A hearty round of applause to the super-talented New Paltz High School musicians who, despite the heat, truly sparkled on stage Tuesday evening (May 19)!

The performance featured the Tenor-Bass Choir, Treble Choir, Mixed Choir, A Cappella Choir, and Select A Cappella Choir (directed by Nicole Foti), along with the Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Clarinet Choir, and Concert Band (directed by Brandon Sparkman).

There were many memorable moments throughout the evening, including vocal soloists, student musical accompaniment, student guest conductors, and heartfelt tributes to seniors, who took the stage for the final time in their high school careers.

Thank you to everyone who braved the heat—oh, what a night!

For over a decade, our high school Physical Education department has partnered with Ryan Colter of the DEC to offer our students a unique physical education program.

Each May, along with the support of our transportation department, SUNY New Paltz, and Jenna Manning our physical education secretary, students get the chance to learn the lifetime sport of fishing first hand. Thanks to Stewart’s Shops and everyone else who continue to help our outstanding physical education program.

This is a catch and release program using hooks without barbs that is held at the beautiful SUNY New Paltz pond. Congratulations to Trent on his big catch!

Luke Chesser received a National Medal in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. He won Gold for his piece “Everyday Overload / Physical Scroll”. Luke will be invited to Carnegie Hall in June to receive his award. This is a great achievement, if you see Luke be sure to congratulate him.

On February 27, New Paltz High School (NPHS) hosted a vibrant Black History Month celebration filled with engaging presentations, soulful dishes, lively dancing, and meaningful community reflection.

A dance instructor from LyneLuvDance had students moving to the beat with easy-to-learn African American dance steps, filling the room with energy and joy. The NPHS principal, Dr. Samuelle Simms, joined in on the fun of dancing—and even rolled up her sleeves in the kitchen—cooking alongside Family & Consumer Science teacher Alicia Tuttle and student volunteers to prepare the Haitian, Jamaican, and Southern-inspired dishes everyone enjoyed in the cafeteria. Organizer and Social Studies teacher Albert Cook also shared his recipe for Macaroni au Gratin (mac and cheese), which was a huge hit!

Organized by the Students of Color Alliance (SOCA) under Mr. Cook’s guidance, the event honored Black culture, resilience, and the enduring contributions to society of Black people. SOCA officers Mahnez Akther, Sasha St. Louis, Zoe Poller, Charletta Goode, and Alana Luyando—along with many dedicated members—spent hours cooking, rehearsing, and preparing thoughtful slide presentations highlighting influential African Americans.

“The students really worked so hard to promote communal education and unity within the school,” said Mr. Cook. “And it truly showed. It was a wonderful experience for all.”