. Jantz was joined on staged by Dave Schneider, President of the Board of Education Michael J. Kelly and Assistant Principals Ralph Tocco and Kevin Healy for the presentation of diplomas. Each student was called by name and walked across the stage to rounds of applause from their fellow classmates and families. The Class of 2020’s graduations may have taken on a unique form, but the day was full of pride, community and acknowledgement of the perseverance the students exhibited throughout their final year at Bethpage High School.