Pville Community Connection: December Highlights
December 17, 2025
Dear Pleasantville Families,
As we approach the winter break and the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to celebrate the learning, creativity, and community spirit that have defined this season in Pleasantville. From outstanding performances on stage and on the field to academic achievements and important planning for our schools’ future, there is much to be proud of.
Below are a few highlights and updates from across the District.
Singing on One of the World’s Most Iconic Stages
Our students recently had an unforgettable opportunity to share their talents on one of the most iconic stages in the world.
Last week, Camerata and Razor’s Edge, under the direction of Nadia Rizzo, traveled to Radio City Music Hall to ‘Sing on the Great Stage’ before the afternoon performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Our students delivered a beautiful pre-show performance and then stayed to enjoy the show together – a truly memorable way to kick off the holiday season in NYC.
Winter Concert Season: This month, our schools came alive with music as students shared their talents at our annual winter concerts. Congratulations to our Panthers, their teachers, and their families on a season of performances that filled our community with joy and holiday spirit.
Photos from tonight’s PHS concert will be posted to Facebook tomorrow!
Recognizing Excellence: National Merit Scholars & Fall Athletes
At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, we were proud to recognize students for their academic and athletic achievements this fall.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS
National Merit Semifinalist & Commended Students
The Board recognized PHS senior Sara Agabob, who was named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist this fall. Sara’s outstanding PSAT/NMSQT performance places her in the top 1% of seniors nationwide. She now has the chance to advance in the competition for National Merit Scholarships to be awarded in 2026.
An additional 13 students were also recognized as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. These outstanding students have received Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which is responsible for conducting the program.
National Merit Commended Students: Sara Agabob (Semifinalist), Anirban Biswas, Camilla Browand, Megan Chiong, Brian Doherty, Sofia Donahue, Adam Fayaz, James Harper, Samantha Horoszowski, Alana Marlow, Tung Lam Nguyen, Cole O'Reilly, Clara Shingler, and Hanifa Thein.
FALL ATHLETES
Our fall athletic teams continued to demonstrate strong leadership and a shared commitment to positive team culture. Student athletes found creative ways to promote mental health awareness and supported a number of charitable organizations, including BTH, Families of Freedom, and Homes for Heroes.
The following teams earned Fall Scholar-Athlete Team recognition: Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Football, Field Hockey, Boys Soccer, Girls Swim and Dive, Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis, and Volleyball.
Several teams advanced deep into postseason play, including Section Finalists in Girls Cross Country, Girls Soccer, and Boys Soccer, and a Section Semifinalist finish by Field Hockey. One Girls Tennis student athlete, Kate Sims, advanced to the Section 1 Elite 8.
The Cross Country program had an exceptional season. Junior Sean Dooley was the 2025 League Champion and earned All-League, All-Westchester County, and All-Section honors. He finished third at the Section 1 Championship and placed 12th at the New York State Championship to earn All-State honors. Junior Julian Giebelhaus earned All-League and All-Westchester County honors and qualified for his second consecutive New York State Championship.
Senior Camilla Browand earned All-League and All-Westchester County honors and qualified for her third New York State Championship. Senior Clara Shingler was the League Champion, finished third at the Section 1 Championship, and placed 18th at the New York State Championship to earn All-State honors for the fourth consecutive year. She also earned All-League, All-County, and All-Section honors for the fourth year in a row, concluding her career as the most decorated athlete in program history.
Congratulations to all of our fall student athletes on an outstanding season, and thank you to our students, coaches, advisors, and families for the many hours of dedication that make these accomplishments possible.
Capital Project Update
As we continue the work of planning for the future of our facilities, I want to provide a brief update on next steps in the Pleasantville Forward, Together capital project process.
- At the January 13 Board of Education meeting, I will present my capital project recommendations to the Board for discussion and consideration. This presentation will include an overview of the recommended scope of work and estimated costs.
- Our next Community Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, where the community will have another opportunity to learn more about the recommendations, ask questions, and share feedback.
We will continue to update the District website with materials, including presentations, Q&A documents, and timelines, so that families and community members can easily access information as this process moves forward.
We are grateful for the thoughtful engagement of our Community Facilities Committee, staff, families, and residents who have participated in this work so far.
As we look ahead to the new year, I am deeply appreciative of our students, staff, families, and community partners who make Pleasantville such a special place to learn and grow. I wish you a restful and joyful winter break, and I look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together in 2026.
Warm regards,
Dr. Lutinski
