Bellport High School seniors Malena Gomez and Keshavi Shah have earned full four-year college scholarships through the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Program.

The seniors are two out of thousands of applicants to earn a QuestBridge scholarship, which connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s best colleges.

Through the scholarship program, Gomez will be heading to Smith College in the fall to study biology, while Shah will be attending Rice University to major in mechanical engineering.

In addition to being academically talented, Gomez is a member of her school’s National and Tri-M Music honor societies. She also performs on the flute in band and in flute choir. Additionally, she participates in her school’s art and theater programs and is a stage manager. She selected Smith College based on its close community of students.

Equally involved in school, Shah is president of her school’s Science Bowl team, vice president of the Math Honor Society, and a member of the National, Science and English honor societies. She also participates in Key Club, the Multicultural Club and the WISE Program. Outside of school, she conducts research through the MITES STEM program. She selected Rice University for its research opportunities.

The South Country Central School District congratulates both seniors on this outstanding academic accomplishment.

Date Added: 12/6/2024

Three Bellport High School music students have been selected to perform in the prestigious Long Island String Festival Association’s Suffolk Secondary Festival in January.

Gabriel Andre, a cellist, Penelope Gordon, a violist, and Lucia McCollum, a cellist, were selected based on their scores at the New York State School Music Association Solo Evaluation Festival, teacher recommendations and ranking.

The South Country School District extends its congratulations to the musicians for their hard work and dedication.

Date Added: 12/5/2024

Thirty-five Bellport High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society during a recent candle-lighting ceremony.

To be eligible for membership, the students were required to maintain a GPA of 90 or better, meet the standards of leadership, service, citizenship and character, and complete six hours of community service.

The South Country School District extends its congratulations to the following inductees:

Sophomores

Logeen Baslious, Barbara Bautista Castellanos, Colin Capuano, Daniel Day, Rebecca DeLillo, Lily Ferguson, Sajdah Hayat, Menaal Hussain, Sarah Lewis, Avery Loeffler, Matthew Manitta, Caitlin Maragioglio, Nayla Ortiz Macas, Joelle Petretti Mylonas, Kenya Rouse, Jordan Saliba, Kayla Schneider, Cooper Scotti, Taylor Truce, Troy Turuta, Emiy Uyi and Gabrielle Waller

Juniors

Sofia Almeyda, Gabriel Andre, Jayden Andrews, Izel Cruz, Jennifer Fernandez, Gabriella Gordon, Jason Nichols and Samuel Sorto

Seniors

Briahnna Eason, Flor Mendoza Pineda, Rosemarie Okorafor, Athena Propfe and Reginald Watkins

Date Added: 12/4/2024

After reading “Balloons Over Broadway” by Melissa Sweet, Kreamer Street Elementary School kindergartners learned about the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and took on a balloon challenge. They designed their own balloon floats and then proudly paraded them through the halls of their school.

Date Added: 12/3/2024

The South Country School District Board of Education has appointed Dr. Anthony Aiello as Bellport Middle School’s new assistant principal, effective Dec. 16.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Aiello to our district,” said Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana. “He joins us with a wealth of experience, and we are certain he will be a positive asset to our district and our students.”

Dr. Aiello joins South Country as a long-time educator. He most recently served as the assistant principal at Nassau BOCES’ Center for Community Adjustment.

He began his educational career as a history teacher in the alternative night school programs at both the Connetquot Central School District and Rocky Point Union Free School District. He also taught history in the Central Islip Union Free School District and Hauppauge Union Free School District. While in Hauppauge, he also took on an administrative role as the coordinator of the high school’s personal academic support services.

Dr. Aiello holds a doctorate in education from St. John’s University, a master’s degree and certification in advanced leadership from Stony Brook University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Joseph’s College. He also holds certification from New York State in secondary social studies education, teaching students with disabilities and school leadership. He is an active member of the Long Island Council for the Social Studies, the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the Future Leaders Academy.

“I am truly honored and excited to be part of Bellport Middle School,” said Dr. Aiello. “I look forward to working closely with the administrative team to foster strong relationships with our students, staff and the school community, continuing the great work that has already made Bellport Middle School a place of excellence. Together, we will inspire and empower students to become lifelong learners and leaders.”

Date Added: 11/22/2024