No matter how many graduations I attend as a student, teacher, coach, principal, and now Superintendent, there is something remarkably unique about each one. Sure the buildings are different, the school colors vary, and the grounds have their own special characteristics, but those aren't the things that distinguish a graduation and give it special character. The truth is that it is the people who give a graduation its authentic signature. It is the special stories – the individual and collective histories – the laughs – the cries – and the unique celebrations that only insiders can understand. A high school graduation takes on a life of its own through memories of classroom accomplishments, the pain of late night studying, exciting playoff runs, amazing concerts, beautiful art shows, shared smiles of happiness during good times, shared hugs of comfort during tough times, and a unique history that galvanizes a class of amazing students, proud parents, and dedicated teachers into a true Whitman family. The reality is that outsiders simply cannot understand what you (well, we) are feeling right now. Your Whitman experience is a complex, rich story that includes hundreds of twists and turns, ups and downs, and wonderful variables that combine for a lifetime of memories, and I consider myself so fortunate to have been invited in some small way into your class of 2015 family. I have been at your side with pride and watched as you cheered each other through good times, and picked each other up during some incredible struggles and tragedies; and through each and every moment, I stood in awe of just how much you cared for your Walt Whitman family. The truth is that I have never seen a class stick together and care for their school and each other so deeply.
If I am experiencing these feelings after only three years with the Class of 2015, you can only imagine the pride being felt by the people behind you who have shared your entire lives. Your moms and dads, your grandmothers and grandfathers, are feeling things right now that are almost indescribable. I know that because I see it in their eyes, feel it through their tears, and believe it through their proud smiles. You see, this thing called parenting is the most complicated job in the world. We start out just a few years older than you are right now, with almost no idea of what we are doing. In most cases we have barely paid a bill or lived on our own when we are handed this beautiful baby and told to meet our new son or daughter. It starts out so incredibly simple as we strap in the car seat and show you off to relatives, wait for you to roll over, convince ourselves that a mumble sounds like you’re actually saying mommy and daddy, or call everyone from the neighborhood in to see you take your first steps or hear you read your first words. Then the pace picks up and the real roller-coaster ride called parenting begins to gain steam. There is the first day of school when we are quite clearly more nervous than you. There are little league ballgames, music recitals, and talent shows, where we sit in the audience with a pride that is simply indescribable. There is the stress over Regents Exams, a pit in our stomach over SATs, nervousness over your driving test (in my house for each of the 5 tests it took to pass). Then there are parties, dances, boyfriends, girlfriends that come with school and all the joy and drama those entail. When you are happy, your parents are happy, when you are hurting, your parents’ hearts break, and they want nothing more than to take your pain away and bear it themselves. We quickly learn, however, that this is not the way life works. In fact, the older and stronger you get, the less we can control the variables that impact your lives. Remarkably, parenting is the only job in the world that if done well, makes the people we love most need us less and less each year. Now while there is a certain degree of melancholy in that reality, there is also the greatest feeling of accomplishment in the world.
While our hair might be graying a bit, and the vast majority of our life decisions such as career, marriage, and home selections have been made, you provide us with a fresh, open slate. Your moms and dads get up in the morning and believe the future is bright because they have a chance to live through your accomplishments. They (We) all smile a little wider and puff up with a bit more pride because of the men and women that you are and will become. It is almost impossible to imagine the things you will do, the places you will go, and the impact you will make on your families, this community, and your country. When all is said and done, you are the greatest gift we have left. You are our reason for believing! So I ask you to be a bit patient with the teary parents, grandparents, teachers, and staff today. You see they (we) love you so much, and we see hope springing eternal, and inevitable possibilities in your future.
So now, as I say good-bye, I want to leave you with those same parting wishes that we give to every graduating class. I hope you take a piece of South Huntington pride with you into the next phase of your life. I hope you find college life rewarding and that you fall in love with your new school the way we fell in love with you. I hope you find a career that makes it a pleasure to get up in the morning and keeps you proud each and every day. I hope you meet a person whose eyes you can stare into one day and say, “I do,” knowing that you’ve met a soul mate that you’ll have for the rest of your life. I hope you know the blessing of having a son or daughter wrap their arms around you and hear the words, “Mommy, Daddy, you’re my best friend.” I hope you know the blessings of good health. I hope you’re close with your own parents and recognize their wisdom for many, many years to come. And, most of all, I hope you remember us and keep Walt Whitman High School alive in your hearts for the rest of your lives.
I know that I will emerge from this year with the lifelong pride and understanding that for one small moment in time, I stood shoulder to shoulder with the Class of 2015. I could never thank you enough for the blanket of warmth that you have wrapped around our community. You are truly remarkable. God speed, Class of 2015. We love you very much.
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Dr. Bennardo’s Graduation Speech – June 27, 2015
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Walt Whitman 437 Graduates
The weather cooperated as 437 Whitman seniors began the next step in their lives. Students, guests, and family members heard from Board of Education President Jim Kaden, District Superintendent Dr. David Bennardo, and Whitman Principal Kathleen Acker. After a little less than 2 hours, Whitman’s Salutatorian, Isabel Sakarin, and this year’s Valedictorian, Jonathan Sparling, along with their 2015 senior classmates, began a new and promising chapter in their young lives.
An excerpt from BOE President Jim Kaden:"I have faith that one day America will realize the ideals and values to which we claim to aspire and I have faith in your ability to help make that a reality. To that end I urge each of you as newly minted adults to participate in your own lives, your families, your community, and yes, your government. I know that many of you already understand the need for, and the rewards of, community service and have been most generous with your money, talent, and time. To those that have kept it up, to those that haven’t I ask that you please remember those that gave of themselves so that you could prosper. When you are asked to do the same for the next generation, I hope you do so gladly."
An excerpt from Schools Superintendent Dr. Bennardo:“No matter how many graduations I attend as a student, teacher, coach, principal, and now Superintendent, there is something remarkably unique about each one. Sure the buildings are different, the school colors vary, and the grounds have their own special characteristics, but those aren't the things that distinguish a graduation and give it special character. The truth is that it is the people who give a graduation its authentic signature. It is the special stories – the individual and collective histories – the laughs – the cries – and the unique celebrations that only insiders can understand. A high school graduation takes on a life of its own through memories of classroom accomplishments, the pain of late night studying, exciting playoff runs, amazing concerts, beautiful art shows, shared smiles of happiness during good times, shared hugs of comfort during tough times, and a unique history that galvanizes a class of amazing students, proud parents, and dedicated teachers into a true Whitman family. The reality is that outsiders simply cannot understand what you (well, we) are feeling right now. Your Whitman experience is a complex, rich story that includes hundreds of twists and turns, ups and downs, and wonderful variables that combine for a lifetime of memories, and I consider myself so fortunate to have been invited in some small way into your class of 2015 family. I have been at your side with pride and watched as you cheered each other through good times, and picked each other up during some incredible struggles and tragedies; and through each and every moment, I stood in awe of just how much you cared for your Walt Whitman family. The truth is that I have never seen a class stick together and care for their school and each other so deeply.”
