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We are so pleased to announce that eight talented music students from New Paltz Middle and High Schools were selected to participate in the Junior High and High School All-County Jazz Bands, performing an outstanding concert at Highland High School on January 30–31.

After intensive rehearsals, these musicians took the stage to perform a challenging and exciting program featuring classic jazz standards and contemporary selections.

Congratulations to Rex Powers (Grade 7), Hudson Gates (Grade 7), Edward Cheevers (Grade 9), Denali Kubart (Grade 9), Gerald Peyser (Grade 9), Théo Salamone (Grade 10), Seraphina Drew (Grade , and Alisha Sun (Grade 7) for representing New Paltz with skill, dedication, and style — and a big thank you to our music educators, Brandon Sparkman and Sonja Nosovsky for their continued support of student excellence!

New Paltz High School (NPHS) proudly inducted 62 students into its National Honor Society (NHS) chapter during an elegant ceremony held on the evening of February 3 in the NPHS auditorium.

The ceremony opened with remarks by Chapter President Dylan Friedman, followed by a beautiful rendition of the national anthem performed by NHS member Lily Nocito. NHS officers Nafi Diedhou, Kelsey Hacker, Kala Schultz, and Tessa DeChiara-Saffer then highlighted the organization’s four pillars—Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character—each lighting a candle to represent the core values upheld by NHS members. Superintendent Stephen Gratto shared his best wishes with the new inductees.

In keeping with New Paltz High School tradition, current NHS members honored each inductee with an individual candle before leading them all in a recitation of the NHS Pledge. During a special part of the ceremony, the veteran NHS members expounded upon the accomplishments and goals of their newly inducted peers and then presented each with their pin, which symbolizes their membership.

Principal Dr. Samuelle Simms offered congratulatory remarks, and Dylan Friedman formally concluded the ceremony, which was followed by a festive reception in the cafeteria attended by families and friends.

School spirit was in full swing at the High School pep rally, held on January 5, where students came together for an afternoon packed with energy, laughter, and friendly competition!

The event kicked off on a high note with the Chorus setting the tone—first with a high-energy rendition of the ’80s classic “Take On Me” by A-ha, followed by a beautiful performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by a student soloist.

From there, the fun took over with a lineup of fan-favorite games, including scavenger hunts, relay races, and the always-hilarious human ring toss!

It was a fantastic celebration of school pride!

Students in the PIGLETS class in the high school presented on what they have learned about food insecurity in their class. They have been researching the topic and doing volunteer work in the community and they shared their knowledge and experiences with fellow students and members of the New Paltz Rotary club.

Congratulations to New Paltz High School (NPHS) students who have earned a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program Corporation, thanks to their impressive scores on the qualifying PSAT exam.

“We are incredibly proud of Florian White, Lukas Kallio, Bodhi Stevens and Jackson Powers, who are true shining examples of success and inspiration to us all,” said Principal Simms.”

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2026 competition for the National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. (PSAT/NMSQT).

Congratulations to the varsity football team on their thrilling victory over Rondout on Friday night!