Elwood-John H. Glenn High School held its annual Glenn Variety Show senior class fundraiser at the JGHS Performing Arts Center on Jan. 10. Directed by Nicole Gendjoian, the show provides students the opportunity to showcase their personalities and talents through various skits, singing, dancing and creative costumes. The event raised over $5,000 from ticket sales and raffles, which was donated directly to the senior class to help with prom and banquet expenses.

Ten senior contestants – Carmine Gerbino, Cooper Knorr, Ethan Levy, Cole Madden, Oliver Miller, Nick Palisciano, David Rafiq, Nolan Reinhardt, Anthony Soto, Matt Triolo – competed this year, with Triolo being named the winning Mr. Glenn. Lillie Polese, Sierra Roizman, Caroline Weiss and Gul Zahra served as emcees.  

The show’s material ranged from comical walkouts and conspiracy theories, to inspirational speeches and reminiscences on middle school rivalries. Highlights included Miller’s magic act, Triolo’s cooking show, a musical performance by Cooper featuring math teacher Vincenzo Berto on drums, a Palisciano brothers face-off featuring Sensei Rosem, an interview video featuring various Glenn faculty members, and an audience-pleasing dance finale choreographed by Syvonna Rubin and Vanessa Weissberg.

“Winning Mr. Glenn was an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish,” Triolo said. “Participating in such a vibrant and entertaining variety show was very exciting, from allowing me to make new friends with different people to doing a new thing with some of my closest friends. None of this would be possible without Ms. Gendjoian. Her efforts truly brought the best out of everyone involved. The journey was more than just a competition, it was an opportunity to have fun and make unforgettable memories.”

“Having the opportunity to emcee the Glenn Show this year contributed some unforgettable memories to my senior year, Zahra said. “It was a great time with the best cast, who truly made coming to rehearsal fun.”

Date Added: 1/21/2025

Elwood Middle School’s Knightline kickline team competed on Jan. 11 at the Long Island Dance Team Association’s second competition for this season. EMS previously took home a second-place trophy at the first event on Dec. 14. This time, Knightline brought three dances to the competition – kick, pom and team – and earned three second-place trophies, placing in each style.

“This was a huge feat by the team, as they were competing at the biggest competition of the season thus far, with 81 teams and over 1,500 students from all over Long Island,” coach Joanna Maricondo said.  

Date Added: 1/16/2025

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School junior Camila Avila was recently named a Grand Prize winner of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest, earning a $3,000 award. Sponsored by Optimum and Univision Foundation in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the contest recognizes and celebrates the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans in communities across the country. This year’s topic was connecting to Hispanic culture, and Avila wrote about her grandmother’s journey to get to the United States, and recognizing that journey as a part of her own personal journey.

Optimum representatives visited the school for a presentation ceremony, attended by Avila’s family and district and school administrators. Optimum additionally presented the John Glenn World Language Department with a $500 gift card to DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that allows teachers to submit requests for needed materials or supplies. Also on hand was New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, who presented Avila with a legislative proclamation.

“Good things happen in this room, and great things happen in this building and throughout this great school district,” Stern said. “We know it’s because of the outstanding men and women who are so dedicated to our young people, but it always starts at home. It always starts with family, with values within the four walls that you grow up in. We are thrilled that Camila has been able to share that with us, her school district, her fellow students and with our entire community. Her message is inspirational, and she certainly serves as an example for all of us to follow. On behalf of the 20 million residents of the great state of New York and the New York State Assembly, it is my personal privilege to present this legislative proclamation. Camila, you bring such great pride to your family, your community, this great school district and to our entire state. We wish you congratulations and every success in the future.”

Date Added: 1/14/2025

Fifth graders in Marsha McLeod’s class at James H. Boyd Intermediate School recently held their annual Adopt-a-Charity raffle project, raising $831.26 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In the initiative, which McLeod began about four years ago, the students sold raffle tickets and prizes to their fellow Boyd students. They then researched and selected three possible charities and created slideshows about them to present to the entire class for a vote on which would be the final recipient of the donations.

“I really like this project because it's important that we're helping people in need,” student Finn Borg said.

“The raffle is really fun and exciting for everyone, and a good learning experience,” student Victoria Risani said.

“I think this project is amazing,” Giuliana Lanzetta said. “I just know that when the chosen charity gets the money, they are going to be very happy for the kids that need it.”

“About 20 years ago, my students, parents and I hosted an annual Adopt-a-Family initiative,” McLeod said. “COVID contributed to the elimination of our major Popcorn Sale fundraiser. As a result, a pivot was necessary, and Adopt-a-Charity was created. My hope is that a philanthropic seed will be planted in my students, which in turn will motivate them to be cognizant of the needs of others in the future.”

Date Added: 1/13/2025