Marlboro’s outstanding students and athletes for yearend 2024 were recognized by the Marlboro Board of Education at its Thursday, June 20th meeting.

 

First up for top honors was Samantha Maleck, a freshman at Marlboro High School, who was presented with her school’s Student of the Month award. On hand to present the award were Rob DeMarco, chairman of the high school’s science department, and Andrea Schoonmaker, who is both Maleck’s earth-science teacher and coach for the Marlboro High School Girls Softball Team.

 

“Capable is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about Sam: She’s capable of absolutely anything she puts her mind to,” said DeMarco. “She thrives if it’s independent work, she thrives in group work, she thrives at labs tests and studying. She needs no reminders, she’s never off task. I cannot think of anyone that constantly and consistently serves as a role model for other students in our building.”

 

DeMarco also commended Maleck’s ability to handle “an extremely full plate during this marking period,” balancing well her academic requirements with her role on the girls’ softball team – now headed to state quarterfinals. “She’s a true asset to our class this year, and our school is a better place because of her,” he said.

 

“Sam brings the same quality she has in the classroom to the softball field,” said Schoonmaker. “As a freshman on the team and a first-year varsity player, she surely turns heads with her powerful bat, her cannon of an arm, and her consistent will to be the best player and teammate that she can be. Sam Maleck truly embodies the Marlboro School District’s mission, the relentless pursuit of excellence. Congratulations, Sam!”

 

Eighth grader Isabella Fratto was chosen as Marlboro Middle School’s student of the month. She was presented with the award by Alicia Hudak, her language arts teacher, who commended Fratto’s love of books.

 

“Literature has the power to help shape our perceptions of others and the world and ultimately who we are,” said Hudak. “Isabella Fratto is the type of person who always has a book at her fingertips and who is always eager to read and share a tale. It takes a very astute and wise person to know great literature, and I would often walk past her desk and remark on the titles she would devour in seemingly no time.

 

“Her zest for reading was a source of inspiration to me each day and a comfort to know that someone in my room understood the power of reading – how it can transform, enlighten, excite, and make us feel less alone in this world,” added Hudak. “Her love of the written word has transcended into her other classes.” 

 

Hudak read similar accolades from Fratto’s science, math, and Spanish teachers. She also noted that Fratto is an enthusiastic member of the National Junior Honor Society, where she has demonstrated both initiative and leadership.

 

Fifth-grade art student Michelle Qaqish was chosen as Marlboro Elementary School’s student of the month. “Michelle is wonderful, she is a fabulous artist, she’s creative she takes every project as a challenge and she’s always thinking of how she’s going to execute it,” said MES Art Teacher Christine Williams. “She takes her time to think through what she wants to do, she works hard on everything, she never rushes, and she often will stay after to finish things instead of just rushing to be done. 

 

“She’s not just a great artist – she is a wonderful student,” Williams continued. “She’s a great person, she’s friendly, she’s enthusiastic, she’s mature, respectful…she’s always kind and thoughtful.  All her teachers are very proud of her and very grateful to have had her as a student. We’re all going to miss her next year” when Qaqish moves on to middle school.

 

The evening also celebrated Marlboro High School’s athletic achievements. “We have so much to celebrate in athletics tonight,” said Philip Cancellaro director of athletics, physical education, and health for the Marlboro Central School District. “We have two state champions in two different sports here tonight, which is extraordinary.”

 

Cancellaro first congratulated members of the Marlboro High School varsity baseball team. They include Salvatore Montaperto, Matthew Ciarimboli, Sal Montaperto Jr., Chris DeNatale, Carter Rivieccio, Casey Vogel, Mitch Neer, Cooper Vogel, Tommy Benfer, Justin Piscopo, Tyson Fernandez, Danny Conrad, John Ryder, Tom Grogan, Miles Brooks, Sam Garitta, Michael DiViesti, Owen Schlager, Justin Ramirez, and Junior Varsity call-ups Jax Fernandez, Liam Correa, and Roy Underwood. 

 

“Next up, our varsity golf team had an undefeated regular season,” Cancellaro noted. “They were section nine champs in all classes for the first time in school history. The team finished eighth place overall in New York state championships, and we had one of our student athletes finish in the top 50 in New York state.” Cancellaro congratulated team members Alexa Trapani, Rebecca Panio, Madison Markle, and Gwen Benninger.

 

In boys track and field, two student athletes moved on to the state championship rounds: Dan Maher, who was a Mid-Hudson Athletic League champion for the 200 meter, a New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Champion for the 200 meter, and a NYSPHSAA qualifier for the 200 meeting. He also finished 14th in NYSPHSAA for the 200 meter.

 

Also, in boys track and field, Shawn Robertson was a NYSPHSAA Championship qualifier for the pole vault and finished 13th place in NYSPHSAA for the pole vault. He achieved 14 feet on the pole vault, which has not happened in Marlboro since 1980.

 

“Staying with track, we had two female student athletes make it to the state championships,” noted Cancellaro. “Victoria Maher was a section nine champion for the discus, she was a NYSPHSAA championship qualifier for the discus, and she placed fifth in the NYSPHSAA Division 2 for the discus.

 

“We also have Juliana Juras, who was our MHAL champion for discus and shot put, section nine champion for shot put, NYSPHSAA championship qualifier for discus and shot put, NYSPHSAA champion for division 2 discus, and she was the NYSPHSAA third place finisher in division two shotput,” Cancellaro said.

 

Cancellaro also cited the Marlboro High School girls softball team for honors. “The team won the MHAL championship and qualified in the final four NYSPHSAA championship finalists. It ultimately clinched the New York State championship in softball. In addition, Coach Andrea Schoonmaker was recently named coach of the year by the New York State Sportswriters Association.

 

Team members include: Kalista Birkenstock, Taylor Castellani, Kiki Del Salto, Madison Gibney, Katelyn Gordon, Leah Gunsett, Emily Hite, Emma Jackson, Sam Maleck, Lily Sullivan, Mia Verdi, and JV call-ups Jaylene Valentine and Katie Mole.

 

Marlboro Superintendent Michael Rydell pointed out that the baseball, boys and girls track and field, softball, boys tennis, and girls golf teams were all recently named Scholar-Athlete Teams by New York State. “Going out there competing is going to give you skills and lessons that will last you a lifetime,” said Rydell. “So, I commend each of you and I certainly commend your coaches.”

 

On a final note, the Board of Education congratulated its student representatives for a job well done. They are Gabriella Cortes, Harrison Solomon, and Evan Wheatley. They provided board members with an update on activities and athletics at all three schools throughout the school year. This was their final Board of Education meeting.