Spartan Spotlight Vol. 3, No. 3

The JROTC Ball is a culminating event that allows cadets to apply lessons learned throughout the curriculum, specifically from The Organizations and Traditions of Service Programs, Customs and Courtesies in JROTC and Social Etiquette and Manners. Through these classes, cadets learn military traditions, professional conduct, social etiquette and formal event protocols.

The JROTC ball also reinforces concepts introduced through Dining-In and Dining-Out traditions, giving cadets an opportunity to practice proper etiquette, customs, courtesies and professionalism in a formal setting. 

During the event, the leadership team for the Spartan Battalion was announced for the 2026-2027 school year, and cadet promotions were recognized, marking important milestones in leadership development and achievement within the program. The promotions are as follows: Battalion Commander (BC, CDR) - Cadet Eva Duran, Battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM) - Cadet Emerson Dazi, Alpha Company Commander - Cadet Kaitlyn Grogan, Alpha Company 1SG - Cadet Sophia Arcidiaconno, Bravo Company Commander - Cadet Georgia Maesano, Bravo Company 1SG - Cadet Emily Fuller, Battalion Staff: Battalion S3 - Cadet Aiden Caldwell.

A special highlight of the evening was the ceremonial cake cutting. Following Army Ball tradition, which recognizes the oldest and youngest soldiers present, the JROTC Ball featured the oldest veteran in the Florida community, President of the American Legion Post 1250, Florida, Mr. Tom Fuller (Ret. Army) and the youngest cadet in the S.S. Seward Spartan Battalion, Cadet Naomi Gonzalez-Chavez. This symbolic ceremony represented the passing of knowledge, traditions, and leadership from one generation to the next.

This event represents the successful application of the skills and values cadets have developed throughout the year while celebrating their accomplishments, camaraderie and commitment to leadership.

The Odyssey of the Mind World Finals was an amazing opportunity for our students. Over the course of the week, they shared a unique, unforgettable experience. Although the primary goal of the trip was the competition, the team experienced so much more. 

Students lived in the college dorms, shared meals in the dining halls, made memories at the recreation center and walked many miles across the Iowa State campus. 

The team also had the chance to connect with peers from around the globe, sparking new friendships through games, gatherings and pin trading (a true staple of the OM community.)

“At Odyssey of the Mind Worlds, I got to meet and become friends with people all over the world, which was an amazing experience,” said student Violet Collins. “I also enjoyed spending time with my team, pin trading and showing off our long-term problem.”

The students worked unbelievably hard all year long, planning and preparing their presentation for Problem 2: Lost in Omerworld. To put their achievement into perspective, roughly 20,000 teams form worldwide every year, and only about 4% of teams ever successfully advance to the World Finals. In our first year of having a high school team representing S.S. Seward, our incredible team placed 16th in Problem 2, Division 3!

“A huge congratulations to the team for an outstanding performance on the world stage,” said coach Evan Lally.  “We admire your persistence, your brilliant creativity and the wonderful way you represented our school!”

Excellence, dedication, and remarkable growth were the themes of the night as Spartan students in grades 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 were officially recognized for their outstanding academic achievements this past school year.

The annual ceremony, held in the school cafeteria, brought together educators, friends, and proud families to applaud the hard work of the student body. This year’s ceremony highlighted a diverse range of accomplishments, proving that dedication takes many forms. 

The evening’s awards were divided into several prestigious categories, ensuring that both consistent high-achievers and dedicated improvers received their well-deserved spotlight. Many Spartans received multiple awards from the various categories being highest class average, most improved or making the honor roll. 

"It is a privilege to personally congratulate so many outstanding students for their commendable achievement,” said S.S. Seward principal Michael Maesano. “I could not be more proud of their hard work, or more grateful for how they have promoted their own success while making Seward an even more special place in the process."

Fifth grade students at Golden Hill recently took the stage to present original slam poetry performances as part of their English Language Arts curriculum.