In her commencement message, Principal Acker shared a few requests that she would like the class of 2015 to consider:“Please set goals for yourself as they are absolutely necessary to motivate us. It honestly doesn’t matter what the goal you set for yourself as long as you set one.
Have the courage to take a chance on yourself or for something you feel is right. Be courageous. In the words of Walt Disney ‘All our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them."“Have self-respect. Be comfortable in your skin, love who you are. Each and every one of you is so important. As Maya Angelou has shared with us ‘You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.’”“Be a risk taker. Risk takers set goals and in spite of all obstacles do everything in their power to successfully attain them. It means looking at things from a different angle and being creative. It means taking chances and being willing to learn. Taking risks means making mistakes and having an understanding that in order to succeed you have to be willing to accept the fact that you may fail. As NBA player Michael Jordan states ‘I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.’”
Superintendent Bennardo’s, Principal Acker’s, and BOE President Jim Kaden’s complete commencement speeches will be printed in the July issue of Spotlight as well as a separate website posting.
Photo Gallery#1
Photo Gallery#2
Use the following link for a recap slideshow from Island Photography:
http://video214.com/play/b148J11ASO7DDg4B7u1PEQ/s/dark
Congratulations Class of 2105:
Angela Abbatiello, Omar Abdelsalam, Jennifer Kristan Agell, Yanira L. Aguilar, Jordan A. Aiken, Edeifo Brittany Aikhuele, Samia Akram, Alexander Alachan, Baylee Gray Albitz, Daniel J. Alcantara, Oscar Adonay Alfaro, Arionna Algarin, Erika Marie Algierie, Nicholas Aloisi, Meghann Alphonse, Alexandria K. Alpy, Emily Dianna Alvarado, Yiminzon Alvarado, Jossary Alvarado Bardales, Melanie A. Alvear, Harris Ansari, Cindy Aparicio, Ashly Marielle Arbizu, Jailene Arce, Stephanique Armstrong, Alexa Lee Arthur, Elisabeth Auguste, Hannah Faith Axmacher, Justin Baack, Rhenecia Balfour, Folasade Abimbola Bamgbelu, Olivia Gayle Banting, Jessica R. Barahona, Cassidy Layne Batkin, Jaron Batts, Sonia Bhardwaj, Robert John Bialoskurski, Emily Kirsten Biederman, Joseph D. Blackall, Donald Bonaventure, Nicholas W. Booher, Julianna M. Botta, Liana Marie Branis, Catherine Crystal Bromley, Amanda M. Brookman, Michael Brunet, Antoine Brian Butts-Miller Jr., Claude A. Cajuste, Kristin Jenna Calderone, Alison Eileen Calzada, Patrick C. Cammer, Akeem Campbell, Kevin Canales, Adrienne Cantave, Kristen Taylor Cardascia, James R. Carmichael, Emily Carmine, Benjamin A. Castillo, Christopher A. Cedeño, Paola Jolie Cespedes, Rene Chavarria Mejia, Jose Chavez, Sabrina Chavez, Kirandeep Cheema, Amy Chen, Maryam Choudhary, Christina Marie Civello, Sally Jane Cohen, Lauren Katherine Connolly, Kallie Conover, Nicholas Corallo, Ashley Lynn Corcoran, Nancy Thalia Cordero Pérez, Wendy del Rosario Cordova Cuadra, Briyana Cortes, Nathaniel Cortes, Alexandra N. Costa, Elizabeth A. Cruz, Thomas Cruz, Yaury Cruz, Fatima Cuadra, Arianna Cusumano, Abigail Lynn Daniels, Alexis Nicole Darrow, Jade Lauren Darrow, Blaise Shawn Davi, Erykah Renee Davis, William Charles DeFilippis, Samantha Paige DeGaray, Kieran J. Delaney, Angela DellaVedova, Sean Patrick Delle, Cesia Yesenia Deras, Justin Roz Devaraj, Joseph R. Di Piero, Nicole Grace Dia, Erin Casey Diana, Aldana Diaz, Christina Lucille Diffley, Collin Tyler Donovan, Matthew James Dougherty, Chase Mackenzie Dowdle, Kilian Duclay, Natalie Noelle Dunn, Keara E. Dunne, Tara Rae Edouard, Douglas W. Edwards Jr., Zermina Ejaz, Jasmine A. Erfan, Jamie Esperto, Eder Mauricio Estrada, Trevor Donald Ewald, Tyler Ezell Newkirk, Basher Faiz, April Rose Fallon, Vincent J. Feola, Raphael O. Fernandez, Thomas S. Ferrante, Michael Anthony Fiordalisi, Michelle Levia Fisher, William F. Flood III, Manuel Flores, Samuel Florian Jr., Gerard W. Foley, Thomas P. Foley, Cristobal Forno Gamonal, James Foti, Sheyla Franco, Gabriella Fuentes, Jessica Fuentes, Vanessa Lizeth Fuentes Trujillo, Rodrigo Javier Gallegos, Laura Ashley Galligan, Brandon Gallipoli, Connor Galvin, Michael T. Galvin Jr., Lesley Garay, Cynthia Gisselle Garcia, Diamond Ciara Garcia, Maxine Garcia, Ruben Garcia, Sarah Gasparo Sansiviero, Jacob P. Gemunder, Haley Angelica Gladitsch, Paige Gladstone, Hunter Payne Goldsmith, Ian Goldstein, Leslie Gonzalez, Matthew Evan Luis Goodman, Carlos G. Granados, Kayla Zarai Grande, Shawn, Bernard Grandoit, Elizabeth M. Greaves, Jacob Maxwell Greene, Nicole Patrice Grennan, Vanessa Stephanie Guardado, Peter Guastella, Oscar Gutierrez Garay, Leanne Elizabeth Else Haddock, Sumona Halder, Abdul Hanan Halimi, Jahmaal Shiloh Hall, Marielle Hammond, Danny Hankins, Joseph Samuel Hanna, Colleen Harrington Andre Harris, Gary Michael Harris, Nykwon Harrison, Merrill C. Harvey, Colin Patrick Hayes, William J. Heath, Matthew Henderson, Monica Henriquez, Robert J. Herley IV, Kassandra Luz Hernandez, Karla Y. Hernandez Amaya, Jaclyn Tara Hoffman, Scott Honickman, Kyle M. Hubbs, Karizma Ingram, Andrew Innocent, Cendy J. Interiano, Stephanie Nadine Jean, Melissa Jean-Pierre, Xavier Jeres, Allysia Marie Jones, Kalif Omari Jones, Gregory Josenhans, Jacob Christian Kahrs, Joshua Harris Kaplan, Hannah Nanette Karkari, Yoshitomo Kawasaki, Mara Ann Keen, Fahad A. Khan, Sarah G. Khemraj, Russell Kielawa, Lauren Nicole King, Julian Anthony Kleberg, Spencer Jacob Koch, Marina Catherine Kopf, Heather