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JUNE 24 - 30, 2026
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Amityville schools serve up new tennis program By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
Courtesy Copiague school district
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School freshman Isabella Rufrano earned first place at the New York State Science Congress in Syracuse.
Copiague student wins prestigious science award By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School freshman Isabella Rufrano earned first place at the New York State Science Congress in Syracuse, marking the first time a student from the Copiague School District has captured the top honor at the statewide competition. The achievement is especially notable because Rufrano, a freshman, competed against students in grades 9 through 12 from across New York. “I am very proud,” Isabella said. “This was definitely the hardest research I have had to do, so receiving this recognition is great.” Rufrano advanced to the state competition after placing first in the Medicine and Health category at the regional Long Island Science Congress. That performance qualified her for the statewide event. At the state level, she presented research titled “Parental Sex as a Determinant in Fluoxetine-Induced Effects on Reproductive and Developmental Outcomes in Drosophila melanogaster.” The project examined whether exposure
to fluoxetine, the antidepressant commonly known as Prozac, affected offspring differently depending on whether the mother or father was exposed. Rufrano used fruit flies, a common laboratory model, to study how parental exposure influenced development and reproductive outcomes in future generations. District officials said the win represents a milestone for the district, which has previously sent students to the competition but had never produced a first-place finisher. Science research teacher Kaitlyn Thompson said Rufrano’s work reflected both discipline and scientific curiosity. “Through her work, Isabella demonstrated the skills and determination needed to stand out among some of New York’s top young researchers,” Thompson said. District officials said Rufrano’s success was supported by members of the science department, including Kerri Hall, Renee Locker and Tracy Wenzler. The New York State Science Congress brings together top student researchers from across the state to present original scientific work in a variety of categories.
Tennis is making its way into classrooms and gymnasiums across the Amityville School District through a new partnership between the Amityville Booster Club and USTA Eastern aimed at introducing students to the sport at an early age. As part of the initiative, every school in the district received a Net Generation equipment bag containing tennis racquets, tennis balls and portable foldable nets. Net Generation, the United States Tennis Association’s official youth tennis development program, is designed to make tennis accessible, engaging and fun for students of all ages and skill levels. The program uses age-appropriate equipment, modified court dimensions and slowermoving balls to help young players learn the fundamentals of the game while building confidence and athletic skills. The structured program is designed to allow students to develop their abilities over time while fostering a long-term interest in the sport. “This is a phenomenal start to something much bigger developing,” Superintendent Dr. Gina Talbert said. “Helping to build an interest in the game,
awareness in the sport, developing the skill set early, and the love of the game is a win-win so that we can begin to grow and develop the program to ultimately create tennis lovers and tennis champs.” In addition to providing equipment, USTA Eastern supplies a K-12 curriculum and professional development opportunities for teachers to help integrate the program into physical education classes and after-school activities. “The USTA is a not-for-profit, so we want to give back to the community and grow the game,” said Neil Thakur, school tennis and community tennis coordinator for USTA Eastern. “We provide equipment and a K-12 curriculum. We also provide training for the teachers. We just want more kids to be active.” Thakur said tennis offers benefits that extend well beyond childhood. “This is a lifelong game,” he said. “It has so many health benefits. We feel that if kids can learn at an early age, they can always come back to tennis anytime in their lives. People can play at any age. It’s a great game, and we appreciate working with schools. Bringing tennis into schools is really our best way to start.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 2