Talented musicians from Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School recently participated in the Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA) Chamber Music Festival. Two student groups were selected for the event through a competitive recorded audition process: the 9th Grade Quintet – Victoria Chen, Annie Huang, Evelyn Jin, Alexandre Maurer and Eleanor Twiss; and the 8th Grade Wave Quartet – Annelise Burgueno, Emma Yu, Vivienne Zakrzewski and Wendy Zhou.

During the festival weekend, students took part in masterclasses and coaching sessions led by the Bryant Park Chamber Players, a distinguished ensemble of professional musicians based in New York City. The event culminated in a final concert, where each group performed the music they had prepared in front of an audience of peers, educators and music enthusiasts.

Congratulations to all the students for representing Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School with excellence and artistry.

Date Added: 5/2/2025

Eighth grade students Brayden Rosser of Murphy Junior High School and Olivia Mottola of Gelinas Junior High School have been named recipients of the prestigious Mario Mignone Award for Excellence in Italian. This distinguished honor celebrates students who exhibit exceptional achievement, dedication and enthusiasm in their study of the Italian language and culture.

Brayden and Olivia were selected for their academic excellence, strong work ethic and genuine passion for learning Italian. Throughout the school year, both students have shown an outstanding commitment to their language studies, making them well-deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations to Brayden and Olivia on this remarkable accomplishment.

Date Added: 4/30/2025

This April, eighth grade students at P.J. Gelinas and R.C. Murphy junior high schools participated in crucial lessons on hate speech, with a special focus on addressing antisemitism. At Gelinas, the sessions were led by Dr. Cone, director of social studies, and Ms. Keane, the principal, through English classes. At Murphy, Dr. Cone led the discussions in social studies classes.

The interactive sessions helped students understand what constitutes hate speech, why it is harmful and the consequences of such behavior. Using real-world examples, students explored how hateful rhetoric impacts individuals and communities, while also learning strategies to speak out against discrimination.

This initiative reflects the Three Village Central School District’s commitment to combating prejudice and promoting a culture of empathy, respect and inclusivity.

Date Added: 4/11/2025

The Gelinas Junior High theater students took center stage with their electrifying production of “Newsies,” wowing audiences during a series of unforgettable evening performances. The full production ran on March 27, 28, and 29, bringing the beloved musical to life for the entire community.

From the high-energy choreography to the powerful vocals, each show was met with enthusiastic applause as the talented cast and crew showcased their dedication and passion for the arts. The performances not only entertained but also highlighted the incredible teamwork and effort behind the scenes.

Families, friends and theater enthusiasts filled the auditorium, cheering on the performers as they told the inspiring story of the Newsies and their fight for justice. The production was a resounding success, leaving audiences inspired and eager for future productions from the Gelinas theater program.

Date Added: 4/2/2025

The eighth grade family and consumer sciences (FACS) classes at Gelinas Junior High School recently held an exciting Food Truck Competition, showcasing students’ creativity, business acumen and culinary skills. This engaging class project required students to conceptualize and develop a food truck business from the ground up. They tackled everything from designing a unique theme and menu to considering safety regulations and promotional strategies.

Both students and staff participated in the voting process, selecting winners in four distinct categories:

* Favorite Food Truck Design – Daniel’s Dim Sum
Creators: Daniel Jung and Jamie Lindsay
* Most Appealing Overall Theme – Christopher Robin’s Tea Party
Creators: Lauren Casey, Annalise Savicki and Emma Tomaino
* Most Interesting Menu – The Bite
Creators: Annelise Burgueno and Sakura Quan-Brouzes
* Best Menu Item (Voted for Class Replication) – Pixar Plates – Jack-Jack’s Num Num Pancakes
Creators: Meghan Bell, Thea Turano and Sachita Venkatesh

Students went above and beyond in crafting detailed business plans, selecting cuisine styles and determining food truck locations. They also designed promotional flyers and built models of their food trucks to bring their visions to life.

This competition not only allowed students to explore entrepreneurship and culinary arts but also fostered teamwork and innovation. Congratulations to all participants and winners for their outstanding work!