Hard work and dedication has paid off for several Stimson Middle School students and we are so proud of their achievements.  Stimson students stood out in several recent contests and competitions and we’d like to congratulate each and every one of them on their success.

Félicitations (congratulations in French) to Mrs. Murphy and her French students for their outstanding work in the National French Contest!   First place in the country went to Angela Sanchez with a perfect score!  Stimson also had a second place winner, Ava Dubey.  Jason Torres Sanchez and Sophia Robson tied for 5th place, and Michael Recinos Melgar placed 6th. 

Heydi Rodriguez Hernandez brought home an 8th place win, and Sophie Boutis placed 9th. These students will attend an awards ceremony on Thursday, June 5th at Half Hollow Hills East High School at 7pm to receive their plaques. The National French Contest is an online test with a multiple choice listening component and reading component.  Students of French in grades 1-12, in all 50 states and abroad, take the test online and compete against students with similar educational backgrounds for prizes.

“The National French Contest is interesting,” said Stimson principal Michael Duggan. “It's really on the student's time. It's an online assessment and Mrs. Murphy, our French teacher, spends a lot of time preparing the kids.  But the students decide to enter on their own.  So these are students that really want to show what they know at this level.  It was really great to see how well they did.”

Artistic talent helped Stimson 8th grader Valentina Valle win the “Kids Safe Online” Poster Contest sponsored by the New York State Information Technology Services Chief Information Security Office! Her poster will help to educate other students and adults about being safe online. Additionally, winning entries will be displayed at the Empire State Plaza in Albany during the New York State Cybersecurity Conference in June.  

Principal Duggan says Valentina is a great student and everyone is so happy for her.  “This is another case where a student took the initiative to do something on their own time, something that she enjoyed, something she loves, and then go through the steps to share it for judging.  She put herself out there and, then, to be the winner.  We're very, very proud of her,” said Mr. Duggan.  Special thanks to Ms. Teeter and Ms. Irizarry for collaborating and working with our students on this project. Congratulations Valentina!

Athletic ability, quick reflexes and a sharp eye all led to a big win for 7th grade Stimson student Nolan Binsol.  He has been named the Nassau County High School Hockey League Goalie of the Year for the Middle School Division!  Nolan is the goalie for our combined middle school team with Half Hollow Hills, and has been playing with them since he was in fifth grade. Nolan was honored on May 8th at a league ceremony.  Nolan has been asked to play for the Spring Varsity level recreational team.  He also plays for the Long Island Rebels travel team as well and helped get his team to States in February of this year.  

As a huge hockey fan and hockey coach, in addition to being a principal, Mr. Duggan knows how good Nolan has to be to win this award.  “Having coached for many years, I know the goalie position is a tough one.  You really feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.  It takes a long time to learn that position.  So the fact that Nolan is playing on multiple teams and doing really well, that is really, really impressive,” said Mr. Duggan.  Congratulations Nolan!  

Congratulations to each of our Stimson standouts! These are all amazing accomplishments!