As part of the project, students learned the elements of poetry and slam poetry before writing and presenting their own original works. Each student selected an individual topic, wrote their own poem and designed a presentation to accompany their performance.

“Slam poetry is an outlet for students to present their feelings toward a topic of their choice,” fifth grade teacher Noreen Meehan said. “All topics and voices are welcomed in this environment.”

Meehan said the project aligns with the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards, which require students to present opinions and topics logically, while adapting their speech to different audiences and incorporating multimedia resources.

The assignment encouraged students to explore topics meaningful to them, ranging from personal experiences and world issues to lighthearted subjects such as whether homework should be banned. Meehan said the project helped enhance empathy in the classroom, improve public speaking skills, teach figurative language and celebrate individuality.

“I think this assignment was very interesting because we got to learn about slam poems,” said student Aleyna Sahmanovic. “Ms. Meehan encouraged us to choose a topic we were very passionate about, something about you, the world or something even silly. In this way, the slam poem assignment built up confidence, allowed us to use our voices and could be exciting for some people to present.”

Meehan said the project was designed to help students feel heard and valued as they prepare to transition to middle school.

“At this age, the students have very strong opinions about the world, about choices, bullying, kindness, nature and the like, but do not always know how to articulate their opinions,” Meehan said. “As a team of fifth grade teachers, we worked hard on making sure the students felt heard and valued, especially as they move forward to middle school, so I hoped to give them a platform to feel confident enough to express their opinions.”

Meehan also expressed appreciation for her colleagues throughout the district.

“I am always thankful for my colleagues in the Florida Union Free School District,” she said. “Regardless of where a person works, they are always a valued member in our district, and I learn so much from each one of them.”

The fourth- and fifth-grade students took the stage for a long-awaited Spring Concert, showcasing the musical skills they have developed since the Winter Concert in January.

The concert featured performances by the fourth- and fifth-grade choruses, bands and world drumming ensemble. Students demonstrated their growth and dedication through a variety of musical selections.

At the concert, the fifth-grade chorus was recognized for its amazing accomplishment of earning a Gold rating at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Major Organization Festival. The achievement was met with enthusiastic applause from families and community members.

Audience members enjoyed another Golden Hill tradition: a program designed by fifth graders in Nick Camia’s art class. 

“The project was one where the students learned about Pointillism and artist George Seurat,” said Camia. “They picked a landscape of their choice from any season or location and painted using cotton swabs, overlapping colors to create new shades, tints and colors.”

Fifth-grader Natalie Torres said she especially enjoyed the audience participation during the fifth-grade performance of "Give Us Hope," which encouraged attendees to clap along.

Fourth-grader Hope Allen said her favorite part of the concert was the chorus performance of "Axolotl."

The students in the band, some of whom performed for the very first time at the winter concert, wowed the audience with their quick improvements and growing skills! Led by teacher William Couture, the students treated the crowd to complex and lively pieces of music.

Music teacher Kristin Risedorph and the student performers extended a special thank-you to accompanist Diane Siegman for her continued support and contributions to the program.

"We couldn't accomplish our goals without her," Risedorph said.

Students at Golden Hill Elementary School enjoyed a day of sunny outdoor fun during the school's annual Field Day celebration!

“It’s hot today, but we had oranges that were nice and juicy. We’re having so much fun,” said Myra Kandra.

Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of activities and games to promote physical fitness and school spirit. From dancing with a DJ to water activities, students had opportunities to stay active while bonding with their classmates to celebrate the end of an amazing school year.

“We’re proud of ourselves,” said Adelyn Liberth. “It was a really good year.”

Students left the day with smiles and a renewed sense of Spartan pride! Many shared that their favorite part was the exciting bike show by BMX Biking where riders performed exciting tricks.

“The bike show was amazing,” said Madelyn Jara. “We also did water balloons, egg races, a bubble show and made bracelets. It’s been so fun.”