The Farmingdale High School Varsity Cheer team recently celebrated a series of historic achievements, culminating in a dominant performance at the Nassau County championship.

National Success in Orlando

The team traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC). Competing in the DI Small division—the largest and highest-scoring division in the competition—the Dalers placed 19th out of 115 teams from across the nation. This milestone marks the first time in school history that the program has advanced to the final round of the national competition.

Nassau County Championship Victory

On February 14th, the Dalers continued their winning streak closer to home. The team secured the Nassau County championship title for the fourth consecutive year. They achieved the highest score in the entire county, finishing with an impressive 94.9.

Looking Ahead to States

Following their county victory, the team will travel to Binghamton, New York, on March 7th. They are set to compete in the New York State championship, representing Farmingdale High School against the state's top teams.

The REAL Harmony Club honored 100 years of Black history with a powerful performance on Feb. 11, 2026. The event featured a fashion show, dancing, music, poetry, and the Steppin’ Dalers. Through their voices, vision, and leadership, students transformed the stage into a living tribute to the past and a bold promise for the future.

Seven talented theater students from Farmingdale High School recently took center stage to help the Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) launch the premiere of the musical Pete the Cat.

On Monday, February 16, 2025-2026, these student-actors used their improvisational skills to create a high-energy experience for young fans and their families. The group included the following students:

• Seniors Gabbi Martinez, Olivia Renyak, and Ava Vaden
• Sophomores John Golio, Danica Mistretta, and Ty Rambeau
• Freshmen Madeleine Burfitt and Ray Negron

A Star-Studded Welcome

The event, titled "Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk," transformed the museum entrance into a gala. Armed with prop cameras and character acting experience, the Farmingdale High School students portrayed enthusiastic paparazzi. They interviewed guests and posed for photos as families arrived for the sold-out opening performance.

Professional Experience in the Arts

The collaboration allowed students to apply their theater training in a real-world, interactive environment. "The kids did an excellent job," said Lisa Rudin, artistic director of the Long Island Children’s Museum. "They were respectful and professional. The event was such a success that we are considering a second one later in the run."

Teacher Glen Beck noted that this partnership highlights the commitment of the theater department to provide students with performance opportunities and community engagement throughout Long Island.

The Farmingdale School District’s annual All-District Concert drew a full house to the Farmingdale High School Auditorium, where 371 student musicians in grades 5 through 12 took the stage. This year’s performance highlighted the Chorus, featuring students from all six schools, as part of the district’s tradition of rotating among Band, Strings, and Chorus each year. Families and community members gathered to celebrate the students’ musical growth from elementary through high school.

A Year of Preparation

“Our choral staff began preparing for this concert more than a year ago,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Greg Warnokowski. “I am deeply grateful for their dedication, the countless hours of preparation, and the unwavering commitment they showed to our students. Because of their hard work, our students were given a truly special musical experience they will carry with them for a lifetime.”

Performance Highlights

The evening featured a sequential showcase of talent:

• Elementary All-District Chorus, directed by Deanna Cupolo and Irene Smykowski
• Howitt Middle School Chorus, directed by Danielle Tucker and Eric Hulse
• Farmingdale High School Treble Chorus, directed by Joseph Franzino
• Farmingdale High School Mixed Chorus and Combined Chorus, directed by Jessica Mischke

For the Grand Finale, all 371 singers filled the stage. Conducted by Danielle Tucker, the combined group performed "This is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

A Message on the Power of Community

As the evening concluded with a powerful grand finale, Superintendent Paul Defendini left families with a heartfelt reminder of the program’s lasting value. “I encourage you to do everything you can to keep your child involved in our music program, because it’s so much more than a class — it’s a community. Through rehearsals, performances, and shared experiences, your children form meaningful connections that help guide them through middle school, high school, and beyond with confidence and a true sense of belonging.”

Looking Ahead

The All-District Concert is a cherished tradition that brings together the entire Farmingdale School District. While this year’s performance highlighted the Chorus, next year’s 2026–2027 All-District Concert will proudly feature the Strings ensemble.

Congratulations to our talented students and the following choral directors: Abigail Coacci, Deanna Cupolo, Emilie D’Andrilli, Joseph Franzino, Stephanie Haas, Eric Hulse, MiHee Hwang, Catherine McLoughlin, Jessica Mischke, Nicole Nappi, Irene Smykowski, and Danielle Tucker.

Stepping into the heart of New York’s legislative landscape, our student leaders demonstrated that their perspectives are vital to the decisions that shape our classrooms. This important visit to Albany serves as the culmination of a year's worth of hard work and preparation. Throughout the school year, the Legislative Action Committee (LAC) meets several times at Howitt Middle School to collaborate with local officials and refine its goals.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, this work was put into action as the committee—which includes Board of Education members, staff, residents, and students—met with Senator Steven Rhoads and Assemblyman Michael Durso. Our students also led the way by engaging in insightful discussions with Assemblymen Sam Berger, Jake Blumencranz, and John Mikulin on student health and special education funding. These meetings allow the committee to promote laws that support the district's mission and protect our schools' interests.

Priorities for Our Schools

The committee focused on several urgent needs, including increased funding for student mental health and expanding Medicaid-reimbursable services. They also discussed the financial challenges of providing special education services through a student’s 22nd birthday and the need to vet computer-based testing for English language learners better. Additionally, the LAC advocated for reforms to the property tax cap and the civil service system to help the district manage unexpected expenses and fill vital staff roles.

A Day of Learning and Leadership

Beyond the meetings, students enjoyed a guided tour of the historic New York State Capitol, including the legislative chambers and the Hall of Governors. Assistant to the Superintendent for Administration, Dr. Samuel Thompson, praised the students for their leadership. “Our Farmingdale High School students represented us with remarkable poise and self-assurance while advocating for these critical issues,” said Dr. Thompson. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this trip and to our students for making our community proud through their dedicated advocacy.”

The strength of our community was on full display as these young advocates returned home with a deeper understanding of how to effect real change.