The May 7 Mineola Board of Education meeting served as a vibrant showcase of student initiative, technical excellence and leadership. From the unveiling of a student-led business rebranding to the recognition of award-winning robotics and career-readiness programs, the evening highlighted the district's commitment to fostering life-ready learners.

A New Era for the Mustang Brew Cafe

The evening kicked off with the official rebranding of the Mustang Brew Cafe. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Synergy Building, student leaders from the Women in Business and Virtual Enterprise programs, including Emily Hrelja, Almaliyah Maldonado and Michael Lampasona, presented the transformation of the cafe into a multi-disciplinary hub.

Excellence in Engineering: Robotics Recognitions

The Board proudly recognized the achievements of the Mineola Robotics program, celebrating teams that demonstrated both technical prowess and community spirit.
FIRST Robotics Competition

The high school FRC team, the "Wild Reds," was honored for receiving the Team Sustainability Award. As the district's most advanced robotics program, the Wild Reds design and build the largest and most complex machines for competition. The Board specifically noted the team’s deep commitment to collaboration and outreach, both within Mineola and in neighboring communities.
•    Robert Brochini  
•    Natalie Chang
•    Melody Chen
•    Igor DeSouza
•    Rachel Fogarty
•    Alaina Glatz
•    Natalia Hamue
•    Jaden Hsiu
•    Caitlin Kelly
•    Kieran Kim
•    Adyson Laffey
•    Nicole Liu
•    Jamie Lucha
•    Joseph Meehan
•    Christopher Meola
•    Mya Nicholas
•    Ronnie Once
•    Zalen Parekh  
•    Julianna Reilly
•    Kimberly Sandoval
•    Gavin Vasquez
•    Lily Wasserman

The district also celebrated two rising teams within the First Tech Challenge program, which serves as the bridge between middle school and high-level high school engineering:

The RoboSharks (8th Grade): Recognized with the Rising Star Award.
•    Bhavesh Batra
•    Joao de Sousa  
•    Waylon Fisher
•    Kaeson Lui
•    Aron Ming   
•    Nisha Parekh
•    Aiden Pflum
•    Liam Pflum
•    Kevin Zhang

The Magicians (9th Grade): Earned second place and honored with the Reach Award.
•    Brandon Chen
•    Tyler Ciullo
•    Giovanni DeFilippo
•    Andrew Flores  
•    Silvia Li
•    Julianna Marcial
•    Erika Turcios Zalmeron
•    Christian Wharton
•    Hinsley Yu

Leadership and Career Readiness: DECA and NCWIT

Students were honored for their performance at the DECA State Career Conference. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. By competing at the state level, Mineola learners demonstrated the professional skills necessary to navigate the global business world.

•    Nicole Liu
•    Sebastian Truong
•    Sienna Marcial
•    Jasmine Ferreira

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing

The Award for Aspirations in Computing from the National Center for Women & Information Technology recognizes students for their leadership, academic performance and demonstrated interest in technology.

NCWIT NYC Area Regional Winners
•    Nicole Liu
•    Brooke Marek
•    Michaela Quinn
•    Devin Steiner  
•    Kylie Wen

NCWIT NYC Area Regional Honorable Mentions
•    Caitlin Kelly 
•    Adyson Laffey 
•    Lily Wasserman

NCWIT NYC Area Regional Rising Star
•    Jade Vega

Character and Mentorship: Athletes Helping Athletes

Chosen for their athletic achievements, character and leadership potential, these students act as mentors within the school community, promoting positive decision-making and fostering a strong sense of responsibility among their peers.
•    Amanda Baker 
•    Josh Bonfanti
•    Kaitlyn Consalvo
•    Sophia Gaglione
•    Samaiya Lebron
•    Bennet Lesher 
•    Julianna Plunkett
•    Michaela Quinn
•    Devin Steiner 
•    Jack Sweeney

The Mineola Board of Education congratulates the learners recognized at the meeting. Each of these achievements, whether in the realm of creative entrepreneurship, complex engineering or peer mentorship, serves as a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the Mineola student body. By taking ownership of their learning and striving for excellence in their respective fields, these students continue to set a high standard for leadership and innovation within our schools and the greater community.