Nicole Kurash, Joshua D. Kurtzberg, Narenghie Dieunane Ladonis, Nikita Lakhanpal, Melissa Landaverde, Jameson C. Latko, Maureen Gabriela Leiva, Edwin Lemus Aguilar, Jailin Leon, Phoebe E. Levin, Mindy Lin, Megan May Lo, Christine LoNigro, Marissa A. LoCastro, Brianna Lopes, Danielle Lopes, Richard Lopez, Kahlil J. Lowe, Rebecca MacLeod, Nicholas J. Magnus, Chad William Maier, Monique A. Malcolm, Michael F. Malerba, Emily Morgan Manheim, Joanna Maniscalco, Brittany Mann, Emma Morgan Manson, Kate Manson, Keiry Manzanares, Kathryn V. Marchesiello, Ayesha Marghub, Tyler Maurice Marion, George Herman Marr III, Albert A. Martinez, Jonathan E. Martinez, Lizeth Martinez, Jack Marx, Hafsah Mohamed Marzouk, Yosif Mohamed Marzouk, Luis Christopher Masaya, Justin Matienzo, Ryan McAllister, Laura Anne McAuley, Alanna Marie McCarthy, William McCarthy, Colten McCrea, Colin McDermott, Sean Thomas McEntee, Christina Marie McFelia, Bridget McHale, Morgan McNulty, Nicole Lynn McNulty, Jason Medina-Moctezuma, William Mejia, Valentina Mendez, Aléysha S. Midgett, Albert Thomas Mills Jr., Ken Miyaguchi, Nixon Molina, Ja' Darius R. Moore, Timothy Morales, Nandi Nyanda Morancie, Samuel Alexander Moreno, Xayvion Morris, Jonathan P. Mozoon, Travis J. Muller, Gloria Jasmine Muralles, Zarmeen Mussa, José A. Nativi Ulloa, Pooja A. Navlani, Rabiya Nazir, Katelyn Neuman, Margaret M. Nostrand, German Nunez Maldonado, Sabrina Faryl O'Dette, Jonathan Robert O'Toole, Dakota Kenneth Obenauer, Sarah Catherine Olsen, Mikal Eric Oltedal, Vanessa N. Orr, Tyler James Osborne, Jimmy L. Ottinot, Alijan Ozkiral, Sandy E. Pacheco, Anthony Padinha, Sherina G. Parra, Gennaro Pascarella, Megha Patel, Shayna Gabrielle Pehel, Samantha Pellechia, Nicole Jamie Peluso, Angel G. Pena Reyes, Julia Kishanie Persaud, Brittany Peyser, SabinePhilippe, Sabrina Philippe, DanerahYvabeth Pierre, Zachary Richard Pietsch, Maxwell L. Pilgrim, Christian Pineda, Jenna Piromalli, Dillon Weil Platt, Tori S. Pomeroy, Heydi Ponce, Leslie Marie Portillo, Linda M. Powell, Shamar A. Powell, Melea Chantal Prepetit, Kaitlin Prianti, Richard M. Pulvirenti, Joel Tyree Quiles, McKenzie Behrens Quinn, Hira Qureshi, Derick Ramos-Monterroso, Jamal Rashid, Parrish Respass, Alexis Rose Restmeyer, Evelyn M. Reyes, Giancarlos P. Reyes, Zachary Reyes, Jaclyn Riccoboni, Gerald Riley, Brandon Adam Rivera, Dana Ashley Roach, Matthew Roberts, John Rocks, Cheryl Rose Rodriguez, Joshua Christian Roiland, William Roman, Victoria E. Rosa, Maggie E. Rosales, Christopher S. Ross, Sabrina Louise Rossero, Nicole L. Rowe, Jan Rozenveld, Fidel Antonio Rubio, Nicholas Antonio Ruiz, Chelsea Lynn Saccente, Shane Sacks, Irem Danielle Sadiklar, Marissa Safar, Wyatt Safran, Emmanuella Saint Charles, Benjamin Jahmon Sakarin, Isabel Jantana Sakarin, Korina Lynne Salcedo, Rafael Salcedo, Greta Salguero Morales, Allison Saltz, Khadijah Sands, Joseph Sansivero, Rebecca D. Sansotta, Brandon Santiago, Denilzon A. Saravia, Jose Junior Saravia, Robin Saravia, Abdul Sardar, Jennifer Ann Sarnataro, Francine Chu Sauer, Christopher Michael Scala, Jack Michael Schatten, Kristen Marie Schmidt, Evan J. Schneider, Steven Michael Schneider, Siena Schraml, Brian Schulman, Christopher Joseph Schulman, Melanie R. Schwartz, Sarah Scott, Ashley Rose Seebach, Robert J. Senecal, Joshua N. Shapiro, Ayumi M. Shiraishi, Abdullah Siddiqi, Mahum Jamil Siddiqui, Emily Silverio, Elisabeth Silverman, Sabrina Helen Simanoff, Michael James Simeone, Sara Slager, Jasmine J. Slaughter, Justin Smith, Luke R. Smith, Nikki Yetta Smith, Matthew Snyder, Zachary Sohn, Tariq Soliman, Jessica P. Sorto-Canales, Jonathan F. Sparling, Mary Rose Stone, Rachel Lynn Sundermier, Aryan Tabibzada, Evan P. Thode, Charles Spencer Thurer, Morsal Tokhie, Sahra Tokhie, Alyssa Torchon, Samantha L.Torres, Jenna Nicole Traina, Jaelin C. Trench, Ellen R. Tricomi, Katrina Ann Truglia, Carla Turcios, Manuel O. Uceda, Edwin O. Ulloa Moreira, Matthew Sean Umberto, Jenna Uryevick, Kieran Harrington Vaher, Lindsay Anne Varolian, Brian Vasquez, Alexis Vasquez Lazo, Kiara S. Vasser, Christian Vaughan, Martin Velasquez, Johnathan C. Vergis, Jennifer Vilorio Alvarez, Gabrielle Elizabeth Vital, Jonathan Patrice Vital, Christian James Vollmer, Sarah Wahab, Aheesha Fayola Watkis, Jack Watson, Ryan Francis Wendell, Yu Qing Weng, Sabrina White, Azjah Y. Wilkerson, Sheldon Williamson, Megan Larissa Windt, Eliza Wong, Sean Thomas Wuestman, Anthony L. Wurtz, Shaista Zadran, Kabir K. Zafar, Hannah Lillie Zaiff, Samuel Zakow, and Andy Zuniga.
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Walt Whitman Principal Kathleen Acker's Graduation Speech – June 27, 2015
Good Morning Dr. Bennardo, Mr. Kaden, Members of the school board, members of Cabinet, administration, staff members, family members and graduates. Welcome to the 2015 Walt Whitman High School Commencement Ceremony.
High school graduation is the day that students wait for right from the time they step into their first school. It is a very proud and exciting moment in a student's life. And for all those people that care and value them, it is indeed a proud moment. Graduation is the day when students complete their first 13 years of education and are free to step into the world and begin making their own decisions with regard to continuing education and career choices. It is the day when all the hard work that they put in, pays off. Graduation is a memorable and emotional moment, filled with laughter, happiness, caps thrown in the air, picture taking, and tears of joy and sadness of parting with friends.
