Senior Spotlight: Dayana Banegas

Welcome to the 2026 Senior Spotlight series! This weekly feature will run every week until Central Islip High School's graduation ceremonies. Enjoy!

Senior Spotlight: Dayana Banegas

Activities, Clubs & Leadership Roles:
Science National Honor Society (President); National Honor Society (Vice President); Student Council (Vice President); Superintendent Advisory Council Member; Women2Women; Action Committee; Yearbook Club; CI Connects for Change (Junior Executive Board Member); Pit Orchestra First Flute (Spring 2024 and Spring 2025 Musicals); Marching Band; Color Guard Member; PTSA Member; More than 200 community service hours.

Most Meaningful Activity:
The role that meant the most to me was serving on the Superintendent Advisory Council for the past two years. It gave me the incredible opportunity to represent the voices of students and help create positive change within our school community. It allowed me to grow as a leader, collaborate with district leadership, and make a lasting impact on the students around me.

My favorite activity was serving as a Color Guard member. It gave me a sense of sisterhood and belonging unlike anything else in high school. Through the art of performance, I embraced my femininity, built my confidence, and created unforgettable bonds with my section that became some of the most meaningful memories of my high school career.

Plans After Graduation:
I plan to attend Molloy University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, followed by a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Future Career Goals:
I hope to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and eventually specialize in pulmonology, focusing on chronic asthma management for children.

Staff Member Recognition:
Mr. Soldano has been an amazing research teacher over the past two years and, most importantly, a mentor. He makes sure all of his students feel valued, supported, reassured, and seen. He has done an incredible job leading the progression of our school’s research program and shaping the future of science literacy at our school.

With the help of Mr. Soldano, Mr. Cottrell, and Mrs. Roderick, I have developed a strong interest in the medical field and have been encouraged to pursue my goals. Also, shout out to Mrs. Soldano. ❤️

Role Model / Inspiration:
A huge inspiration in my life has been my older brother. He has been my biggest supporter throughout my entire life and leads with a calm, balanced mindset. He always reassures me during stressful moments, eases my anxiety, and constantly reminds me to recognize my own achievements even when I doubt myself. I truly would not be where I am today without his support, guidance, and unwavering belief in me.

What Central Islip Means to Me:
Being part of Central Islip signifies a community built on culture, support, diversity, and pride. It is a place where people truly show up for one another and celebrate the excellence, talent, and achievements of people of color, inspiring younger generations to dream bigger and achieve beyond what others may expect of them. Growing up in this community has taught me the meaning of resilience, representation, and the importance of being “young, gifted, and colored.”

Proudest Accomplishment:
One accomplishment I am most proud of is the growth I achieved within myself each year. I constantly challenged myself to become better than the year before—academically, personally, and as a leader. I am proud of how much I improved over time, and high school taught me that success is about resilience, self-reflection, and continuously striving to grow into the best version of yourself.

Advice to Underclassmen:
Advocate for yourself. Speak up for your needs and for others, ask questions when you need help, and never be afraid to pursue opportunities that interest you, even if they feel intimidating at first. Teachers, mentors, and peers can only support you when you allow yourself to be seen and heard. Self-advocacy builds confidence, opens doors, and teaches you that your voice and goals truly matter. Most importantly, stay true to yourself.