Two creative Hampton Bays Elementary School third graders have become published authors at their school. They each wrote and illustrated original books that are now available for their classmates to borrow from their school’s library.

Quinn Cuddihy authored “Sonic Forms,” a colorful chapter book inspired by the many transformations of the popular video game character Sonic the Hedgehog. Drawing inspiration from the chapter books he enjoys reading, Cuddihy filled his story with action and imagination, illustrating each page with bright, vibrant artwork. According to the school’s Library Media Specialist Christina Piazza, Cuddihy’s book meets a clear demand in the library collection, as there are currently no books centered around Sonic available for students to check out.

Landon Gerber wrote “Void,” an imaginative story about a villain who drains all the color from the world, forcing a team of superheroes to work together to restore it. Like Cuddihy, Gerber brought his story to life with detailed illustrations that capture both the darkness caused by the villain and the vibrant return of color as the heroes save the day.

The young authors were inspired to write their books after Piazza encouraged students to create their own stories using recycled and old library books. The project empowered students to become storytellers and contribute original titles to the school’s collection.

Cuddihy and Gerber are already planning their next chapter — collaborating to expand “Void” by developing deeper backstories for the superheroes and continuing the adventure.

Hampton Bays Elementary School students celebrated the joy of reading during Read Across America Week with a full week of themed activities, spirit days and interactive literacy challenges.

Students dressed according to the theme days during the celebration’s spirit week, including bow ties and neckties for “Reading Ties Us Together,” sunglasses and beach hats for “Reading Takes You Places,” and red, white and blue for “Reading Makes Us Good Citizens.”

They also took part in daily reading challenges where they guessed the names of characters and books, participated in 10 minutes of “Drop Everything and Read” each day and celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday through a variety of hands-on literacy activities.

 Date Added: 3/10/2026

Hampton Bays High School will present its production of “Sister Act” on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m.

Producer Amanda Traiforos said the high-energy, upbeat production was selected because it focuses on sisterhood, friendship and finding one’s voice.

“The themes resonate with high school students,” she said.

Since there are no small roles, the production provides all student-actors with the opportunity to shine and develop a distinct personality, comedic timing and a unique look. Directing this year's show Marie Perez and Shannon Boyle.

Tickets are $5 for students and children under 12, $10 at the door for adults or $7 for advance tickets. Advance tickets can be ordered by emailing atraiforos@hbschools.us.

 

Date Added: 3/9/2026

Hampton Bays High School recently honored Tri-M Music Honor Society members and inducted another 31 student-musicians during a special ceremony.

To earn induction, students are required to maintain a GPA of 90 or above in all their music classes and an 85 cumulative average in all classes. They must also attend all meetings and events hosted by Tri-M and participate in community service projects throughout the school year.

The Hampton Bays School District congratulates the following students:

2025-26 Inductees:

Sumeja Bytyqi, Alejandra Cardona Pulla, Ashley Cardona Pulla, Sophia Clinton, Jonathan Coulton, Grace Drake, Jacqueline Flores, Yahisha Guillen Gutierrez, Antoinog Haddock, Fiona Haddock, Molly Kelly, Angela Lombardi, Jhoalli Lopez, Caroline Maffia, Sarafina Mancuso, Reese Moran, Omar Moranchel Gutierrez, Stephany Perez, Daniel Pimenta, Isabela Pimenta, Gabriela Ramirez, Carissa Raynor, Daisy Rojas, Daniela Roman, Esme Rottkamp, Allizon Sagastume, Isabella Santamaria Arbelaez, Kourtney Santos, Willem Sarkis, Kirra Schoerlin and

Eli Spellman

Continuing Members:

Mariana Aguero, Lyla Allen, Elisabett Alvarado-Guzman, Aaren Arias, Ian Arias, Jayden Avendano, Nicole Ayala, Madalyn Boucher, Lee Brumagim, Stella Bruno, Felisha Chiliquinga, Kira Clinton, Sydney Distenfeld, Olivia Downs, Shea Egan, Vasyl Eoin Datsyuk, Cooper Foley, Joshua Garnica, Daniela Gomez, Andrew Guevara, Melanie Guzman, Cristian Kearns, Nathan Kearns, Eman Khalid, Caitlyn Lupia, Catherine Maffia, Lillyann Maffia, James Maroulas, Sebastian Martinez, Sarah Mendel, Ailyn Mercedes, Emma Metz, Alison Miranda, Brendyn Molnar, Sofia Montes Duran, Alejandra Montoya, Kayleigh Nunns, Kiarra O’Hagan, Samantha O’Neal, Jack Owens, Lorelei Palmieri, Connie Penafiel, Eleanor Ramsay, Sophia Reyes, Hannah Russell, Leah Russell, Emma Schultheis, Gabriela Scotto, Trey Scudder, Aoife Sheil, Peyton Single, Santiago Solorzano, Paige Stubelek, Charlotte Summar, Gustavo Tzitzimititla, Gimena Valdespino, Sofia Vaquero, Abigail Wilson, Mackenzie Wilson and Tony Zhang

Date Added: 3/6/2026

Twenty-two Hampton Bays High School student-artists have their work on display in the 2026 Parrish Art Museum Student Exhibition. The exhibition, which features the work of over 1,000 student-artists from across the East End, will run until April 26. The Hampton Bays School District congratulates the following students: Isabella Becerra, Neiser Cabrera, Juan Cojon, Valeria Diaz Banegas, Austry Galicia Monzon, Diana Heming, Cristina Herrera, Greta Jones, Allison Loja, Andy Lucero, Emily Lucero, Marilyn Luigi, Isaac Mack, Liam O’Gara, Sam Quesada Sequra, Joshua Rivera Balcazar, Alex Rojas, Allan Rojas, Henry Rose, Jorge Sanchez, Javier Vargas and Ashley Veliz Hernandez.