In the words of Robert Orben, an author and presidential speechwriter, “A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that "individuality" is the key to success.” Though you are all dressed alike you are unique individuals that have managed in a very meaningful way to achieve something that is the first step towards being successful in this journey called life.
This year’s Video Year Book had a title in the beginning, which I think is very profound as it defines who you have been throughout your educational career thus far. It states “Whitman Be Together… Not the same”
When I was talking with staff about their impression of who the Class of 2015 is.. Mr. Yolango stated that “Even with all the different races, religions, and sexual orientations, this senior class was a big family. They didn't see those things...they saw each other as people.”
Ms. Papianou shared that in this class are profound thinkers, philosophers, dreamers – scholars whose thoughts go well beyond the confines of the norm.They are visionaries who think deeply and authentically.
Mrs. Latko shared a quote from renowned linguist Lev Vygotsky's quote: "Through others, we become ourselves" she shared that the class of 2015 is unique in theirsupport of each other'sdifferences, accomplishments, skills and personalities. Simply stated, they value one another. They have helped each another become who they are.
Again I will state this……”Whitman Be Together… Not the same”
This country is in the process of graduating over 3,000,000 millennials this year. Your generation is being referred to as the “millennials”. Millennials were born between 1982 and 2000. And this just released by the US Census Bureau on June 25, 2015… Millennials Outnumber Baby Boomers and Are Far More Diverse. You now represent more than one quarter of the nation’s population and have been the most diverse generation on record. I have always referred to Walt Whitman High School as a beautiful slice of America. Our diversity is something to be celebrated and my hope is that it has prepared you for citizenship in a multicultural community, country, and world.
Just an aside Millennials use social media more frequently than any other generation and are even more likely to sleep near their cell phone. Goldman Sachs states that Millennials are the most scheduled generation ever, are true multi-taskers, should expect to have 6-8 careers in their lifetime and are attracted to diverse environments. Whitehouse.gov website states this about Millennials… they have been plugged into technology since they were babies. While all generations have experienced technological advances, the sheer amount of computational power and access to information that Millennials have had at their fingertips since grade-school is unparalleled.
You are truly a generation that has the potential to have a dramatic, positive, global impact. I am so excited to know that the students sitting here today are our future…. They have the character, the capacity, the drive, and ability to keep making this world a better place. And I for one cannot wait to watch this unfold.
Another special quality of this class is their commitment to service. This class has amassed over 23,950 of reported community service hours, and I am sure that there are equally as many unreported hours. This class has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism like no other and I am very thankful and proud. As shared by The VSO, an organization that uses volunteers to fight poverty and reduce inequality, volunteering is the ultimate expression of human relationships – people acting on behalf of their communities, because of a desire to contribute and help. As stated by Princess Diana, “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
Throughout your four years here I have mentioned on numerous occasions that there is no feeling like sitting on the football field on that June weekend as you celebrate your graduation. I would now like to share with you why I think that a high school graduation is like no other that you will experience in your life. There will be no other graduation where you may have known the person sitting in front of you since preschool or kindergarten, where the person sitting behind you took swimming lessons with you, or where the person 3 rows back wore the same Cub Scout or Brownie uniform as you. There will be no other graduation where you will remember when a fellow graduate had braces, or played little league with you or exploded a volcano with you as you prepared for the science fair. There will be no other graduation where you shared a driver’s ed car, enjoyed proms, suffered through the SATs, and shared the excitement of receiving your college admissions letter with a friend and then you realize that you will be attending on opposite coasts. High School graduation is the end of a journey, a special journey like no other complete with a realization that the bond that has been established among each of you that feels so strong right now is unlikely to be felt exactly like this again in your lifetime.
At this point I just have a few requests that I would like the class of 2015 to consider:
Please set goals for yourself, as they are absolutely necessary to motivate us. It honestly doesn’t matter what the goal you set for yourself as long as you set one.
Have the courage to take a chance on yourself or for something you feel is right. Be courageous. In the words of Walt Disney “All our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them."
Have self-respect. Be comfortable in your skin, love who you are. Each and every one of you is so important. As Maya Angelou has shared with us “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Be a risk taker. Risk takers set goals and in spite of all obstacles do everything in their power to successfully attain them. It means looking at things from a different angle and being creative. It means taking chances and being willing to learn. Taking risks means making mistakes and having an understanding that in order to succeed you have to be willing to accept the fact that you may fail. As NBA player Michael Jordon states, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.”
As we are here on your graduation day you now face a future of endless opportunities and a world of infinite possibilities. As stated by the International Business Times, Merriam-Webster defines "graduation" as "the act of receiving a diploma or degree," but for the more than 3 million students leaving school this year, it's so much more. Graduation is a time to reflect on memories and celebrate your academic accomplishments. It's a time to appreciate the past but consider the future. It's a time to tackle new experiences with the lessons you learned from old ones.
Have confidence and always believe in yourself! There is a saying from an unknown author, “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on its own wings”.
The other day I went into the Chorus room and saw the beautiful mural painted by the Art Honor Society and it included this passage from a poem from our own Walt Whitman. So I would like to end my commencement address to you with that passage:“I sing a song of myself, as others have done before me, but none have sung a song like this because this one is mine, and there will never be any like me”.
Graduates I wish you a lifetime of success and dreams come true I also want to leave you with this…. do not listen if people tell you that you can’t; because you can!!!!!
Congratulations graduates!!
Congratulations parents!
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Maplewood Graduates 210 5th Graders
Maplewood Intermediate School held their fifth-grade awards assembly on Tuesday, June 23rd at Walt Whitman’s Performing Arts Center. Maplewood Principal Dr. Vito D’Elia welcomed parents and special guests congratulating the parents, students, and their teachers for their hard work and commitment in making 2014-15 such a successful year.
Dr. D’Elia, assisted by Assistant Principal Dr. Alison Bruno, greeted each 5th grader with a certificate. Physical Education Awards were given out by Ms. Gross and Mr. Slovak after which Dr. Bruno recognized the many groups that help to make their years at Maplewood such a successful experience. Groups such as the Safety Patrol, Peer Mediation, SBM, and the Student Council were recognized. Dr. D’Elia then presented the Presidential Award for Academic Achievement, and the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. Before Dr. D’Elia’s closing remarks, the audience was delighted to hear from the Maplewood chorus, directed by Mrs. Melillo, with their rendition of “The Best Day of My Life.
Congratulations to the following Maplewood fifth-graders who will be joining their new friends from Birchwood on September 1st at the Silas Wood 6th grade Center:
Mr. Campbell/Mr. Cardella:Enoc Alfaro Rivas, Matthew Andersen, Rafel Azhar, Alexa Beaubrun, Breanna Blackman, Haylee Caserta, Guadalupe Cruz, Andrew Diaz Luna, Christopher Drolet, Jack Fallon, Joseph, Gurba, Gianna Inga, Anyi Maldonado Lara, Connor McCall, Grace Mc Mahon, Jace Nerzig, Jada Nguyen, Laiba Qureshi, Reyna Isabel Ramos, Ryam Treffeisen, Tanya Uceda, Jason Ward, Christian Weber, and Cole Wenner.
