The March 28 Board of Education meeting highlighted multiple students throughout the district for both their academic and athletic capabilities.

To begin the night’s recognitions, Sycamore Ave. Elementary School fifth-grader Julia Zachmann and fourth-grader Carson Turissini were awarded with tokens of appreciation for being declared school champions of the Town of Islip’s annual Sharpshooter Basketball Contest. Sponsored by Islip's Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the sharpshooter challenge encourages children in local schools to improve their basketball skills while serving as a reminder to "Just Say No to Drugs".

Idle Hour Elementary School fifth-grader Andrew Mullane was recognized by the Board of Education for receiving the "Early Act Award" from the Rotary Club of Sayville. This award was presented to Andrew in honor of him being a student with a creative mind and strong leadership skills, which benefit both his school and community.

The Connetquot High School Boys Varsity Wrestling team was recognized for their accomplishments this winter season, as they finished with an impressive final record of 13 wins and three losses, and advanced to the “Final Four” in the Suffolk Dual Meet Championship Tournament. Additionally, freshman Steven Wilkinson, along with seniors Danny Colondona, Paul North and Jeffrey Brown, were named All-County wrestlers based on their athletic talents.

The Connetquot High School Girls Varsity Track and Field team was also commended for their record-breaking season, both on the individual and team levels. By the end of the 2016-17 season, the team had been named League 2 Champions, runners-up of Suffolk County Large Schools and ranked third on Long Island by Newsday.

Boys Varsity Track and Field athlete Christian Forletto was recognized by the Board of Education for his impressive times set on the field this season.

Due to their sportsmanship and overall performance in the water, the Connetquot High School Boys Swimming team was awarded with the Outstanding Sportsmanship honors from Section XI Athletics. Additionally, freshman Grady Olsen, Cyle Andrade and Cole Andrade, along with sophomore Dylan Macejko and juniors Joe Amarando, Mike Agrillo, Frank Messina and Tommy Loos, all qualified for the Suffolk County Meet. Ninth-grader Grady Olsen qualified for the NYS Qualifier based on his times.

The Connetquot High School Varsity Cheerleaders had an extraordinary season, taking home high-ranking titles at every competition attended this season. Amongst their most impressive accomplishments on their long list this season, the cheerleaders competed at UCA High School Nationals on Feb. 11-12 in Orlando, Florida, advancing through the semifinal round and hitting their best two performances of the season while there. On Feb. 25, the cheerleaders competed in the Suffolk County Championships in the Large Varsity Division for the first time in school history and placed second.