After 18 exhausting rounds, Logan Beaumont was named the winner of the middle school’s recent annual spelling bee in front of a packed audience of fellow students, parents, teachers and administrators. Beaumon’t winning word was “visite,” earning him champion status ahead of runner-up Jacob Zilberstein. Jackelyn Arevalo-Carrillo and Brendan Muller finished in a tie for third place.

Ann Mingione and Brian Deedy were the event’s co-coordinators and judges, while Barbara Huether served as official word announcer.

“The middle school conducted another exciting spelling bee,” said Mingione. “Congratulations to all of this year’s participants.”

At the district’s Jan. 16 Board of Education meeting, JFK third grader Ava McKiernan was honored by Superintendent John Dolan for her charity work in helping sick children. During the holiday season, McKiernan made and sold 41 wreaths, raising $812 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Second graders at Timber Point recently finished a unit on civil rights and how Martin Luther King, Jr. impacted the United States, with each student creating a photo statement on their own dreams for the world.

“The students and I truly enjoyed learning about MLK’s positive message and how his vision is still needed today,” said teacher Patrice Mercurio.

Harlem Wizards basketball player Patric Massey, also known as “The Artist,” visited Timber Point on Jan. 8, sharing personal stories about his childhood and how he handled bullies and overcame obstacles to be a successful athlete. During the PTA-sponsored event, Massey also enlisted several student and teacher volunteers to participate in basketball tricks and games. 

“The entire school was mesmerized by his cheerful personality and talents with the basketball,” said Principal Danielle Naccarato.

The Board of Education will hold a business meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m.
All community members are invited to attend.