Celebrity Chef Sakari Smithwick whisked back to Farmingdale High School on November 5th, revisiting the kitchen where the first ingredients of his storied career were measured. Long before he was starring on shows like Hell's Kitchen and Chopped, working on his upcoming cookbook, and hosting his culinary podcast, Chef was one of Ms. Akeson's star students in the High School culinary department.

“Today’s visit to Farmingdale High School was a full-circle moment for me”, said Chef Sakari Smithwick. “It was in this very classroom that I first fell in love with cooking and realized it could become a lifelong passion and career for me.”

During his visit, Chef Sakari spent time engaging directly with students while also leading an exciting culinary demonstration where he flipped and served a perfect batch of gluten-free pancakes. Following the tasting, Chef openly discussed how his high school culinary experience was crucial in shaping his journey and laying the foundation for his multifaceted career in food, media, and publishing.

Chef Sakari Smithwick shared “As I prepare for the debut of my cookbook and memoir “Savor Your Journey”, I highlight my experience at Farmingdale High School and Ms. Akeson’s leadership. I will always hold Farmingdale High School close to my heart and thankful that I got to experience the school’s continued mission to nurture the next generation of chefs, dreamers, and entrepreneurs. I truly believe the key relationships such as these are the ultimate ingredients to achieving success.”

Chef Sakari Smithwick is a proud member of the Farmingdale High School Class of 2012.

What an incredible day for our Theatre 2 students! On October 30, a group of 15 talented actors traveled to Hofstra University's Annual Shakespeare Festival to perform, learn, and compete.

Our students dove into the world of The Bard by participating in dynamic workshops taught by Hofstra drama professors, including: Speaking Shakespeare, Stage Combat, and Improv Techniques. They also enjoyed an amazing one-hour performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, acted out by Hofstra students!

The highlight was our students' stunning performance of a scene from Henry IV Part 1. They competed against several other schools and received amazing feedback on their work! The judges specifically heaped praise on:  

• The students' strong connectivity during the scene.  
• Their excellent use of the stage.  
• A deep understanding of the text.

Special shoutouts to Jesse Arcuri, Cassie Hill and Wyatt Smith, Kayla Hayden, Ty Rambeau, Danica Mistretta, and Tyler Davies for their outstanding individual contributions!

A massive congratulations to Jesse Arcuri who won Best Male Performer at the award presentation! He received a certificate and a well-deserved scholarship to Hofstra.

To My Farmingdale Family,

I am so happy to announce that Daler will be graduating from Canine Companions this upcoming Friday, November 7, 2025 at 12:30 pm!

After 18 months of puppy raising here in Farmingdale and now 6 months of targeted training at the Canine Companion headquarters, Daler will be serving a wonderful person who will gain new freedom and independence with Daler by her side.

As so many of you have been part of Daler’s journey, we thought you might like to watch this special moment.

Here’s the link to our live stream, which you can share liberally with whomever you think would be interested. Please feel free to pop on the link in your classrooms or offices if you have the time in the day. After all, we all did this important work together.

In your October Digest, you’ll find the latest news, special moments, and stories that celebrate the incredible energy, talent, and spirit that define our community.

Read October's Issue NOW!

Seniors brought the scares and the laughs!

The 2025 Halloween Costume Contest at Farmingdale High School was a total spectacle. Now the judges have the daunting task of selecting the winner who gets to claim Principal Herman's parking spot for an entire week!