Ninth grade Woodworking students at Gelinas Junior High School recently completed their final projects, capping off the course with impressive displays of craftsmanship and creativity. Each student designed and built a custom coaster set, combining a hardwood of their choice with a sleek carbon fiber inlay and a laser-engraved crest bearing their initial.

The intricate carbon fiber detailing was encapsulated in epoxy resin, carefully set just below the coaster’s surface for a polished finish. Throughout the project, students gained hands-on experience with professional-grade tools, including the bandsaw, table saw, miter saw and router table.

Under the guidance of teacher Dean Kostis, students also learned and applied protective finishing techniques to ensure their work will endure for years to come, making the final product both functional and a point of pride.

Date Added: 6/5/2025

P.J. Gelinas Junior High School proudly inducted 121 students into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) during this year’s induction ceremony. The event celebrated the academic achievement, leadership, service, character and citizenship demonstrated by the newly inducted members.

The ceremony was led by the NJHS Student Executive Board: Arnav Aggarwal, Lily Czaplinski, Evelyn Jin and Olivia Montellese, who guided the program with professionalism and poise.

Under the guidance of adviser Nicolette DeMartino, the NJHS at Gelinas continues to recognize and support students committed to excellence both in and out of the classroom.

Date Added: 5/20/2025

On Thursday, May 15, members of the P.J. Gelinas Junior High School Youth Literacy Club visited Setauket Elementary School for their annual field trip, continuing their tradition of promoting literacy and character education among younger students.

During the visit, club members read children’s books to kindergarten and first grade classes, focusing on important character-building themes. Following the readings, they led engaging lessons designed to reinforce the values introduced in the stories.

The day was a meaningful and memorable experience for students of all ages, as older students shared their passion for reading and learning with Setauket’s youngest learners.

Date Added: 5/20/2025

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