Mrs. Ciccarelli:Kailee Adomaites, Stephanie Aguilar, Joshua Alms, Niraj Balu, Marisa Bobal, Liam Curtin, Kayla Gonzales, Jonathan Holleran, John Hoppe, Devin Jackson, Joshua Jaramillo, Amelia Kongevold, Olivia Macchiarola, Jonathan Maldonado Gonzalez, Matthew Marrone, Natalie Martinez, Tahlia Mc Coy, Grady O’Loughlin, Angie Reyes, Kylie Rocks, Bradley Rosen, Haley Sahadeo, Jonathan Sanchez Canales, Luka Schwarz, and Kira Steffen.
Ms. Huss:Jeremy Glover and Jovahny Glover.
Mr. Walsh:Francis Charles and Henri Sorto Guevara.
Mr. Winters:Amaan Awan and Jack Cary.
Mrs. Powers: Martina Bustos, Nadine Davi, Cristian Diaz, Emerson Mendez Mercado, Deborah Rosier, and Brian Wagner.
Mrs. Dolan-Manner:Michael Anest, Jennifer Ballentine, Emelia Bitonti, Christopher Bonilla, Richard Cortes, Kerri Delaney, Nakiya Delgado, Liam Gorman, Lorely Hassman, Serena Heddell, Grace Knakal, Jessica Kollmer, Cortney La Bella, Alianna Mauro, Luis Meza Garcia, Alexander Molina Vasquez, Jason Parada, Silvana Pawa, Kadence Pipota, Murid Quorishi, Haseeb Raja, Gracyn Speter, and Edward Valencia Chileno.
Mr. Fauci/Ms. McQueen:Nicholas Abreu, Sergio Acajabon, Hannah Albert, Trent Artz, Xavier Beard, Victoria Bell, Dev Bhardwaj, Seth Blaise, Eric Cabrera, Nicholas Campanelli, Christopher Davis, Ahmad Elfeky, Alexandra Garden, Fiona Hamilton, Jessica Hover, Alyssa Katwala, Benjamin Koch, Olivia Martinez, Anthony Montanez, Shanoya Newell, Jack O’Brien, YiMei Potzinger, Christopher Ramos, Emily Sakran, and Mia Stampfel.
Mrs. Garafalo:Keith Argenzio, Brianna Barthold, Nicholas Bottoni, Thea Brown, Mia Brunetti, Jason Campos, Kristy Chillemi, Brooke Connor, Gavin Cooper, Ryan Davis, Gabriella Dowling, Amanda Esposito, Stephen Farrell, Jennifer Garcia, Isabelle Geribon Sass, Jordan Henkel, Lens Jean Pierre, Matthew Mejia, Daniel Muccini, Anthony Orgera, Michael Phillips, Anthony Rossero, Daniel Schlansky, Thomas Silverman, and Abigail Tavera.
Mrs. Hatton:Jesse Alvarez, John Andreoni, Judith Anest, Amy Bacilio, Anthony Carino, John Castronovo, Angelina Chiquitucto, Benjamin D’Agostino, Alexandra Fink, Alexandra Fullerton, Ryan Gannon, Moises Hernandez Bonilla, Kate Hoffman, Kaidence Lydon, Patrick McHale, Julia Mendoza, Dayana Moreira Jaramillo, Christopher Negron, Noah Ramos, Toby Rea, James Steigerwald, Jennifer Vilorio, Brandon Wagner, and Matthew Zappulla.
Mrs. Lourenco:Desiree Alvarez, Maya Biblow, Alexander Calderon, Jasmine Dogra, Kellan Farrell, Joseph Fico, Angel Garcia, David Haller, Victoria Hocknell, Joseph Iazzetta, Bianca Isernia, Paige Kessler, Salma Laraki, John Lupton, Gabriel Mc Donnell, Yesenia Mudry, Anabelle Muellers, Meghan Murray, Ansul Patel, Nicole Ramirez, Jason Thide, Jonathan Ward, Alexander Weber, and Sabrina Yam.
Mrs. Gaitan:Arnold Aguilera, Kaitlyn Allen, Wilfredo Alvarenga, Fatima Argueta Giron, Antonio Canales, Francisco Canales, Jerry Canales, Zyriah Cardwell, Angel Catalan Hernandez, Joshua Chandre, Kellyn Chavez, Kevin Cruz Barrera, Steven Flores, Jefri Gomez Diaz, Katerin Gonzalez Hernandez, Henry Hidalgo, Rebecca Horner, Jennifer Lemus, Orlen Lopez Vanegas, Nicholas Monegro , Nicole Moreira Crespo, Delaney Parlante, Domenick Pastore, Herber Quijano, Franco Reyes, Jariel Reyes Ochoa, Kevin Reyes Veliz, Monica Rios Reyes, and Leidy Salazar Lopez.
Photo Gallery
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Happy 4th of July from Superintendent Bennardo
Hi All:
I want to take a moment and wish the members of our South Huntington family a very happy and healthy 4th of July. While the weekend ahead will certainly be filled with well-deserved BBQs and picnics, the day itself represents so much more to our nation's people. The truth is that Independence Day is a distinctly American phenomenon that binds our great nation and reaffirms our commitment to democratic values. TheJuly 4thholiday has special meaning because it transcends racial, ethnic, and religious lines and galvanizes our people throughout the generations.
Although there are those who might argue that the spirited, often contentious, discourse that characterizes our nation's politics is a sign of failure, the reality is that this robust debate is quite simply a sign of democracy in action. The proud patriots who risked freedom and fortune in Philadelphia in 1776 envisioned a nation rich with diverse opinions and passionate positions. Similarly, the brave souls who shed their blood in the fields, skies, oceans, deserts, jungles, and beaches of distant lands, did so in the hopes of preserving our freedom for healthy discourse. The robust debate that often consumes our political system is not a sign of the nation's failure, but instead an affirmation that this grand experiment called the United States is in fact a brilliant, complex work in progress. The "perfect union" envisioned by our nation's framers is not necessarily a destination, but a lofty ideal worthy of our continued participation and sacrifice.
So as we turn on the grills this weekend and enjoy the wonderful family time, let us also pause and give thanks for the good fortune we enjoy. We are privileged to live in a great nation and a beautiful community. Our diversity of backgrounds, opinions, and pursuits is a blessing that few countries enjoy, and we will most certainly continue our progress towards a grand, national ideal.
Have a happy 4th of July.
Be well,
Dave
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Stimson 8th Grade Awards Night Group #2
Stimson Middle School recently held their 8th grade awards night as they prepare to send an exceptional group of students to Walt Whitman High School in the fall.Congratulations to the following students from the Technology, Spanish, French, Italian, Suffolk Zone P.E. Daughters of the American Revolution, NYS Attorney General, NYS Comptroller's, Program Design, and Mr./Ms. Stimson Award Groups:
Note: Photo captions of names not necessarily in order.
