Sewanhaka District Celebrates Student and Staff Achievements

Athletic leaders, National Merit finalists, and student artists recognized at March board meeting

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a school trophy repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the academic and athletic achievements celebrated at the Sewanhaka board meeting.Sewanhaka's celebration of student and staff excellence showcases the district's commitment to cultivating well-rounded learners and future leaders.Floral Park Today

The Sewanhaka Central High School District commended students and staff for their recent accomplishments at the March 24 board of education meeting. Highlights included honoring the Section VIII Athletic Administrator of the Year, the National High School Coach of the Year, National Merit Scholarship finalists, and student artists featured in the Nassau All-County Art Exhibition.

Why it matters

The Sewanhaka district's recognition of its high-achieving students and dedicated educators reinforces the community's commitment to academic excellence, athletic success, and the arts. These accolades showcase the district's ability to cultivate well-rounded learners and future leaders.

The details

The meeting opened with a student report from junior Kyara Ozil, who highlighted districtwide events. Superintendent Regina Agrusa then honored Anthony Brancato as the 2026 Section VIII Athletic Administrator of the Year for his leadership roles and contributions to Section VIII athletics. Ahkeel Rodney, the varsity boys soccer coach at Floral Park Memorial High School, was recognized as the 2025 National High School Coach of the Year. Five Class of 2026 students were named National Merit Scholarship finalists, and five student artists had their work displayed in the Nassau All-County Art Exhibition. Finally, architecture students presented designs for a new guidance suite at H. Frank Carey High School.

  • The board of education meeting took place on March 24, 2026.
  • Brancato received his award at the New York State Athletic Administrators Association's annual conference.
  • Rodney led the Floral Park Memorial High School varsity boys soccer team to a New York State Soccer Championship in 2024 and a Nassau County Championship in 2025.

The players

Kyara Ozil

A junior at Sewanhaka High School who delivered the Student Report at the board meeting.

Regina Agrusa

The superintendent of the Sewanhaka Central High School District.

Anthony Brancato

The athletic director and chairperson of physical education and health at H. Frank Carey High School, who was named the 2026 Section VIII Athletic Administrator of the Year.

Ahkeel Rodney

The varsity boys soccer coach at Floral Park Memorial High School, who was named the 2025 National High School Coach of the Year by the Black Soccer Coaches Leadership Team.

Richard Faccio

The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction who recognized the National Merit Scholarship finalists.

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What they’re saying

“Serving as the athletic director and chairperson of physical education and health at H. Frank Carey High School, Brancato's commitment to the Franklin Square community and Section VIII athletics is evident through his many leadership roles, including Section VIII boys golf coordinator, and member of the Section VIII sportsmanship committee and the Section VIII council and planning committee.”

— Regina Agrusa, Superintendent

“As the varsity boys soccer coach at Floral Park Memorial High School, he has led the team to remarkable success, including a New York State Soccer Championship in 2024 and a second consecutive Nassau County Championship in 2025.”

— Regina Agrusa, Superintendent

The takeaway

The Sewanhaka Central High School District's recognition of its high-achieving students and dedicated educators demonstrates the district's commitment to fostering well-rounded learners and future leaders through academic excellence, athletic success, and the arts.