Novel by Jr.-Sr. High School Librarian Jennifer Iacopelli to be Netflix Series

It’s not every day that a novelist’s books are optioned to become a Netflix series. However, Jr.-Sr. High School librarian Jennifer Iacopelli’s sixth novel was the charm. On Jan. 22, Ms. Iacopelli’s latest book “Finding Her Edge,” published by Penguin Random House, will make its debut on the big screen. “Finding her Edge” is the librarian-author’s third young adult novel, including “Break the Fall” and “Out of Her League,” and again touts the challenges of young athletes.

“It’s surreal to have a novel coming out on Netflix,” Ms. Iocapelli said before speaking with students about her journey as a professional writer. “I am more than excited and hope that everyone loves the story as much as I do.”

“Finding Her Edge” focuses on the Russo sisters, who are heirs to a struggling figure skating business. Inspired by Jane Austin’s “Persuasion,” the eight-part series highlights the sisters struggles with romance, family legacy and the competitive world of figure skating. There is even a love triangle between middle sister Adriana, her new skating partner Brayden and her ex-boyfriend Freddie. Adriana fake dates Brayden to save the family rink as they compete at the World Championships, all the while dealing with her intense feelings for Freddie, her former partner and true love.

Iacopelli spoke to high school students about the journey of having a novel optioned by a film company, the writing process and how directors and producers make a television show. She explained that she used much of the same writing process taught in English classes: formulating an idea, coming up with a plan and outline, and finally writing and revising the manuscript. She also revealed that writers of the the scripts for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “13 Reasons Why” were part of the team that wrote the script for “Finding Her Edge.”

“You don’t need a college degree [to write a book], Ms. Iacopelli told students. “All you have to do is come up with an idea and write it.”

“Finding Her Edge” is sure to be a big hit, as seen in the exhilarating trailer that was shown to students. Although point actors Madelyn Keys (Adriana Russo), Cale Ambrozic (Brayden Elliot) and Olly Atkins (Freddie O’Connell) are accomplished skaters, stunt shots and more complicated skating moves were performed by elite skaters. Ms. Iocapelli also has a cameo as a librarian who kicks students out of the library.

To say the Jr.-Sr. high school faculty is excited is an understatement. Faculty greeted her talk with students bearing balloons and a cake. English teacher Michelle Heaney summed it up when she said, ”This could not have happened to a better person. It [the “Finding Her Edge: television series] is sure to be a huge hit.”

Click here to view the From Novel to the Big Screen slideshow.

Date Added: 1/15/2026

Rohan Murphy, a double amputee and former Penn State Division I wrestler, spoke to High School students about the importance of perseverance, resilience and determination – traits that will carry them in their personal and professional lives.  

“You have a choice in life to be average, good or great,” Murphy said. “I hope from here on out that you choose great.” 

During the assembly, held in the auditorium on January 8,  Murphy told the students about his leg amputations at an early age, of his lifelong love of sports, and the coach who changed his life by suggesting he try out for the wrestling team. To the delight of students, he also challenged ESM athlete Cole Scesney during a demonstration of his wrestling abilities. 

Murphy also revealed to students that every person deals with adversity in their lives, and how they handle that adversity essentially reveals a person’s strength. Everyone must question what is holding them back.  

“If I can overcome this and become successful, why can’t all of you,” Murphy asked the students. “There are no excuses.”

 

Date Added: 1/13/2026

 

 

Tuttle Avenue School second grader Adrian Uzcategui and Dayton Avenue School third grader Austin Callegari were named first-place and second-place winners, respectively, in the Town of Brookhaven’s second annual Brookhaven Recycles Poster Contest. The goal of the contest was to promote the importance of recycling in an important way.   

The contest invited students to submit posters under the theme of “Choose to Reuse!” or Recycle Right!” and included the town’s recycling can nicknamed “Curby.” Adrian and Austin were recently honored along with six other winners during a town board meeting. They each received a framed copy of their posters, which were displayed in Brookhaven Town Hall. 

 

Date Added: 1/9/2026

The teamwork and caring shown by Tuttle Avenue School students will make this holiday season special for so many children in the community.

For several weeks, students donated toys for district families and the Eastport Bible Church. Called the Stuff-A-Bus program, the school gathered in the gymnasium to view the collection and to hear words of thanks from Pastor Jeremy Herr and his wife Laura Herr. The Herrs reminded the students that there are gifts inside of them that will last forever, such as their attention to peers and family, kindness and being a good friend.

Each first grade students was then invited to choose a toy to transport to the church’s bus, where the toys will be collected and distributed as needed this holiday season.

Jr.-Sr. High School classes and clubs united in their efforts toassistcommunity organizations during the holiday season by hosting the school’s annual Stuff-A-School Project, held in the school’s rotunda on Dec. 19.

Throughout the month, nonperishable food, clothing, arts and crafts, toiletries and babyitems were collected for those in need and displayed in the rotunda. Tenth grade English classes also set up a booth to make Holiday Hope cards to Oasis Rehabilitation Center, and toiletries were collected to support the communities local military.

In recognition of thestudents’and community’s hard work and generosity, members of the performing arts groups performed throughout the day, with holiday music and cheer resonating throughout the school hallways in preparation of the impending holiday.

Click here to view the Jr.-Sr. High School Hosts Annual Stuff-a-School Project slideshow.

Date Added: 12/18/2025