High school freshman Melina Neofitos was recently honored with All-County selection to the Suffolk County Music Educators' Association Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Neofitos will be singing soprano in the SCMEA Jazz Choir on Nov. 6 at East Islip High School. She prepared a vocal jazz NYSSMA solo last spring, was chosen to participate this fall and has been preparing the music diligently for several weeks. The small ensembles include musicians from grades 9-12 across Suffolk County with a special interest in jazz. 

“Melina is a talented singer and an enthusiastic learner,” said teacher Rachel Nagle. “She will certainly enjoy and appreciate the experience this honor will bring.”

 In September, Boyd held a schoolwide celebration of Dot Day, based on the Peter Hamilton Reynolds book “The Dot.” Principal Denise Toscano initiated the day with several websites and activities. Students and staff alike wore dots for the occasion.

In the library, school media specialist Irene Kossowsky continued the Dot Day studies by reading other books by Reynolds. For the next book, “Happy Dreamer,” students shared their dreams, daydreams and even nightmares in writing.

The third Reynolds book, “The Word Collector,” was then introduced. Each student was given either a word from the book or an academic vocabulary list and asked to share their favorite words. Each word was placed on an index card and students shared words, just like in the book. The entire school participated in this library activity, with the results displayed in the front lobby of the school for all to admire.