Rye Lake Middle-High students lauded for academic excellence

  • student accepting award from principal
  • principal shakes students' hand
  • principal and assistant flank student
  • principal awards certificate to student
  • mom and student smile as iphone captures shot
  • dad points and smiles at son
  • father and daughter smile
  • administrators look on as one speaks at podium
  • principal and assistant pose with girl
  • sweatshirts on table read Honor Roll

A moment for scholars to shine as parents look on

Rye Lake Middle-High School honored students for their outstanding accomplishments in the first quarter of the 2023-24 school year, with their families alongside Southern Westchester BOCES administrators on hand to cheer and celebrate.

The Dec. 6 Student Achievement Awards ceremony, replete with balloons, certificates, pizza and applause, is a tradition at the Rye Lake Campus but one that Principal Eric Ford decided to take to a new level.

“I never knew you all were so shy,” Mr. Ford joked after a few of the day’s honorees were hesitant to have their pictures taken.

“Your accomplishments are encouraging to all of your classmates,” he added. “We are so proud of your hard work and the example you have set. That’s something worth celebrating.”

Counselor Cristina Tompkins organized the festivities, and Career Services Principal Evangelo Michas was on hand to acknowledge three students who also attend Career and Technical Education Programs at SWBOCES’ Valhalla Campus. 

They and Assistant Principal Maureen Salka handed out certificates and “Honor Roll'' sweatshirts designed by Teaching Assistant Edith Rivera. SWBOCES Deputy Superintendent/COO Brendan Lyons, Assistant Superintendent Steve Tibbetts, Director of Special Services Jessica Walker and Assistant Director Alexandria Connally also attended.

Student honorees were as follows:

Honors - 80%-90%

Mynor Arriaza
Osias Monegro
Lily Meudt
Justin Garcia Tzi
Evan La Bar
Christopher Condon
Miles DiMasi
Christopher Nivicela Zhipson
Lyla Garcia
Angelo Prato
Gernard Newman
Carlos Sanchez
David Morrison
Jamie Naranjo Cortez

Principal Honors - 90%-100%

Gabriel Simon
Arlinda Hoxhaj
Johnni Shi
Connor Boyle
Aidan Ibric

Most Improved

Khianni Thomas
Jeremy Baez

CTE Most Improved

Nerica Renoj Diaz