Samoset Middle School student Orion Edwards-Wilson was one of seven students to be honored with the Outstanding Interpretation Award in the National PTA Reflections student art program. Orion was named a winner for his piece, “A Spark of Hope,” in the music composition category.

Students from across the country were encouraged to submit original works of art in a medium of their choice that reflect the theme “I am Hopeful Because…” The Outstanding Interpretation Award is the national level Reflections top honor and is given to the students who achieve the highest scores for interpretation of the theme.

Recipients each receive an $800 scholarship to further their artistic talents, and their local PTA chapter is awarded $200 to support arts and culture in their community. Congratulations to Orion for this outstanding achievement.

Date Added: 12/5/2024

Samoset Middle School students were visited by Sweethearts & Heroes on Dec. 3 and 4. Sweethearts & Heroes is an organization that travels the nation to inspire students to be upstanders, ignite empathy and become compassionate leaders. The assembly was led by founder Tom Murphy, who presented the idea of H.O.P.E. – “Hold on, possibilities exist.” Murphy then introduced his friend and co-founder, Rick Yarosh, who was severely injured while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq. Yarosh shared his story and empowered students to provide others with hope.

The anti-bullying presentation gave students strategies to make a difference in others’ lives and tools to jump into action. Seneca students were encouraged to cultivate a supportive school community and spread the message of H.O.P.E. in their classrooms and beyond.

Click here to view the Sweethearts & Heroes Visits Samoset slideshow.

Date Added: 12/4/2024

The fourth annual Dezy Strong Run took place at Sachem North on Friday, Oct. 25. Cross country teams from Sagamore, Samoset and Seneca competed in a 1.65-mile race around the North campus. Parents, spectators, coaches and athletes enjoyed the weather, the competition and the sportsmanship between the three middle schools.

The race was created in 2021 to honor the late Matt “Dezy” DiStefano, his family and the Dezy Strong Foundation. Matt was a proud teacher and coach in Sachem who battled every day until the very end. His motto, “WE GET TO” has inspired all of us in the Sachem community as well as other districts across Long Island.  

The Samoset cross country team was able to win both races and ultimately, win the meet.

Top 3 Girls

Leah Nowakowski – Samoset

Sophia Ariza – Seneca

Breana Anderson – Samoset

Top 3 Boys

Andrew Bitz – Samoset

Ethen Espinal – Sagamore

Gavin Hogan – Sagamore

“When people find out they have cancer, they think their life is over. For me, it's different. For me, it's the beginning of something special in life. A life in which I can help others change their way of mentally approaching the disease, learning to be a warrior, a fighter, and have hope.  I prefer to say that I am going to conquer this disease. I will control it, rather than have it control me.  This is why I founded the DezyStrong Foundation.  To help others stay positive, control their mindset, and most of all - keep grinding DezyStrong style!

- Matthew "Dezy" DiStefano