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

This summer, Westhampton Beach High School junior Emma O’Came will be attending the prestigious Stony Brook Simons Summer Research Program. She is the second Westhampton Beach High School student to earn entry into the highly competitive program; only 4% of all applicants are accepted.

As part of the six-week program, O’Came will be working under the mentorship of Dr. Kathryn Gunn in the university’s department of biochemistry and cell biology.

O’Came said she is looking forward to the opportunity to work in a lab and learn more about the research process.

She became interested in research after attending the University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Research Academy last summer. “I found research is something I really enjoyed,” she said.

Since then, she enrolled in her school’s AP Research program and has studied the effects of UV light on infant clothing and the relationship between genes and cancer. 

“Emma is highly motivated, hardworking and bright. She is a student who will absolutely make the most of this incredible research opportunity, said science research teacher Dr. Dianna Gobler.

To earn her spot in the summer program, O’Came was required to participate in a highly selective application process that included her impressive academic record and recommendations from her teachers.

Apart from her research, O’Came serves as president and founder of her school’s new Science Club. She is also vice president of her school’s French Club and a member of her school’s varsity volleyball team. Outside of school, she is a lifeguard and member of the Westhampton Junior Ambulance. 

Date Added: 3/20/2025

Westhampton Beach Elementary School students are celebrating Women’s History Month with a variety of engaging learning activities. Classes have been researching influential women and conducting interviews with their female teachers. Their work is featured in the school’s main hallway.

Date Added: 3/17/2025

Westhampton Beach High School teacher Bryan Schaumloffel was recently named VFW Post 5350’s Secondary Teacher of the Year during an awards ceremony at the VFW Hall. He earned the designation for his dedication to his students.

“From the first day he arrived at Westhampton Beach, his dedication to the students and athletes of the district has not wavered,” said Korey Williams, VFW member and fellow social studies teacher who spoke on behalf of Schaumloffel at the ceremony. “His focus on teamwork, discipline and leadership, whether in the classroom or on the football field, makes him more than worthy of the title ‘Teacher of the Year.’”

During his 28-year tenure teaching U.S. history, economics and participation in government, Schaumloffel has encouraged his students to share photographs of relatives who have served in the military for a classroom wall of honor. The wall currently features over 100 photos.

In addition to teaching, Schaumloffel coaches the varsity football team.

Schaumloffel also serves as a Blue and Gold Officer at the United States Naval Academy, where his daughter is in her second year. As a Blue and Gold Officer, he helps prospective candidates of the academy navigate the admissions process. He will be attending the Marine Corps Recruiting Command Educators and Key Leaders Workshop this spring to gain insight on how the United States Marine Corps turns recruits into Marines.

The Westhampton Beach School District extends its congratulations to Schaumloffel for his unwavering support of the students of the district.

Date Added: 3/14/2025