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âAidaâ delivers breathtaking performances
Freeport High Schoolâs Drama Company took audiences on a journey through ancient Egypt with their remarkable performance of Elton John and Tim Riceâs beloved musical âAida,â which ran from March 27-29 in the schoolâs performing arts center.
Captivating audiences from curtain up to call, the production delivered breathtaking vocals and choreography showcasing the talent of the students. The lead roles were performed with deep emotion and passion, with senior Tamara Crawford portraying Aida, Emil Collado as Radames and Teena Zarcone as Amneris. The companyâs renditions of songs like âElaborate Livesâ and âThe Gods Love Nubiaâ left audiences in awe both from the emotion of the story and the talent of the student actors.
The production was further elevated by stunning choreography by Victoria Martin, while Melissa Moraâs set design transported viewers to the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The musicalâs score, under the direction of Adam Rubin, was delivered with skill, and orchestra preparation by Jill Boardman added depth to the moving story. This is yet another show that director Vashti N. Burke and producer Renson Delos Santos have put together wonderfully, demonstrating their dedication and passion for the arts.
âOur students were committed to delivering a beautiful performance, and it was inspiring to watch them grow into their roles with each rehearsal,â said Burke. âBeyond the great music, âAidaâ carries a powerful message of love and unity â a message that resonates with our students and our Freeport community.â
The performances closed each night with enthusiastic applause from the audience, praising the cast and crew for their artistry. The Freeport High School Drama Company would like to thank the district and the community for their support of the arts.
Freeport High School earns College Boardâs 2024 AP School Honor Roll and AP Access Award
Freeport High School has been recognized on the College Boardâs prestigious 2024 AP School Honor Roll for developing an AP program that creates a college-going culture and provides students opportunities to earn college credit and maximize their college outcomesâ an acknowledgment of the schoolâs commitment to providing students with opportunities to ensure academic success. Freeport High School was also honored with the 2024 AP Access Award for ensuring AP coursework is equally available to students regardless of their backgrounds.
This year, only 5,061 schoolsârepresenting 32% of eligible high schools nationwideâearned a place on the AP School Honor Roll. Of these schools, just 1,962 which includes Freeport High School, received the AP Access Award in recognition of their dedication to increasing AP participation while maintaining strong student performance.
âStudents who take AP courses are better prepared for the challenges of college, whether they earn credit or simply gain exposure to the rigorous coursework,â said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fia P. Davis. âThis recognition is a testament to the hard work of our educators, students and staff who continuously prioritize academic excellence and opportunity for all our students.â
Freeport High Schoolâs AP program has expanded over the years, offering students a variety of college-level courses in subjects such as mathematics, science, history and the humanities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Freeport High School offers 25 AP courses with 440 students enrolled.
âThe dedication and drive of our students to challenge themselves through AP courses exemplify their commitment to lifelong learning and success beyond high school,â said Freeport High School Principal Gisselle Campbell Ham. âThis recognition also reflects the support of our educators, who inspire and empower students to reach their full potential through a culture of academic excellence.â
The College Board, which administers the AP program, awards this recognition to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to AP coursework by increasing student participation, particularly among underrepresented groups, and achieving high levels of student performance.
New Athletic Fields Coming to High School
Freeport Public Schools is proud to announce the district officially broke ground on the new state-of-the-art athletic fields at Freeport High School on Jan. 23. This exciting development reflects the districtâs ongoing commitment to student excellence in athletics and academics.
Freeport High School has a strong legacy of exceptional athletic programs and the new athletic fields will further support this legacy by offering cutting edge facilities to enhance athletic development.
The new facility will include a new turf football field, new bleachers, an updated press box, upgraded lighting, a jumbotron and new spectator amenities that will allow students, families and community members to have an exceptional experience during Freeport athletic events.
The district is excited to mark this exciting milestone and to support the success of the districtâs athletic programs. The expected completion date is Fall 2025.
Red Devils Robotics Team Showcases Skills at VEX Competition
The Freeport High School Red Devil Robotics team showcased their engineering talent and determination at the VEX Robotics Competition: High Stakes held at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Flushing on Jan. 4.
