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 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

Westhampton Beach High School students Ava Kuklis and William Sultan recently performed on clarinet and tuba, respectively, with the New York State Band Directors Association High School Honor Band in Syracuse. They were selected to perform based on their NYSSMA solo ratings and teacher recommendations. The Westhampton Beach School District extends its congratulations to the student-musicians.

 

 

Date Added: 3/12/2025

Westhampton Beach High School AP French and Spanish students recently toured the United Nations headquarters. They learned about the UN’s history, mission and global impact and gained a deeper understanding of its efforts to promote peace, dignity and equality on a sustainable planet. The tour, conducted in Spanish and French, included the iconic General Assembly Hall and the Security Council Chamber. Inspired by the experience, the students left with a renewed commitment to making the world a better place for all.

 

Date Added: 3/11/2025

Westhampton Beach High School has announced Nicholas Borruso and Matilda Buchen as its Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. The two seniors earned the top spots in their class through their outstanding commitment to academics.

Borruso and Buchen have achieved several academic accomplishments during their tenure at Westhampton Beach High School. Both were named AP Scholars with Distinction by the College Board for their outstanding Advanced Placement exam scores, earned AP Capstone seals on their diplomas, and are members of the school’s National, Math and Science honor societies.

Additionally, Borruso is a National Merit Commended Student and vice president of his school’s robotics team, for which he inaugurated a mentor program for robotics in the middle school. He is also co-editor-in-chief of his school’s Seascapes publication, a member of the varsity golf team and Key Club, and a science research student. He recently placed first in the environmental category in the Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium semifinals for his research on the effects of forever chemicals on zebrafish. His research was conducted over the summer as part of a Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University, where he served as a fellow in Dr. Howard Sirotkin’s lab in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior. Outside of school, he volunteers in a local emergency department. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he raised $1,800 to 3D-print and donate 1,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to health care facilities. He is also a peer tutor.

Borruso plans to study neuroscience on a pre-med track in the fall.

Buchen is a recipient of the New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence and a member of her school’s Interact and Debate clubs. She also serves as historian of the National Honor Society. She holds numerous awards as a varsity doubles tennis player. She is a state and county doubles champion, a three-time All-State athlete, and a five-time All-County and All-Division athlete. Additionally, she earned the New York State Sportsmanship Award twice, was named a “Top 30 on Long Island” tennis player and was selected for the Long Island girls tennis team twice. In addition to serving as captain of her tennis team, she has managed the boys varsity tennis team.

Outside of school, she serves as a lieutenant of the Westhampton Beach Junior Ambulance and volunteers at a local animal shelter and at East End Hospice. She also works at Sportime.

Buchen plans to study biology or chemistry in college with the goal of becoming a dentist.

Click here to Meet the WHB Val and Sal 2025!

Date Added: 3/6/2025