A student from Ward Melville High School in East Setauket was one of four teens nationwide selected to represent the United States this summer at the International Biology Olympiad.

Eric Liu, a junior, qualified after participating in two rounds of testing that yielded 20 national finalists, followed by a residential training program where they learned advanced biological concepts and lab skills in preparation for a final exam that determined the selectees, according to Liu. The training program was held earlier this summer during the USA Biolympiad National Finals at Harvard University.

Liu went on to win a silver medal at the International Biology Olympiad, while his teammates won gold medals, he said. It was held in the Philippines in late July.

“I was pretty surprised, because I didn’t think I would do that well,” Liu said of qualifying for the international level. Of his love for biology, he said: “My mom showed me things I could do in biology after I showed initial interest, and I just got deeper and deeper into the subjects and learned a lot myself.”

The international competition consisted of theoretical exams that tested the “understanding, processing and application of biological knowledge,” along with practical exams consisting of tasks that “evaluated their ability to solve biological programs,” according the Center for Excellence in Education, which sponsored the USA Biolympiad National Finals.

“This achievement is a testament to Eric’s intelligence and hard work, and to the outstanding support he has received from his parents and teachers,” Ward Melville Principal John Holownia said in a statement.

HEWLETT

New superintendent

Dina M. Anzalone has been appointed superintendent of the Hewlett-Woodmere school district. She replaced Ralph Marino, who retired.

Anzalone has been the district’s assistant superintendent of teaching, learning and technology since July 2024, and before that was principal of the district’s Ogden Elementary School for 12 years. She also spent five years as the district’s director of curriculum, assessment and instructional technology.

“I am eager to collaborate and partner with each member to maintain the excellence that has always been synonymous with our district’s name,” Anzalone said in a statement. “Together, we will build a brighter future, ensuring that every student receives the opportunities, guidance and support they need to succeed.”

HICKSVILLE

New principal

Bryan Offermann has been appointed principal of Burns Avenue Elementary School in the Hicksville school district. He replaced Chris Scardino, who held the position on an interim basis.

Offermann was previously the district’s assistant director for special education and pupil personnel services as well as the district’s extended school year supervisor. He has also been a special education teacher in the Roslyn School District.

“I look forward to partnering with our dedicated professionals and families to foster academic excellence, open communication and a safe, inclusive space where all students can thrive,” Offermann said in a statement.

MALVERNE

New superintendent

Maria Rianna has been appointed superintendent of the Malverne school district. She replaced Lorna Lewis, who retired.

Rianna was previously superintendent of the Glen Cove School District since 2013, and before that was deputy superintendent of the Port Jefferson School District and an assistant superintendent in the Smithtown Central School District. She began her career as a special education teacher.

“I look forward to meeting with students, families, staff and community members to build strong relationships and collaborate on our shared mission of providing an exceptional education for every child,” Rianna said in a statement. “Together, we will continue to build on the district’s successes and create new opportunities for growth and achievement.”

BAY SHORE

New principal

Maddalena Padilla has been named principal of Gardiner Manor Elementary School in the Bay Shore school district. She replaced Carlton Brown, who retired.

Padilla, who has worked in the district since 2001, had been the district’s director of social studies for grades K-12 for the past six years. She has also been a social studies teacher, an assistant principal at Gardiner Manor and the district’s assistant director of English as a new language, world language and dual language.

“I look forward to supporting our dedicated teachers and staff, fostering partnerships with families and the school community to create a nurturing and engaging environment where all students can thrive,” Padilla said in a statement.

NORTHPORT

New principal

Laurie Storch has been named principal of Ocean Avenue Elementary School in the Northport-East Northport school district. She replaced Sabina Larkin, who retired.

Storch served the past three years as an assistant principal at East Northport Middle School. Before that, she served three years as principal of the district’s Dickinson Avenue Elementary School and seven years as principal of Fulton Avenue Elementary School #8 in Oceanside.

Storch served the past three years as an assistant principal at East Northport Middle School, and before that served three years as principal of the district’s Dickinson Avenue Elementary School. She also previously worked as an elementary school principal for 14 years.

“At the heart, I am committed to developing positive relationships with students, staff, parents and community members,” Storch said in a statement. “Together, we will continue to foster academic excellence, working collectively with dedicated staff and community.”

SMITHTOWN

New principal

Paul McNeil has been appointed principal of Smithtown High School East. He replaced Rob Rose, who retired.

McNeil was principal of Accompsett Middle School in Smithtown for 12 years, and before that was an assistant principal at Nesaquake Middle School in St. James. He began his career as a social studies teacher in the Smithtown Central School District.

“It is my privilege and honor to begin this new chapter by returning to the building where I started my career,” McNeil said. “I’m eager to support the remarkable High School East community, upholding our tradition of excellence and prepare students for a bright future.”

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.