Competing against 48 teams from Long Island, New York City and Westchester, the Red Devils demonstrated exceptional teamwork with three of the four Freeport teams advancing to playoffs.
This yearâs competition challenged students to design, build and program robots to score points by collecting and placing plastic rings on stakes; some of which are mobile, and others fixed to the competition ring floor. Teams strategized in two-on-two matches, navigating the dynamic arena to outscore opponents.
The competition provided a valuable experience for the Red Devils, who left inspired to aim even higher for the next competition of the season.
Dodd Middle School and Freeport High Schoolâs winter arts festivals celebrate creativity
The Freeport Public Schoolsâ Performing Arts Center was full of incredible creativity as Dodd Middle School and Freeport High School hosted their annual Winter Festivals of the Arts. The performances, held on Dec. 9 and 10, respectively, showcased the remarkable artistic and musical talents of the students bringing the community together in a celebration of fine arts prior to the winter holidays.
Dodd Middle Schoolâs Winter Festival of the Arts kicked off with a visual arts presentation, setting the stage for an evening of exceptional performances. The concert began with the concert bandâs performance of âA Heroâs Return,â by D.A. Richard. Next, the mixed chorus gave a beautiful rendition of âCarol of the Bells,â under the direction of Ms. Sherill Spruill.
The concert orchestra impressed with the first movement of the âBrandenburg Concerto No. 5â by J.S. Bach, while the select chorale delighted the audience with a vocal rendition of âDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,â arranged by J. Funks. Adding to the eveningâs magic, the mariachi ensemble performed three stunning pieces, including âCielo Azteca.â The chamber orchestra closed the performance with a showstopping rendition of âChristmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,â the holiday hit from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The artistic excellence continued at Freeport High School the following evening with the high schoolâs Winter Festival of the Arts that featured a variety of performances that captivated the audience.
The event started with a fine arts presentation, where pieces were also on display in the lobby for live viewing. The performances kicked off with the mixed chorus singing âChildren, Go Where I Send Theeâ and âJoy to the World.â The first performance from the new vocal jazz ensemble was âWinter Wonderlandâ and âThe Christmas Songâ was also a highlight of the show. The concert band played two pieces, including the lively and festive âSanta the Barbarianâ by R. Standridge with narration by Mr. Warner. The select chorale, under the direction of Monique Retzlaff, delivered a remarkable performance with three exquisite pieces, including âSoon Ah Will Be Done.â Their talent and artistry truly shined, adding a special touch to the evening.
Next, the wind ensemble closed the performance with a combined instrumental and choral finale, âChristmas on Broadway,â a medley of Christmas classics. The event also included the combined strings ensemble, mixed chorus and sinfonietta.
Both events underscored the districtâs commitment to encouraging artistic expression and providing platforms for students to shine.
Freeport High School announces top 10 seniors for the Class of 2025
Freeport Public Schools is proud to announce the top 10 seniors for the Class of 2025. These students have shown outstanding academic achievements and set the bar high with their dedication and passion for learning. The top 10 seniors are those who have the highest cumulative grade point average and includes the valedictorian and salutatorian.
âThis achievement is a true reflection not only of the studentsâ individual accomplishments, but also of the supportive environment our educators and community provide,â said Superintendent of Schools Ms. Fia Davis. âI am incredibly proud of these students and know they will reach their goals and excel in all their future endeavors.â
A breakfast was held to honor the top 10 with Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Glori Engel, Assistant Superintendent for Educational and Administrative Services Dr. Helen Kanellopoulos, Board of Education Trustee Maria Jordan-Awalom, Freeport High School Principal, Giselle Campbell-Ham, assistant principals and guidance counselors in attendance.
âWe are so incredibly proud to celebrate the top 10 seniors and their hard work and commitment to excellence,â said Ms. Campbell-Ham. âWe are excited to see all they will accomplish in the future.â
Freeport Public Schools congratulates the top 10 on this academic milestone: valedictorian Lourdes Saunders-Blake, salutatorian Oluwadamilaju Popoola, Ashley Retzlaff (3), John Martini (4), David de la Llera (5), Amara Vasquez (6), Kiery Cabrera-Vasquez (7), James Cumento (8), Ava Evering (9) and Nadja Salome-Diaz (10).
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