Jaden Speter Technology Bronze Medal
Charles Nostrand Technology Silver Medal
Ashar Farooq Technology Gold Medal
Dylan Witt Spanish Bronze Medal
Desiree Kleberg Spanish Bronze Medal
Elena Davis Spanish Bronze Medal
Mariah Boyle Spanish Bronze Medal
Kalynn Twist Spanish Silver Medal
Ashar Farooq Spanish Silver Medal
Samantha Vincent Spanish Silver Medal
Joseph Lewin Spanish Silver Medal
Roy Harel Spanish Gold Medal
Morgan Wagner Spanish Gold Medal
Gabrielle Safian Spanish Gold Medal
Keyla Perez Spanish Gold Medal
Meghan Soulias French Bronze Medal
Katherine Gotard French Silver Medal
Mabel Bassi French Gold Medal
Shaan Khan Italian Bronze Medal
Stephanie Martin Italian Bronze Medal
Kathya Cisneros Rivas Italian Silver Medal
Patrick Wuss Italian Silver Medal
Jonathan Macchiaroli Italian Gold Medal
Meghan Italo Italian Gold Medal
Dominick Esposito Suffolk Zone P.E. Award
Meghan Soulias Suffolk Zone P.E. Award
Jennifer Duclay Daughters of the American Revolution
Brandy Caceres NYS Attorney General Triple C Award
Vincent Richards NYS Attorney General Triple C Award
Jennifer Duclay NYS Comptroller's Student Achievement Award
Reyha Mete Program Design
Jack Cox Mr. Stimson
Desiree Kleberg Ms. Stimson
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Stimson 8th Grade Awards Night Group #1
Stimson Middle School recently held their 8th grade awards night as they prepare to send an exceptional group of students to Walt Whitman High School in the fall. Congratulations to the following students from the Art, English, Math, Music, Physical Education, Science and Social Studies Award Groups:
Note: Photo captions of names not necessarily in order.
Chloe Morris Art Bronze Medal
Reyha Mete Art Silver Medal
Vanessa Franco Art Gold Medal
Alyssa Christiansen English Bronze Medal
Efrain Citle Palestino English Bronze Medal
Darwin Quintanilla English Bronze Medal
Katherine Gotard English Silver Medal
Alexandra De Garay English Silver Medal
Rocio Ramos Vasquez English Silver Medal
Kelly Strigaro English Gold Medal
William Valle English Gold Medal
Marc Canales English Gold Medal
Leonardo Montoya Garcia English Gold Medal
Jason Devaraj Math Bronze Medal
William Valle Math Bronze Medal
Shaan Khan Math Silver Medal
Efrain Citle Palestino Math Silver Medal
Ashar Farooq Math Gold Medal
Vincent Richards Math Gold Medal
Man Patel Math Gold Medal
Rocio Ramos Vasquez Math Gold Medal
Vanessa Franco General Music Bronze Medal - GM
Anthony Bosco General Music Silver Medal - GM
Casey Gilmartin General Music Gold Medal - GM
Leila Perry Band Bronze Medal - Band
Megan Neuman Band Silver Medal - Band
Gabrielle Safian Band Gold Medal - Band
Sarah Heath Orchestra Bronze Medal - Orchestra
Jaycie Cardoso Orchestra Silver Medal - Orchestra
Maxwell Fisher Orchestra Gold Medal - Orchestra
Keara Shea Chorus Bronze Medal - Chorus
Deanna Tabibzada Chorus Silver Medal - Chorus
Maxwell Morris Chorus Gold Medal - Chorus
Jessica Boyle Phys. Ed. Gold Medal
Danielle Kleet Phys. Ed. Gold Medal
Desiree Kleberg Phys. Ed. Gold Medal
Maxwell Fisher Phys. Ed. Gold Medal
Raj Shah Phys. Ed. Gold Medal
Christopher Pileggi Phys. Ed. Gold Medal
Ashar Farooq Science Bronze Medal
Jared Wright Science Bronze Medal
Skylar Pekarek Science Silver Medal
Ismaeel Ahmad Science Silver Medal
Andrew Ferreri Science Gold Medal
Joshua Salvador Science Gold Medal
Roy Harel Science Gold Medal
Leonardo Montoya Garcia Science Gold Medal
Morgan Wagner Social Studies Bronze Medal
Man Patel Social Studies Bronze Medal
Shaan Khan Social Studies Silver Medal
Madison Aucone Social Studies Silver Medal
Ashar Farooq Social Studies Gold Medal
Vincent Richards Social Studies Gold Medal
Jayda Rosene Social Studies Gold Medal
Leonardo Montoya Garcia Social Studies Gold Medal
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Happy 4th of July
Hi All:
I want to take a moment and wish the members of our South Huntington family a very happy and healthy 4th of July. While the weekend ahead will certainly be filled with well-deserved BBQs and picnics, the day itself represents so much more to our nation's people. The truth is that Independence Day is a distinctly American phenomenon that binds our great nation and reaffirms our commitment to democratic values. The July 4th holiday has special meaning because it transcends racial, ethnic, and religious lines and galvanizes our people throughout the generations.
Although there are those who might argue that the spirited, often contentious, discourse that characterizes our nation's politics is a sign of failure, the reality is that this robust debate is quite simply a sign of democracy in action. The proud patriots who risked freedom and fortune in Philadelphia in 1776 envisioned a nation rich with diverse opinions and passionate positions. Similarly, the brave souls who shed their blood in the fields, skies, oceans, deserts, jungles, and beaches of distant lands, did so in the hopes of preserving our freedom for healthy discourse. The robust debate that often consumes our political system is not a sign of the nation's failure, but instead an affirmation that this grand experiment called the United States is in fact a brilliant, complex work in progress. The "perfect union" envisioned by our nation's framers is not necessarily a destination, but a lofty ideal worthy of our continued participation and sacrifice.
So as we turn on the grills this weekend and enjoy the wonderful family time, let us also pause and give thanks for the good fortune we enjoy. We are privileged to live in a great nation and a beautiful community. Our diversity of backgrounds, opinions, and pursuits is a blessing that few countries enjoy, and we will most certainly continue our progress towards a grand, national ideal.
Have a happy 4th of July.
Be well,
Dave Bennardo
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A Special Visitor Comes to Countrywood and Maplewood
When 26-year old Air Force Sergeant Zach Taillie had an air force flight team fly an American flag on a B-1 Bomber in a combat mission over Iraq, he knew exactly what he was going to do with that flag.
Over the course of the past school year SSgt. Taillie, from Liverpool, NY, has been in communication with a group of students from Countrywood Primary Center and Maplewood Intermediate School. Both classes were participating in ‘real world projects’ as set up by South Huntington Special Education Teacher Ms. Gail Shapiro. “The pen-pal communications helped our students learn to compose and print letters,” said Ms. Shapiro. “They learned how to create and send emails on their iPads, including inserting photos and saving and organizing their communications in folders.”
