Current News

Special education teacher earns Great Hurricane Award

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The Westhampton Beach School District Board of Education recently presented a Great Hurricane Award to Maryann Higgins, a special education teacher at Westhampton Beach High School and soccer coach at the middle school.

Higgins was honored for her hard work and dedication. “Maryann Higgins is someone who makes a difference every single day in the high school where she teaches, in the middle school where she coaches, and throughout the district where she is a colleague, a professional and a person of the very highest caliber,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carolyn Probst. “It is my pleasure to see her recognized as the Winter 2025 Great Hurricane Award recipient.”

Higgins has been an educator for the past 28 years, teaching in the high school, middle school and elementary school. She coached the middle school soccer team this past year and has been a travel coach for over 10 years. She also manages the scorebook varsity girls basketball team and is a school soccer and track official.

“Throughout my tenure, I have been surrounded by dedicated teachers, supportive administrators, a community that values education and, most importantly, incredible students that have made me a better teacher,” Higgins said. “I am honored to be a receipt of the winter Hurricane Award.”

The Great Hurricane Award aims to honor staff throughout the year who make a difference every day within the school district. “A hurricane is a storm of indomitable force, but more than that, here in Westhampton Beach, it stands for honor, hard work, dedication, loyalty and tradition,” said Dr. Probst.

Date Added: 3/28/2025

The importance of sleep

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Westhampton Beach Middle School seventh graders recently participated in an assembly with Dr. Vic Grazina, who spoke about the critical role sleep plays in health, learning and overall well-being. He shared eye-opening insights on how proper rest improves memory, focus and even athletic performance, while lack of sleep can negatively impact mood and daily activities. His presentation served as a great reminder for students about the importance of healthy sleep habits.

Date Added: 3/25/2025

Winter 2025 Athletic Highlights

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Jason Cohen, director of health, physical education and athletics for the Westhampton Beach School District, proudly announces that the following students, teams and coaches have received postseason recognition for their participation in the winter sports program. Multiple Westhampton Beach winter student-athletes earned designation as All-State, All-Island, All-County, All-Division, All-League and All-Conference in their respective sports.

Girls Basketball

Team: League Champions, undefeated

All-League: Sandra Clarke, Kate Sweet, Shannon Sweet and Jasmine Taylor

All-County: Sandra Clarke and Kate Sweet

All-Tournament Team: Sandra Clarke and Shannon Sweet

All-Conference: Sandra Clarke, Kate Sweet and Jasmine Taylor

All-County Academic: Shannon Sweet

Unsung Hero: Chole Blowes

League 5 Player of the Year: Sandra Clarke




Boys Basketball

All-League: Truman Hahn

All-County: Jorden Bennett

All-Conference, All-Division: Jorden Bennett

All-County Academic: Dante Quinones



Girls Winter Track

All-League, All-Conference: Lily Strebel

All-Academic: Halle Geller



Boys Winter Track

All-County Academic: Marcus Haynia


Wrestling

All-League: Dylan Blenk, Darren Cangelosi, Carmine Esposito, Andrew Lewis

and Dylan Razzano

All-County, All-State: Lily Blenk



Boys Cross-Country

Coach of the Year: Hannah Martin

All-League: Dylan Blenk, Magnus Haynia, Marcus Haynia and John Reilly

All-County: John Reilly



Competition Cheer

All-Classification: Lana Blowes

All-Academic: Emily Edwards

Date Added: 3/26/2025

Learning from each other

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To celebrate National Foreign Language Week, Westhampton Beach High School students participated in a multicultural fair held in their school’s cafeteria. Hosted by the Spanish and French clubs, students had the opportunity to share their culture and try foods from around the world.

Date Added: 3/25/2025

Winning projects for future scientists

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Students at Westhampton Beach Elementary School displayed their knowledge of science at the school’s 26th annual Math, Science and Technology Fair.

The event showcased a variety of science projects by students in grades 1-5, with topics ranging from seed growth to bridge construction to suntan lotion.

This year’s fair winners were Bryson Searles, kindergarten; Sophie Dwyer and Elizabeth Williams, first grade; Norah Pletka, second grade; James Robesch, third grade; Maxwell Searles, fourth grade; and Cora Montpetit, fifth grade. Runners-up were Beau Couture, kindergarten; Grayson Gold and Rylee Kalisak, first grade; Kenley Montpetit, second grade; Evelyn Matlock, third grade; Genesis Chacon, fourth grade; and Frankie DiBiaso, fifth grade.

The winning students are now eligible to compete in Brookhaven National Laboratory’s annual Elementary Science Fair Competition.

Date Added: 3/24/2025