The Jr.-Sr. High School Science Olympiad team made an impressive debut at Hauppauge High School on Jan. 31. The inaugural team competed against 65 teams and placed 23rd overall. Coaches Amity Baum and Kristin Visconti congratulated the team on a strong first-year performance. 

Several team members earned top 10 finishes in their events. Andrew Santangeloand Ava Reehil placed fourth overall in the Materials Science division. Andrew Santangelo and Mariah Maekhyla Ryder earned eighth place in Robot Tour. Sam Zheng and Shae Pepey secured eighth place in Water Quality.  

“With such a promising start, the future looks bright for the Eastport–South Manor Science Olympiad team in the years ahead,” District Director of K-12 Science Dr. Jessica Mintz said. “These accomplishments highlight the students’ hard work, dedication, and growing skill set.” 

 

Date Added: 2/2/2026

Sam Nowack, currently a ninth grade student at the Jr.-Sr. High School, was named a Merit Winner in the 2025 New York State Student Research Awards Competition. The annual competition is designed to empower students to become historians by encouraging their engagement in original research through exploration of primary resources found in archives, libraries and historical societies across the state.

Mentored by eighth grade social studies teacher Mr. Joe Pfeffer, Sam researched the role of the oyster industry on Long Island. His research was prompted by stories from his family’s role in the industry during the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The competition is open to students in grades 4-12 and assists students in developing critical thinking and analytic skills and the ability to communicate their findings through a variety of formats. Student researchers also engage in thoughtful inquiry and purposeful storytelling that connects historical events to broader themes and human experiences.

The district congratulates Sam on this outstanding academic achievement.

The Jr.-Sr. High School is pleased to announce that senior Jayden Dell’Isola and freshman Evangeline Wallace were selected to participate in the Long Island Secondary String Festival Association, hosted by Eastport-South Manor Central School District on Jan. 9-11.  

Jayden played the viola and was also selected to participate in the New York State School Music Association All-State Symphony Orchestra at the Winter Conference Honors Ensembles, held in Rochester, in December 2025. Also a talented musician, Evangeline, played violin 2.    

LISFA brings together top-performing string students from across the county through a competitive selection process. Participation in this prestigious venue is a true mark of musical excellence and dedication. 

Date Added: 1/20/2026

Novel by Jr.-Sr. High School Librarian Jennifer Iacopelli to be Netflix Series

It’s not every day that a novelist’s books are optioned to become a Netflix series. However, Jr.-Sr. High School librarian Jennifer Iacopelli’s sixth novel was the charm. On Jan. 22, Ms. Iacopelli’s latest book “Finding Her Edge,” published by Penguin Random House, will make its debut on the big screen. “Finding her Edge” is the librarian-author’s third young adult novel, including “Break the Fall” and “Out of Her League,” and again touts the challenges of young athletes.

“It’s surreal to have a novel coming out on Netflix,” Ms. Iocapelli said before speaking with students about her journey as a professional writer. “I am more than excited and hope that everyone loves the story as much as I do.”

“Finding Her Edge” focuses on the Russo sisters, who are heirs to a struggling figure skating business. Inspired by Jane Austin’s “Persuasion,” the eight-part series highlights the sisters struggles with romance, family legacy and the competitive world of figure skating. There is even a love triangle between middle sister Adriana, her new skating partner Brayden and her ex-boyfriend Freddie. Adriana fake dates Brayden to save the family rink as they compete at the World Championships, all the while dealing with her intense feelings for Freddie, her former partner and true love.

Iacopelli spoke to high school students about the journey of having a novel optioned by a film company, the writing process and how directors and producers make a television show. She explained that she used much of the same writing process taught in English classes: formulating an idea, coming up with a plan and outline, and finally writing and revising the manuscript. She also revealed that writers of the the scripts for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “13 Reasons Why” were part of the team that wrote the script for “Finding Her Edge.”

“You don’t need a college degree [to write a book], Ms. Iacopelli told students. “All you have to do is come up with an idea and write it.”

“Finding Her Edge” is sure to be a big hit, as seen in the exhilarating trailer that was shown to students. Although point actors Madelyn Keys (Adriana Russo), Cale Ambrozic (Brayden Elliot) and Olly Atkins (Freddie O’Connell) are accomplished skaters, stunt shots and more complicated skating moves were performed by elite skaters. Ms. Iocapelli also has a cameo as a librarian who kicks students out of the library.

To say the Jr.-Sr. high school faculty is excited is an understatement. Faculty greeted her talk with students bearing balloons and a cake. English teacher Michelle Heaney summed it up when she said, ”This could not have happened to a better person. It [the “Finding Her Edge: television series] is sure to be a huge hit.”

Click here to view the From Novel to the Big Screen slideshow.

Date Added: 1/15/2026

Rohan Murphy, a double amputee and former Penn State Division I wrestler, spoke to High School students about the importance of perseverance, resilience and determination – traits that will carry them in their personal and professional lives.  

“You have a choice in life to be average, good or great,” Murphy said. “I hope from here on out that you choose great.” 

During the assembly, held in the auditorium on January 8,  Murphy told the students about his leg amputations at an early age, of his lifelong love of sports, and the coach who changed his life by suggesting he try out for the wrestling team. To the delight of students, he also challenged ESM athlete Cole Scesney during a demonstration of his wrestling abilities. 

Murphy also revealed to students that every person deals with adversity in their lives, and how they handle that adversity essentially reveals a person’s strength. Everyone must question what is holding them back.  

“If I can overcome this and become successful, why can’t all of you,” Murphy asked the students. “There are no excuses.”

 

Date Added: 1/13/2026