Elwood-John H. Glenn High School junior Camila Avila was recently named a Grand Prize winner of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest, earning a $3,000 award. Sponsored by Optimum and Univision Foundation in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the contest recognizes and celebrates the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans in communities across the country. This year’s topic was connecting to Hispanic culture, and Avila wrote about her grandmother’s journey to get to the United States, and recognizing that journey as a part of her own personal journey.

Optimum representatives visited the school for a presentation ceremony, attended by Avila’s family and district and school administrators. Optimum additionally presented the John Glenn World Language Department with a $500 gift card to DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that allows teachers to submit requests for needed materials or supplies. Also on hand was New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, who presented Avila with a legislative proclamation.

“Good things happen in this room, and great things happen in this building and throughout this great school district,” Stern said. “We know it’s because of the outstanding men and women who are so dedicated to our young people, but it always starts at home. It always starts with family, with values within the four walls that you grow up in. We are thrilled that Camila has been able to share that with us, her school district, her fellow students and with our entire community. Her message is inspirational, and she certainly serves as an example for all of us to follow. On behalf of the 20 million residents of the great state of New York and the New York State Assembly, it is my personal privilege to present this legislative proclamation. Camila, you bring such great pride to your family, your community, this great school district and to our entire state. We wish you congratulations and every success in the future.”

Date Added: 1/14/2025

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School senior Skarlet Bueso and junior Sophia Vitevich, both members of Glenn’s combined fencing team with Walt Whitman High School, competed in epee at the Brentwood Holiday Tournament on Dec. 14. Vitevich finished 16th and Bueso finished 34th in this annual Islandwide event.
 
“The tournament was really fun,” said Bueso, who plans to continue club fencing after graduation. “Everyone came together and we learned a lot from it. I think we can grow from the experience.”

“It was my first year going to a big tournament like this,” Vitevich said. “I feel like I’ve definitely gone beyond what I felt like I could do, and I was able to learn from all these people I was around. I made new friends there and we talked a lot. It was a good experience. I have a lot to work on, though, and I’m excited to see what I can do next year.”

Date Added: 1/3/2025

School psychologist Dylan Kilkenny accompanied students from Elwood-John H. Glenn High School’s Best Buddies club and Unified sports teams to the third annual Special Olympics Suffolk County Unified Youth Summit at Sayville Old Junior High School in November. The goal of the event was to bring students with and without disabilities together to educate and inspire them to become active participants in making a difference within their schools and communities. Students learned about how to make their schools more inclusive for everyone. 

Date Added: 12/20/2024

During the Dec. 12 Elwood School District Board of Education meeting, the district recognized several individuals and sports teams for recent outstanding accomplishments.

After an outstanding holiday performance by the Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Symphonic Band, teacher Gabrielle Caviglia accepted a commendation on behalf of the students.
 
Senior Davin Li was honored for being named the Class of 2025 valedictorian, a National Merit Commended Student and a News 12 Scholar-Athlete for his accomplishments on the varsity boys soccer team.

High school special education teacher Sima Lis and technology specialist Matt McGuire were also recognized for being named New York State Master Teachers.

Regarding Sima, Principal Corey McNamara said, “Sima is a reflective practitioner who is continuously looking to hone her craft through innovative differentiated and co-teaching practices. She is also a continuous learner who is always bringing her worldly knowledge and travels to her classroom for an authentic learning experience. As a special education teacher, Sima creates a warm, welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students to succeed.”

McNamara also described McGuire’s abilities to guide students in reaching their fullest potential throughout the school and his variety of projects displayed and utilized by so many.

“As past president of the New York State Tech Association, Matt has also been a leader amongst his colleagues while planning professional development for all Long Island CTE teachers,” McNamara said. “He has also been recognized at the state and national levels for his efforts in grant writing for implementing best practices strategies in the CTE classroom.”

In the area of sports, 2024 boys varsity golf team member Gavin Fazel was honored for placing first overall and for being designated an All-Conference player. The varsity boys soccer team was applauded for being named league champions, Suffolk County Class A champions and Long Island Class A finalists. Additionally, the girls varsity cross- country team was lauded for being the undefeated league and conference champions, as well as Suffolk County and Long Island Class A finalists.

Date Added: 12/17/2024

Three outstanding Elwood-John H. Glenn High School varsity football players – quarterback Cole Madden, guard David Rafiq and running back Anthony Soto – were recently chosen for All-County honors. The three seniors were recognized at the annual Suffolk County Football Coaches Association dinner, held on Dec. 2 at the Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge.  

Date Added: 12/16/2024