Garden City High School celebrates academic excellence at annual Department Awards Celebration
On May 28, Garden City High School recognized students in grades 9-12 for their outstanding academic achievements during the school’s annual Academic Department Awards Celebration.
The afternoon celebrated excellence across a wide range of disciplines and highlighted the hard work and dedication demonstrated by students throughout the school year. Principal Kevin Steingruebner opened the ceremony by congratulating students on their accomplishments and encouraging them to continue striving for academic growth and success.
Assistant Principal Mandi Stefankiewicz presented four community awards to five students in recognition of their exceptional service and commitment to the community. Mr. Steingruebner then presented four educators’ awards, including honors for the valedictorian, salutatorian, National Merit Scholarship recipients and the top 10 students with the highest GPAs in the Class of 2026.
Department leaders also recognized students for achievement within their respective subject areas. Assistant Principal Amanda Hauser honored eight students for excellence in the visual and performing arts, including photography, theater arts and theater leadership. Band teacher Dan DellaMonica joined Ms. Hauser in recognizing an additional 18 students for accomplishments in band, orchestra, chorus, vocal jazz, music theory and marching band.
Assistant Principal Connor Cohn presented business awards to two students, while English lead teacher Crystal Ferraiolo and Director of Literacy Lauren Kaufman honored 21 students for achievement in English, journalism, school publications and recognition through the National Council of Teachers of English awards program.
Mathematics coordinator Christina Cardella recognized eight students for outstanding achievement in mathematics, computer science and research. In the sciences, science coordinator Joanna Rogosich honored 13 students for excellence in earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and Project Lead The Way coursework.
Social studies coordinator Victoria Buonpane recognized 12 students for academic excellence in history, government, economics, psychology, human geography and related fields. Representatives from organizations including the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion also presented seven special awards honoring scholarship, leadership and civic engagement. Ms. Buonpane additionally recognized 24 students for achievement in German, Italian, Latin and Spanish, including students who served as leaders of the world language literary magazines in each language.
The ceremony served as both a celebration of academic accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication and excellence demonstrated by Garden City High School students throughout the year.