Connetquot supports student growth through Emotional Awareness and Social Learning (EASL), helping students build self-awareness, manage emotions and strengthen relationships. Each month, the district highlights an EASL theme with April’s focus being “collaboration and teamwork”. Schools nominate standout students to be recognized as Connetquot’s Caring Leaders for their leadership in these areas.

We’re excited to recognize seventh grader Emma D’Antonio from Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School and Evangelos Paravalos from John Pearl Elementary as April’s Caring Leaders!

Emma was nominated by the school’s nurse, Ms. Dolan. “We are honored to recognize Emma for the positive attitude she displays daily at OBMS. She embodies many strengths, including her outstanding physical adaptiveness to play sports from her wheelchair and introducing wheelchair basketball to her classmates in PE classes. When Emma was recently asked who her favorite player is, she answered, me! This is based on her strong will and perseverance to do great things with her life. Thank you, Emma, for demonstrating emotional awareness and fortitude each and every day.”

Evangelos was nominated by his PE teacher, Mr. Sturtz. “Evangelos always works well with others. He will work with anyone and doesn't care who is on his team,” said Mr. Sturtz. “He encourages everyone to try their best. He is a good leader and lifts his teammates up. He’s always a team player when winning or losing. He’s a hard worker and is polite to everyone!”

Date Added: 4/23/2025