Ten videos created by Long Island students have been named winners of a contest that asked them to create public service announcements on energy conservation.

This year’s “I Am EM-Powered” Contest, sponsored by PSEG Long Island, had 244 video entries on topics including the importance of driving electric vehicles and shutting off lights when they are not in use. The 45-second videos were created by teams of up to four students in grades four through eight, according to PSEG.

Each winning team member received $75 gift cards as well as certificates, while their teachers received $100 gift cards and an additional $100 for a class party, PSEG said.

“Reducing energy consumption not only helps us manage the power grid and helps the environment, it also saves our customers millions of dollars every year,” Michael Voltz, director of energy efficiency and renewable energy for PSEG Long Island, told students during the awards ceremony in June. “We’re counting on you to help pave the path toward a clean-energy future.”

Winners and their schools: Emily Vargas and Victoria Veronica, Copiague Middle School; Ayan Ahuja and Eli Bratshpis, Jeffrey Ratner Robert Seaman Elementary School, Jericho; Simon Barbash, Harrison Levy, Benjamin Simeus and Andres Zea, West End Elementary School, Lynbrook; Victoria Holguin, Madelyn Jeremenko and Cora Murray, Mineola Middle School; Michael Capace and Henry Gandolfo, James H. Vernon School, East Norwich; Gabriella Duffy, Leo Johnson, Luke Maier and Emily Milanese, Cherry Avenue Elementary School, West Sayville; Dylan Cardenas-Lucero, Gwendolyn Dieckmann, Samantha Perone, Jack Pike and Laila Southard, Udall Road Middle School, West Islip; and Alains Batista, Grecia Burgos Garcia, Ava Spaulding and Za’Khy Wilkins-Hunter, Powells Lane Elementary School, Westbury.

To view the winning videos, visit bit.ly/3Jzzz3O.

FLORAL PARK

New Superintendent

Anthony Lubrano is the new superintendent of the Floral Park-Bellerose School District. He replaced Lisa Ruiz, who held the position on an interim basis.

Lubrano was assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Hicksville School District since 2018. He also spent 12 years as a building principal in the district and has been a principal in the Central Islip School District as well as an assistant principal in the William Floyd School District in Mastic Beach.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with all the district stakeholders to provide educational opportunities that prepare all students to meet and exceed the district’s forward-thinking goals,” Lubrano said in a statement.

GLEN COVE

New Principal

Liza Carfora has been appointed principal of Landing Elementary School.

Carfora, who replaced Jacklyn Burnett, was assistant principal at West Middle Island Elementary School for three years. She began her career as a teaching fellow with the New York City Department of Education in 2001.

“I am especially excited to join a dynamic team of talented educators,” Carfora said in a statement. “I’m so grateful for the incredibly warm welcome that I have received from everyone.”

HICKSVILLE

New Principal

Nicholas Giarrusso has been appointed principal of Fork Lane Elementary School. He replaced Susan Guilano, who retired.

Giarrusso was director of special educational and pupil personnel services in the Greenburgh Central School District in Westchester County since 2022. Before that, he spent nine years as a school psychologist in the district.

“Ensuring that every student thrives academically, socially and emotionally is key to my heart,” Giarrusso said in a statement. “I’m beyond excited to engage in that work with our students, staff, families and the broader community.”

BAY SHORE

New principal

Claudia Rivera has been named principal of the Bay Shore Pre-Kindergarten Center. She replaced Jacqueline Ribera, who retired.

Rivera was Bay Shore school district’s assistant director of pupil personnel services for the past 11 years. She joined the district as a behavioral consultant in 2009.

“I am excited to help our youngest learners take their first steps in education with joy and confidence, and setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” Rivera said. “I look forward to building strong partnerships with families and staff, and creating a warm and engaging environment.”

EAST ISLIP

New principal

Tara Scully has been appointed principal of East Islip Middle School. She replaced Anthony Montemarano, who is now principal of East Islip High School.

Scully, who worked in the Sachem Central School District for the past 22 years, was previously assistant principal of Samoset Middle School in Ronkonkoma. She has also been a principal’s aide at the elementary level, a classroom teacher and an academic intervention services math teacher.

“I’m honored to join the East Islip community,” Scully said in a statement. “I look forward to building on its strong legacy and contributing to its bright future.”

NORTHPORT

New principal

Angelo Cocchiola has been named principal of Northport Middle School. He replaced Tim Hoss, who retired.

Cocchiola was an assistant principal at Northport High School for the past three years, and before that was assistant principal of East Northport Middle School for five years. He has also wasbeen a middle and high school social studies teacher for 17 years.

“I believe that a school’s primary responsibility is to prepare children to be compassionate, conscientious and productive members of both our local and global communities,” Cocchiola said in a statement.

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.