Rocky Point High School’s science research students explored a variety of research topics for the 11th Annual Science Research Symposium held on May 13.

The evening began with a poster session where the students discussed their projects, followed by student presentations. Director of Math, Science and Technology Jachan Watkis welcomed guests, and seniors Ethan Mattmuller and Renee Ortiz led the student discussions with their projects, “Effects of CO2 acidification on Ilyanassa obsoleta” (sea snails) and “The Effects of Housing Architecture on Seismic Activity,” respectively.

Science Research Honors students Alaura Brophy, Valentina Bruno, Olivia Curtin, Sydney Graf, Benjamin Israel, Ava Jimenez, Sara Kunnecke, Mia Lankop, Tiana McEvoy, Om Patel, Sophia Smyth and Faith Wozny also shared their work. Ethan Mattmuller and Om Patel will also be honored at the Long Island Science Congress Awards ceremony on June 11.

Ninth graders Colin Ark, Robert Bilicki, Hope Franklin, Allison Keane, Daniel Lee, Annabel Parker, Halle Rau, Evan Rubio, Bella Veraldi and Derya Yilmaz shared their proposed projects in the Explorations in Science Research course, which is a prerequisite for the Honors Science Research Explorations course.

The Rocky Point School District thanks science research teacher Melissa Domenchello for guiding these students on their commitment to research throughout this school year, and their persistence in exploring new areas of scientific inquiry.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 5/15/2024

Fourteen Rocky Point High School students have been nominated for a Teeny Award, sponsored by the East End Arts Council, an organization that recognizes and celebrates excellence in high school theater. The nominees are:

Lead Role in a Play, Comedy
Maya Alexander in the role of Veta Louise Simmons in “Harvey”
Derek Bergmann in the role of Elwood P. Dowd in “Harvey”
Laurisa Roalef in the role of Eliza Doolittle in “Pygmalion”

Supporting Role in a Play, Comedy
Maya Alexander in the role of Mrs. Higgins in “Pygmalion”
Sebastian Garske in the role of Dr. Lyman Sanderson in “Harvey”
Maya MacCarthy in the role of Nurse Ruth Kelly in “Harvey”
Laurisa Roalef in the role of Dr. William R. Chumley in “Harvey”


Lead Role in a Musical, Comedy
Elyse Nadeau in the role of Morticia Addams in “The Addams Family”


Supporting Role in a Musical, Comedy
Maya Alexander in the role of Alice Beineke in “The Addams Family”


Outstanding Choreography
“Tango De Amor” by Maya MacCarthy in “The Addams Family”


Outstanding Performer in a Play
Olivia Carley in the role of Parlor Maid in “Pygmalion”
Darren Castellucci in the role of E.J. Lofgren in “Harvey”
Samantha Palmese in the role of Betty Chumley in “Harvey”


Outstanding Poster Design
Olivia Carley for “The Addams Family”

The students worked under the direction of Jaimie Mancini and Jessica Spitz. The entire Rocky Point School District commends them for their time, dedication, creativity and talents in performing in these outstanding shows.

The students were nominated along with students from several other Suffolk County schools. The 2024 Annual Teeny Awards ceremony will be held on June 9 at William Floyd High School. For more information: https://eastendarts.org/featured-events/teeny-awards/

Three students in Rocky Point High School’s WISE Program – Sofia Haviland, Alexandria Kipp and Samantha Rozza – attended the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Symposium held at the Wang Center at Stony Brook University on May 3.

The Rocky Point School District has partnered with SUNY Stony Brook in this program since 2021-22. In addition to Sofia, Alexandria and Samantha, eight other Rocky Point seniors – Simone Carmody, Ciara Casper, Ava Dantuano, Dafne Estrada Escobar, Abigail Glennon, Oliva Punzone, Ella Reyes and Emma Wismiller – have been in the WISE program since their sophomore year. After working all year with Stony Brook mentors, the students had the opportunity to showcase all that they had learned in a poster presentation.

The program encourages women to pursue further education and careers that require advanced STEM training. They work in group activities and projects, visit laboratories and are introduced to research under the supervision of WISE University mentors. The students have been accompanied to the sessions by Rocky Point teacher chaperones Jill Ackerman and Sherin Shanahan. Teacher Melissa Domenchello was the chaperone during their sophomore year when the sessions were conducted virtually.

Date Added: 5/13/2024

Rocky Point High School students took a field trip to Yankee Stadium and Citifield on May 1. The students are in the History, Economics and Sociology of Sports Class classes and History Club and Varsity Club with Mr. Rich Acritelli.

Students had a great time getting a behind the scenes tour of the stadiums including access to the dugouts and locker rooms.

Date Added: 5/7/2024

Rocky Point High School students Samantha Rozza and Skyler Hurley attended the Long Island Youth Summit recently hosted by St. Joseph’s University. The Summit brought together talented high school students for interactive workshops with experts in the fields of medicine, the environment, business, the economy and leadership. The event offered students a unique opportunity to represent their high school, interact with students from across Long Island and engage with experts in various business fields while also competing for awards.

Skyler Hurley received the Long Island Youth Summit Certificate of Award in recognition of the 2024 Long Island Youth Summit Best Overall Video Project for her research and interviews with professionals regarding wildlife on Long Island affected by climate change.

Date Added: 5/3/2024