The Massapequa Union Free School District Board of Education on April 10 recognized student visual-art and music achievements and heard an announcement that the district will host the 2026 and 2027 Special Olympics regional spring games.

Why it matters: student recognitions highlight district arts and music programs and community involvement; hosting the Special Olympics is expected to bring hundreds of athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators to Massapequa and will require planning across schools and town partners.

Arts and awards
During the board meeting the superintendent and arts staff presented certificates and read the names of students selected for regional and statewide exhibits and honors.
- New York State School Boards Association virtual art exhibit: Deborah Columbia, Adam Chan, Summer Cohen, Dominic Cronin, Taylor Ewan, Maria Gumanek, Sophia McNoan, Alex Miller, Sophia Moringer, Aaron Nunez and Talia Sanchez.
- Region 9 Kindred Spirits Art Show (New York State Art Teachers Association program): Madison Ann Selman, Connor Buch (teacher: Ms. Givens), Elizabeth Carroll and Grace Weidenbach.
- Heckscher Museum Long Island’s Best selection: Luis Moreno (student was not present; museum selection noted as competitive, with roughly 80 students from across Long Island chosen).

Music recognitions
The board also presented awards to students selected for New York State all‑state ensembles. Superintendent Dr. Brennan and presenters named the students and their ensembles:
- All-State wind ensemble: Austin Benedict.
- All-State string orchestra: Tyler Benedict.
- All-State mixed chorus: Isabella Corigliano, Stephanie Bridal, Giovanna Pizzo.
- All-State treble chorus: Chloe Leggate, Emily O’Gurig.

Superintendent’s announcement on Special Olympics
Dr. Brennan announced that Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino informed the district that Massapequa has been selected to host the 2026 and 2027 Special Olympics regional spring games. Dr. Brennan said the events will “bring together hundreds of athletes, hundreds of coaches, thousands of fans and supporters, spectators and volunteers” and described the selection as an opportunity for broad community collaboration. The district said it planned to share a press release and asked the community to watch district communication channels for future planning information.

Quotes and context
Dr. Brennan, Superintendent of Schools, addressed students and families at the start of the recognitions, saying, “music is 1 of those most it’s such a powerful thing.” Vinny Green, who led part of the recognition presentation, thanked students and staff and said the honors were “a tribute to everything that we do here as staff and students.”

Next steps and documentation
Presenters said photos taken at the recognition will be posted on the district website and that the district will issue a press release about the Special Olympics selection. No formal board action was required to accept the recognitions or the announcement.