It was through sharing these letters that SSgt. Taillie developed a relationship with Maplewood 5th grader Domenick Pastore. As it turns out young Domenick wants to become a Navy SEAL and the two became fast friends. SSgt. Taillie just completed his second tour in the Middle East and one of his first stops since returning home was here in South Huntington to meet and thank his pen pals. “Zach brought the letter writing campaign full-circle, helping our students understand that the time they took to write letters, draw pictures, and send care packages made a big difference to him and his entire squadron,” said Ms. Shapiro.
The students were not told about the surprise visit until the very last moment and their excitement was priceless. After his visit to Countrywood, Zach headed to Maplewood were a special room was decorated and cameras rolled with some of New York’s biggest news outlets capturing the moment when SSgt. Taillie presented the certified combat flag to 10-year old Dominick Pastore. “I think your dream of becoming a Navy SEAL is awesome,” said SSgt. Taillie. “It’s not easy to get in, but if you work really hard to get good grades you will be able to make it.”
Thank you Air Force Sergeant Zach Taillie and Gail Shapiro for giving our students such an enriching experience. Congratulations to all of our students who were involved in writing to SSgt. Taillie and especially to the Pastore family.
To view some of the media coverage of SSgt. Taillie’s visit please use the links provided below:> http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/06/24/li-boy-meets-air-force-sergeant-pen-pal/> http://7online.com/education/long-island-students-get-surprise-visit-from-their-air-force-pen-pal/803376/> http://longisland.news12.com/news/military-pen-pal-visits-huntington-station-school-1.10577062#autoplay=true> http://www.fios1news.com/longisland/huntington-station-students-military-penpal-visit#.VYtXHeuDdv0
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Notice of Board of Education Meeting - July 13, 2015
NOTICE OF MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Board of Education for the purpose of
principal interview search will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015, at 8 p.m. in the
District Office Board Room (#110) of the Administration Building, at 60
Weston Street, Huntington Station.
This meeting is open to the public.
Please click here for more information.
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Countrywood Celebrates 50 Years
Countrywood’s 50th Anniversary ceremony took place on Friday, June 5. Ms. Barbara Kenney, Principal, welcomed the guests and shared the history leading up to the celebration. The program was live-streamed into all of the classrooms, so that our staff and students could be part of this historic event. On display for all to see were photo albums, scrapbooks, and other memorabilia of former teachers, support staff, and students from the 1960s through 1990’s. Everyone was excited to see each other, to reconnect with former classmates and long-lost friends, and to reminisce about their cherished years at Countrywood.
There were several distinguished guests present for this special event: Superintendent Dr. Bennardo, Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Harris, and Board of Education members: Mr. Nicholas Ciappetta and Ms. Lisa Brieff. Also in attendance were Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci; Councilman, Mark Cuthbertson, and Councilwoman, Susan Berland; former principals: Ms. Karen Siegel, Dr. Emily Rodgers, and Mr. Robert Bird, Principal, and former Assistant Principal, Ms. Fran Hyde.
After a greeting from the Superintendent, Mr. Ciappetta addressed the audience and spoke about his years at Countrywood. Dr. Rodgers and Ms. Hyde were on hand to unveil the contents of the 1990 time capsule, as they were the leaders in 1990. Back then, a metal box proved to be too costly, so a Coleman cooler served as the time capsule. Prior to opening the time capsule, Ms. Hyde read, “A Letter to the Future,” which began with, “Whoever is reading this letter is going to share in the lives of those of us who are burying a time capsule on June 8, 1990 to mark the 25th birthday of our school. We want you to know about life in our time. We also want to “touch” the future.” And that is exactly what the school community did to celebrate Countrywood’s second quarter of a century. All focused and waited excitedly with much curiosity to discover what they had put in the time capsule so long ago.
Grade by grade, Dr. Rodgers identified items to include a Snow White script, a copy of the school song, a picture of President Bush, Three Bears Talking Story, a T. V. Guide, a class video, the 6th grade class of 90 T-shirt, to name a few. Dr. Rodgers spoke of the stained glass window, which still hangs in the main corridor, as well as a framed wall of 6th grade class photos recalling these special moments in time. This celebration brought back a lot of fun memories for so many. This would not have been possible without the backing of our School Based Management Team and our PTA liaisons.
In celebration of Countrywood’s 50th Anniversary and keeping with tradition, our kindergarten, first grade, and second grade teachers/students collected artifacts to be put into a new time capsule. Ms. Njenga identified the items, which were put on display for all to see. The new time capsule was buried in front of the school on June 15th in front of families,’ staff, and students and will be excavated in the year 2040.
Hopefully, when the children, staff, and community of the future open the capsule during the 75th Anniversary, they will know that an incredibly talented and dedicated group of teachers and support staff worked tirelessly on behalf of the children. Countrywood’s spirit, character, and true sense of community will undoubtedly live on forever!
Photo Gallery50th Anniversary
Photo GalleryNew Time Capsule ceremony
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Thank You Huntington Toyota
South Huntington coaches and Superintendent Dave Bennardo gathered at the new Walt Whitman Scoreboard on the edge of the turf field to give a big thank you to Huntington Toyota as one of our newest corporate sponsors. Thabiti Lee, General Manager and Stephen Gargoyle, the Service Director at Huntington Toyota joined the group for a formal photograph in recognition for their commitment to the South Huntington community and its students.“We at Huntington Toyota have been involved with the South Huntington Schools community and the Wildcat Booster club for a couple of years, and we believe it’s important for local businesses to give back to their community,” said Mr. Lee. “My wife and several of our employees went to Walt Whitman and many of our employees live in the area, so we care about the students and the community. We’re a family oriented business and we want to treat the community like they’re our family.”
Thank you Huntington Toyota for your commitment to the South Huntington School Community!
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Mr. John Murphy Appointed Walt Whitman High School Principal
Hi All
It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Mr. John Murphy as the new principal of Walt Whitman High School. Mr. Murphy progressed through an inclusive search of over 70 applicants, as well as numerous rounds of screenings, committee meetings, writing samples, interviews, and reference checks. We are genuinely excited to have Mr. Murphy join our South Huntington family, and thank all of the staff members, students, and parents who provided input throughout the process. The collaborative approach that characterizes our South Huntington district was on full display during this important search, and we all look forward to great things in the years to come.
Mr. Murphy comes to us from the Brentwood School District, where he served as the assistant principal in charge of a building center that includes over 2000 students in grades 10-12. Mr. Murphy, who holds graduate degrees from Stony Brook University, and is currently working towards his Doctorate at St. John's, has a strong reputation as an instructional leader and community-focused administrator. Mr. Murphy's tenure at Brentwood High School brought an increase in academic performance at all levels and an emphasis on scholastic, social, and co-curricular success.
After accepting the principalship, Mr. Murphy expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged the totality of his efforts to the position. He communicated a genuine desire to immerse himself in our learning community and become an active part of the Walt Whitman family. To this end, Mr. Murphy, who officially assumes his new role in early August, will spend the next several weeks communicating with students, parents, teachers, and staff alike. He plans to tour our numerous summer activities, while arranging both formal and informal meetings with representatives of our various constituent groups. Additionally, Mr. Murphy will be working closely with Ms. Acker over these next several weeks to ensure a seamless transition and smooth September opening.
