In a new year, our school can look back on how hard work, dedication, creativity, and teamwork have yielded positive results at Lindenhurst High School.  In the realm of academics, the arts, sports, and community responsibility, the 2009-2010 school year has brought honor to Charles Street.  Upon walking through the halls of our school one is sure to hear the echoing cheers and far away sounds of music escaping from within the gymnasium and auditorium, to see the short films playing on the rotunda monitor, and to smell the sweet scent of whatever the culinary students have been cooking up.  It is evident that the outcomes achieved and activities conducted this year are a testament to the cooperation and commitment of our administrators, our faculty and staff, our parents, and our student body.

    This fall, the College Board designated 46 of our students as Advanced Placement Scholars.  In January, five of our brightest students competed in “The Long Island Challenge,” aired on News 12.  The Lindy team utilized their abundant knowledge of mathematics, science, history, English, and sports to defeat Commack.  Another example of Lindenhurst excellence is embodied in the accomplishment of senior, Robert Drenckhahn, who achieved the honor of Eagle Scout.

Characters in Action, otherwise known as the C.I.A., assisted several clubs to perform community service.  The clubs they helped include the National Honor Society, DECA, Key Club, Peer Leadership, and the Environmental Club.  Safe Halloween was a great success with festivities that included a D.J., a human maze, arts and crafts, and face paint.  It also included a haunted house created by the Thespians and the National Honor Society.

    The Lindenhurst Marching Band, under the direction of Kevin Pike, began their performing schedule on a positive note that they held throughout the season.  After performing the national anthem before a capacity crowd at a Long Island Ducks game, the band marched down Fifth Avenue in the Columbus Day Parade, where they garnered third place.  In addition, they performed at Hofstra University in the Newsday Marching Band Festival.  The band placed second at the United States Scholastic Band Association New York State Championships, held in Parlin, New Jersey, and they were first place winners for color guard, percussion, and overall effect.  The band also participated in the Northern States Championships in Allentown, Pennsylvania where the band received a score exceeding 90 out of 100, a feat that Lindenhurst hadn’t accomplished in almost 20 years.  The color guard also placed first at this event.

    The Wind Ensemble, the Chamber Orchestra, and the Concert Choir delivered outstanding performances at this year’s winter concert.  Modern Music Masters, or Tri-M, gained eleven new members at their annual induction ceremony.  Isabel Costanzo, a senior, was the second student ever to be accepted into the SCMEA All-County Vocal Jazz Choir since Mr. Pramnieks has been teaching.  In addition, rehearsals for the 2010 performance of the musical “Urinetown” are well underway.

    In an effort to promote greater awareness of “green” living practices, seven culinary arts students participated in the Long Island Green Living Expo.  The students created a pasta demonstration, using organic pasta and vegetables and natural parmesan cheese.  Through this event, the students demonstrated how natural and organic foods serve as a viable alternative to packaged and processed foods.  Our Peer Leadership students, under the direction of Richard Caravaggio, participated in “Project Adventure” activities.  The activities helped the students to work together and to develop their leadership skills.  The classes also assisted at freshman orientation and are acting as role models to other students throughout the year.  Lindenhurst High School student also participated in a leadership summit entitled “Compassion without Borders,” sponsored by the Suffolk County High School Principal’s Association.  This is the first installment of an annual event.  The purpose of this year’s summit was to raise money for Dylan Thompson, a sophomore at Harborfields High School who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  Through this initiative, over 50,000 dollars will be raised to improve Dylan’s home and to make it wheelchair accessible.

    After an exciting pep rally and an inspirational homecoming parade, the Lindenhurst Bulldogs Football Team advanced to the semifinals and completed a (5-5) season.  Junior quarterback Stephen Skon received the Boomer Esiason Award as the most outstanding quarterback in Suffolk County.  Another Bulldog football standout, Jon McGibbon, signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Clemson University on a baseball scholarship.  The Girls Cross Country Team placed and received medals at the invitationals.  The Boys Cross Country team demonstrated significant improvement from last season.  The class AA playoffs, a summer camp at Bucknell University and the Soccer Hall of Fame Tournament in Oneonta were all events that Boys Varsity Soccer participated in this season.  Successful seasons were also compiled by the Girls Varsity and Junior Varsity Soccer Teams.  The Girls Volleyball Team made the playoffs this season.  “Play like a champion everyday” is the motto of the Varsity Field Hockey Team.  This season they demonstrated that principle in every game.  A successful season is anticipated for the Boys Varsity Swimming Team.

    The first half of the school year justifies the pride that our community feels for Lindenhurst High School.  In the grip of frigid temperatures, it’s sometimes hard to believe that another summer in just around the corner, but before we know it the year will end and our seniors will graduate.  Before that time comes, we are all looking forward to achieving much more in the precious months that remain.