Garden City Public Schools56 Cathedral AvenueGarden City, NY 11530

Coordinator of Public InformationCatherine Knight, Ed. D.516 478-1079

November 27, 2018

For Immediate Release:

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4893HSFallChampions.jpg:Garden City High School’s Fall “Champions” are pictured with Principal Nanine McLaughlin (left) and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha (right).

High School Honors Fall 2018 “Champions”

“Each department here at Garden City High School selects a ‘Champion’ because you, the student, make this school a wonderful place,” said Principal Nanine McLaughlin to the

selected students and their parents at the November 21st “Breakfast for Champions.” “You’ve contributed in ways you might not even realize, and we are thankful for you!”

Each fall and spring, the high school’s dozen departments select students to honor who have excelled in some way, be it with an increase in their class work, being kind to others, overcoming some adversity, or any other noteworthy reason. The honored students gathered with their parents, nominating teachers, and building and district administrators in the high school library to share breakfast and listen to each nominating teacher’s commentary about the selected “Champion.” A few teachers had tears in their eyes as they spoke, eloquently offering his/her reasons for honoring the selected nominee.

Congratulations to Garden City High School’s Fall 2018 Champions!

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4862FallMathAquino.jpg:Stu Dods, mathematics curriculum coordinator, spoke on behalf of nominating teacher Jen Crawford about the Mathematics Department “Champion,” sophomore Sara Aquino. “Sara works very hard in math class and encourages friends and classmates as they work through difficult problems.”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4865FallMusicBelt.jpg:Music teacher Steve Mayo explained that the Music Department’s Fall “Champion,” senior Grace Belt, is a “model student” who has created many friendships and made herself “a part of the school.”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4867FallBusinessBereswill.jpg:Junior Michael Bereswill was the Business Department’s fall “Champion.” According to teacher Dr. Erin McKinstry, Michael “has shown an interest in learning new concepts; he has taken four Business classes.”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4870FallPhyEdCastellano.jpg:“She is passionate about learning,” shared Athletic Director Dawn Cerrone about junior Terese Castellano. “She brings out the best in her classmates.” Well done, Tess!

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4873FallArtCodignotto.jpg:Photography teacher Jason Karp holds work by the Art Department’s “Champion,” sophomore Carly Codignotto. “Carly is consistently consistent in her craft. She even built a dark room at home!”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4875FallSSHill.jpg:Senior Lauren Hill was selected by teacher William Highfill as the Social Studies Department’s “Champion.” “Lauren came into my class for her lunch every day. She possesses dedication and drive.” Congratulations, Lauren!

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4876FallEnglishLynch.jpg:Senior Rose Lynch was nominated by English teacher Crystal Ferraiolo for the English Department’s Fall “Champion.” “Rosie is engaged in every lesson; she is an insightful thinker.”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4878FallGuidanceMurphy.jpg:On behalf of the Guidance Department, Jeanne Kennedy nominated sophomore Julie Murphy. “Julie serves us every day – she is a wonderful addition to our office.”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4882FallWLQuinn.jpg:Senior Emily Quinn was selected by the World Languages Department as its Fall “Champion.” Curriculum coordinator Peter Giacalone commented, “Emily is always looking to better herself; she is a champion of compassion and kindness.”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4884FallSEReilly.jpg:Ann Jones spoke eloquently about senior Patrick Reilly: “He is a good will ambassador for GCHS; he has a gift for making others feel comfortable in his presence.”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4886FallLbiraryWu.jpg:“Jimmy helped to make the library a warm and welcoming place,” said library media specialist Margaux Calemmo about junior Gangcheng (Jimmy) Wu. “His outreach is remarkable.”

Caption for 11-21-18IMG_4888FallScienceYasso.jpg:“He works very hard – good job!” said Project Lead the Way Distinguished Teacher of the Year Mike Stano about sophomore Ian Yasso, the Science Department’s Fall “Champion.”