Students and Staff Compete at South Ocean Middle School Volleyball Tournament

Community Brought Together to Support Over 130 Participants

PATCHOGUE, NEW YORK (MARCH 2024)—South Ocean Middle School recently hosted a successful student and staff volleyball tournament. Sponsored by the PTA, the event brought the South Ocean Middle School community together to support one another and have fun while spectators crowded into the gymnasium to cheer on over 130 competitors.

“Students and staff engaging in a fun activity outside of the classroom fosters an amazing sense of community,” said South Ocean Middle School Principal Dr. Timothy Piciullo. “It also provides students with invaluable opportunities for growth and development beyond academics.”

Fifteen student teams and one staff team vied for the title of tournament champion. National Junior Honor Society members played a vital role in the event, volunteering to keep score. After seven competitive matches, the staff team—The Champions—won the tournament. Two student teams were crowned as respective victors of the red and black divisions as well. Team Argentina was named the champion of the red division, and Liam’s Crew won the black division.

“It is important that our students continually have opportunities to engage with teamwork, competition, and unity,” said Patchogue-Medford School District Superintendent Dr. Donna Jones. “They were able to share this meaningful experience with their peers as well as the staff members that guide them each day, and it is my pleasure as Superintendent to watch our staff and students succeed alongside one another. I am also sure our staff is glad to have the bragging rights of winning the tournament!”

For more information about the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pmschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatMedSchools/. #PatMedPride.

The staff team, The Champions, posing with their first place medals