(Video Produced by Kayla Hardy)
(Photos property of Mr. Harris)
just keep swimming
just keep swimming
By Kayla Hardy
At the age of 7 doing safety swim is where it all began. Now Ethan’s all-state, all Long Island, all county, section 11 champion in 200 freestyle, 2nd in 100m freestyle NYSPHSAA Championship, 200m freestyle 5th place, and 100 freestyle 6th place. The work he puts into swimming shows how much he loves the sport. Practicing every day with his friends and coaches to be unstoppable, is what it takes to be on the level he's on.
Mr. Harris says, “...swimming is one of the toughest sports.”
Mr. Harris has been observing Ethan for the past four years and is so proud of all the achievements he has. The amount of mental thinking in practicing to work hard and beat time is amazing. You would never know the work he has accomplished when you see him in the hallways acting like he isn’t one of the best swimmers Comsewogue has ever had.
One of his best friends, Izzie has to say, “If you put your mind to something, you can really do it”.
Having watched Ethan swim many times, Izzie is just in awe. As she observes his hustle and determination in the face of the other players, she can only cheer for him. She is incredibly proud of his progress and excited to see what else he may do in the future.
Ethans says, “My future plans are that I’m going to continue my athletic career at Lynn University”.
With being all-state, all Long Island, all county, section 11 champion in 200 freestyle, 2nd in 100m freestyle NYSPHSAA Championship, 200m freestyle 5th place, and 100 freestyle 6th place. It makes sense for him to continue his swimming career. He's very grateful that his friends and coaches could help him get through swimming, making the sport loveable. Although it's bittersweet to say goodbye, he is satisfied with how his highschool career went. He is one of the best swimmers Comsewogue has ever had and that comes with being humble and hardworking.
Ethan developed a love for swimming early on in life. Even though he's cherishing his high school accomplishments, he is ready for the next chapter. He definitely will impact the new team and help them succeed. But beyond the competition, his college years will be an opportunity to grow not only as a swimmer but as a person.
(Photos property of Comsewogue High School)
(Video produced by Kaeli Harding and Jackson Mollack)
Comsewogue's superletes
Comsewogue's superletes
By Kaeli Harding
Every season, Newsday takes an annual look at the top players in different sports. Newsday chose 6 different Varsity student-athletes from Comsewogue High School during the 2024-2025 season. Each athlete stands out for their exceptional skills in their own sport. These students also serve as leaders and role models for their peers.
Senior Lucas Shannon and Shane Grant are Comsewogue Football’s dynamic duo. They both had an unforgettable last High School football season. Their combined teamwork and dedication to this sport led the team to remarkable success.
Lucas Shannon, #8, plays tight end and middle linebacker. He has mastered the art of playing both positions. Lucas is considered a Stat Leader and ranked in the top 13 in Section XI for 1 stat. He is also ranked in the top 5 in Division III. He has had 3 total touchdowns this past season and 18 points. Lucas hopes to further his future football career by attending Western Connecticut University.
Lucas was asked about his biggest challenge while on the field and replied,“I would say getting pulled up freshman year, having to prove myself all over again to the coaches and players”.
Shane Grant, #23, plays running back and middle linebacker. Shane is also able to excel in two different positions. Shane is a Stat Leader as well and is ranked in the top 168 in New York for 1 stat. He is ranked top 7 in Section XI and top 4 in Division III. Shane has had an outstanding 2024-25 season and hopes to continue his football career.
“I was proud and happy that my hard work paid off, I was ready to get back to work”, Shane proclaims.
Mason Mangialino has won plenty of awards during his wrestling career such as multiple all-state honors and is now a 4 time league champion. Mason is very hard-working and started wrestling when he was just 4 years old. In February of 2023, he notched his 97th win. Two years later he just marked his 169th win. Mason is continuing his career at Division I, Bloomsburg University.
“Ever since I was a little kid I just worked hard at this goal and just kept at it until I achieved it”, Mason says.
Cheering is something Maddie Williams has always enjoyed. A senior now, Maddie has spent the majority of her life cheering on her school’s teams. From tiny tots to competitive cheer, she had grown up in the world of cheerleading. Maddie has also traveled with the team to Disneyland for the past 4 years to compete in their NHSCC. She always has a huge smile on her face and never fails to brighten someone's day.
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced was definitely the start of my senior season and trying to improve my junior year season to see how I can benefit my team”, Maddie says in an interview.
Jalynn Kirschenhueter plays forward for the Comsewogue Girls Basketball team. She has had a total of 214 points and 37 3-pointers this past 2025 season. Jalynn is known for her ball skill and height. She always remained focused and striving to improve and lead her team to a win.
“Working hard outside of school, training, and doing what I love helped me reach this point”, Jalynn states.
Ethan Placencia-Nazareno is Comsewogue’s best male swimmer. He has been swimming since only 7 years old for Three Village Swim Club. He spends hours in the pool practicing strokes or conditioning in the gym. Ethan pushes himself to improve with every lap and strives for faster times and stronger performances at swim meets. He is New York’s 23rd rank this past 2025 season.
Ethan was asked about his reaction to receiving the news of being in the top 25 on Newsday.“I was very, very honored and excited to hear that I was top 25 and it’s such an honor to really be a part of that”.
Newsday examines the best athletes in a variety of sports each season. Six hard-working and devoted Comsewogue High School varsity athletes were selected by Newsday for the 2024–2025 campaign. Because of their extraordinary abilities in their sports, each athlete is distinguished.
(Video Produced by Savanah Stoma)
(Photo property of Mrs. Verdisco)
The Retirement of a Legend
By Savanah Stoma
Vincent Verdisco is a strong independent individual who has been working at Comsewogue for 30 years. This year's work has been his last.
Mr. Verdisco's student Ryan Couto describes Mr. Verdisco as “A nice fun guy who likes to joke around”.
Ryan is a very shy kid but in Mr. Verdisco's class, he has a voice. Mr. Verdisco brings out the best in Ryan, giving him different and fun interesting projects that he can learn and excel from.
The class that Mr Verdisco teaches is a wrap-around all about architecture. His student Greyson West tells all about what the best parts of his class are.
Greyson says the best parts of Mr. Verdisco's class are “all the hands-on work, all the independent work, building all the houses on Autocad, just honestly talking to him all day, he's so personable, I just love talking to him.”
A way that Mr. Brown, who is Mr.Verdisco's colleague, is also personable. When Mr. Brown came to the school Mr. Verdisco took him under his wing.
Mr. Brown had Mr. Verdisco as a teacher in high school and when he came to get the job here they became friends. Mr. Brown says “We do have a really good relationship, we have known each other since 1991, so yes we are very very close”
Mr. Verdisco has countless support around him, no matter where he ends up after his retirement from Comsewogue the legendary impact he left will change the lives of many.
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