Connetquot Central School District

During the Dec. 14 meeting of the Board of Education, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation Peter Melore gave a recap of the fall athletic season and introduced some of the district’s most outstanding student-athletes.

“We are truly blessed to have kids that rise to every challenge,” Mr. Melore told the trustees and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lynda Adams. “This was one of the district’s best athletic seasons.”

Mr. Melore reported that of the fall season’s 483 student-athletes, 229 were recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association as scholar-athletes, having acquired a 90% GPA or better. Of the 12 fall teams, the boys and girls cross-country, girls soccer, boys and girls volleyball, girls swim and dive, field hockey, girls tennis, gymnastics and boys golf teams were also recognized by NYSPHSAA as scholar-athlete teams. Additionally, 11 teams made the playoffs, including boys and girls cross-country, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls volleyball, girls swim and dive, football, girls tennis, gymnastics and boys golf. Boys volleyball also acquired the league championship. Alexandra Melchiona was also named Suffolk County All-Around Champion in gymnastics.

Mr. Melore also introduced several exceptional athletes who were named state qualifiers in their sports. Lara Booth Alam (Grade 10, Connetquot High School) and Morgan Cassidy (Grade 12, Connetquot High School), as well as Kelsey Kreuscher (Grade 10, East Islip High School) were championship state qualifiers.

Retiring coach Renee Guerrieri also introduced members of the gymnastics team who will attend the state championship in March 2022, and which included Noel Cutinella, Suffolk County All-Around Champion Alexandra Melchiona, Avery Melchiona and Arianna Platti.

Varsity soccer players Kevin Johnson and Laney Schmidt were introduced as All-State players in their sports as well.