It was a night of joy and celebration at the Inn at New Hyde Park as two of Farmingdale High School's finest, Christopher Ruotolo and Abigail Almonte, were applauded and awarded. The occasion? The Nassau Zone 2024-2025 Outstanding Physical Education Student of the Year Award. A dinner that gathers and honors the brightest, the most dedicated and the most passionate seniors in physical education from every high school in Nassau County. Each year, the Nassau Zone, under the umbrella of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD), puts on this splendid event. And oh, what a night it was for Christopher and Abigail, our Farmingdale stars, who proudly walked away with not just a medal around their necks but also a certificate that serves as a testament to their hard work and achievements.

From January 10-12, 2025, the New York State Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA) hosted nearly 900 students at the 28th Annual Student Conference in Callicoon, NY. The event provided high school students with over 100 workshops focusing on technical theatre, acting, dance, and voice.

This was Farmingdale High School's first time attending, with a total of twenty-five students participating.

Theatre instructor Glen Beck commended his students, saying, "The kids had a fantastic experience. It was a weekend filled with wonderful bonding, and theatrical activities. We absolutely can't wait to return!"

"Be Your Best Week" at Woodward Parkway Elementary School wrapped up with Inspiration Day. On January 10, 2025, students from Farmingdale High School visited and engaged with the young Dalers on various subjects such as goal setting, courage, and following their passions. The day ended with a group reading of Jon Gordon's heartwarming tale, The Coffee Bean for Kids. This led to a discussion about the potential for positive change, encouraging thoughts on how they could bring positivity into their lives and classrooms.

Senior Jake Mangio, who is set to play lacrosse at Bryant University, achieved an impressive milestone by scoring his 1000th point during Tuesday's basketball game. He is just the seventh player from Farmingdale to reach this remarkable feat. Coach Pastier and alumni, who are also members of the 1,000-point club, came out to show their support for Jake.

(from L-R) Coach Pastier, Dalique Mingo '14, Greg Wildes '82, Jake Mangio, Matt Wildes '89 and Steve Restivo '90.

1000 Point Club members missing from photo: Marvel Chambers '20 and Jim Graziano '76.

It's that magical time of year, and the Farmingdale High School Holiday Boutique is spreading the cheer by offering a complimentary shopping spree that's sure to enhance their holiday season.

The 2024 Holiday Boutique, a labor of love orchestrated by the Next-Gen Dalers Club and supported generously by various clubs and organizations, brought the spirit of giving to life on December 11 at Farmingdale High School. This year's event was a testament to the power of teamwork, as dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, turning weeks of preparation into lasting holiday memories.

The Next-Gen Dalers Club, run by high school teachers Alyssa Panaro and Paul Phelan, spent weeks pooling together donations of toys, clothes, books, and household items, all to make the holiday season a little brighter for students in need. This year, the Next-Gen Dalers joined forces with an impressive line-up of clubs and organizations, including SADD, the REAL Harmony Club, the Spanish National Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and DECA, all contributing to the vibrant tapestry that was the Holiday Boutique.

In the spirit of the season, we extend our warmest gratitude to the custodial staff, who worked wonders in transforming an ordinary space into a festive wonderland in record time. Special thanks go to Alessandro Palumbo and his team for the heartwarming hot chocolate setup and to Michelle Carlow for her leadership in gift wrapping. We also extend our appreciation to the chaperones, volunteers, and security personnel, who upheld the safety of our students and played a vital role in the event's success.

The Holiday Boutique serves as a heartening symbol of unity and generosity. The Next-Gen Dalers Club looks forward to future opportunities to spread joy and make a positive impact within our spirited school community.