Mr. Murphy will be reaching out to the members of our learning community over the next several days and sharing his new email and phone numbers as they become available. Please take a moment to get to know this newest member of our South Huntington team.
Be well,
Dave Bennardo
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Mr. John Murphy
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Summer Reading Program 2015 - I Reached 100 Points!
Click Hereto let us know that you have finished the Summer 2014 Reading Program and reached 100 points.
Every Hero has a Story
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Walt Whitman AP Summer Assignments
Please click here to view the AP summer assignments.
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LI Musical Theater Ready for Opening Night
The Long Island Musical Theater Festival gets off to a big start this evening when a troupe of Long Islands top musical theater students journey through the illustrious career of Tony nominee and Emmy winner, Liz Callaway. This celebration in song will honor and pay tribute to the career of this famed actress who made her Broadway debut in the original production of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along.
To add to an already special evening, Ms. Callaway will join the cast onstage for one of her more famous songs, as well as performing a couple of solo numbers to the delight of everyone in the audience.
Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 8pm
Tickets: $30 for Adults/ $20 for Students & Seniors
Adelphi University Performing Arts Center
1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
To purchase tickets, please visit www.LIMTF.org
The Long Island Musical Theatre Festival is a non-profit program dedicated to producing a full-length musical with a professional orchestra in two weeks. During that time, students receive training from industry professionals while being surrounded by peers who share the same passion and skill set. Students will have the opportunity to work with a Broadway guest artist, discuss resume building, and learn audition techniques.
This summer, LIMTF will be producing “Merrily We Roll Along” featuring master classes with Tony nominee and Emmy winner, Liz Callaway. Along with starring in Merrily We Roll Along, Cats, Baby, Three Musketeers, Miss Saigon, Something Wonderful and The Look Of Love, Ms. Callaway is famous for providing the singing voices of many female characters in animated films, such as Anya/Anastasia in Anastasia, Odette in The Swan Princess, and the Adult Kiara in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.
The LIMTF program will take place at Walt Whitman High School on weekdays from July 20–July 31 from 10 am – 6 pm. Performances will be on Friday, July 31st at 8pm and Saturday, August 1 at 3pm.
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6th Grade Experiment to Be Tested in Outer Space!
A team of students from Silas Wood 6th Grade Center is interested in finding out if polymer beads can clean laundry in zero gravity. Their findings could help astronauts clean their clothes on the International Space Station, and in the future, on the moon or Mars!
Six students will have the opportunity to test their experiment on the International Space Station later this year. As a part of the *Student Spaceflight Experiment Program (SSEP), they will be among a select group of students who have had the opportunity to conduct research in microgravity.
During the mission, the student team will conduct two identical experiments – one on the Space Station and one in their classroom – to see if microgravity has an impact on the effectiveness of the polymer beads. The Polymer beads, supplied by Xeros Corporation, clean by expanding when in contact with a small amount of water, absorbing stains. The students predict the beads will work the same way in space, eventually allowing astronauts to clean their clothes while preserving water, a precious resource in space.
The winning team members are: Hassain Babar, Dylan Cellamare, Richard Kurjanski, Leo Musitano, Stephan Tsolis, and Jacob Veeder. The group will begin 7th grade next year at Stimson Middle School. Their teacher at Silas Wood is Ms. Carol Kelly.
The STEM Experiment was selected from 40 proposals submitted by 184 students from three South Huntington schools. A local committee made up of students, teachers and administrators from the Farmingdale University STEP Program, and a representative from the Astronomical Society of LI selected the top three experiments. A national review board, convened by the National Center of Earth and Space Science Education, which administers the program, selected the South Huntington experiment for spaceflight.
A student-designed mission patch will travel to the International Space Station with the experiment. Mia Stampfel and YiMei Potzinger both 5th-graders from Maplewood Intermediate School designed the winning patch. The patches will be certified as having flown in space and returned to display in South Huntington after the flight is completed.
Congratulations to all of our students who submitted experiments for judging, and especially to the finalists at Birchwood and Maplewood Intermediate School. This is an exciting example of how our STEM program in South Huntington is blossoming throughout the various grades and we are extremely proud of our winning team from Silas Wood, Long Island’s 1st STEM Career Academy.
Funding from local and national partners, including A Plus, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Casis, Cameron Engineering, Circor Airospace, Farmingdale State University, Long Island Forum for Technology, Subaru, and Zion Youth of Elmont made this wonderful experience possible.
*The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) is a national science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program undertaken by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education in partnership with NanoRacks LLC, which is working with NASA under a formal Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a National Laboratory.
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Wildcat Sports Camp Highlights
The 2015 Wildcat Sports Camp came to a close last Friday, July 24th and the camper feedback has been extraordinary. Camp directors Vin Altebrando, Robin Rosa, Tom Fitzpatrick, and John DiGiacomo ran quite an operation with four weekly sessions that kept over 1,000 campers busy with Field Hockey to Flag football – Basketball to Baseball, and everything in between.
Campers chose from a half-day to a full day and the experienced staffers expertly guided their young charges in the finer details of their chosen sport. “This summer was another great all-around experience, especially to see our varsity coaches provide such a high level of instruction to the campers,” said Vin Altebrando. “This community type of sports camp gives everyone, from the young athlete looking to seriously up their game, to the youngster wanting an active and fun experience, the chance to do it all.” Seeing our Walt Whitman alumni return to their familiar fields, courts, and diamonds and engage with their much younger community members provided an exemplary environment that makes the South Huntington community so special.
Thank you to all the coaches and staffers, as well as our campers and their families for making this year’s Wildcat Sports Camp so successful. Enjoy the rest of your summer… see you all next year.
Photo Galleryfrom Session 2
Photo Galleryfrom Session 3
Photo Galleryfrom Session 4
Photo Galleryfrom the Huntington Manor Fire Truck
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Youth Program Connecting at Whitman
Suffolk County and Huntington Town Officials held a press conference at Walt Whitman High School on Wednesday evening to thank the South Huntington school community, Board of Education, and district administration for their overwhelming support for the Suffolk County Youth Connection program.
The Suffolk County Youth Connection is a summer activity program open to all, but aimed specifically to provide educational and recreational activity for youth in Huntington, Huntington Station, and South Huntington free of charge. More than 100 resident students, age 12-18, are participating in the five day-a-week program, which runs from July 13 to August 21. Activities range from basketball and golf to creative writing, photography and robotics.
Open enrollment every night ensures that students may sign up on the spot and attend at any point during the program. Tuesdays through Fridays have a Middle School program from 5-7PM and a High School Program from 7-9PM. Monday nights are dedicated to children with disabilities 6-7:30PM.
The program is the brainchild of Huntington Councilwoman Tracey A. Edwards, who can be found at Walt Whitman almost every night speaking with her support staff and coaches, and most importantly, encouraging students and making sure they know that they are loved and supported. The program is one of the councilwoman’s action plans that include the promotion of quality of life initiatives; and the creation of additional partnerships with school districts and local businesses to increase youth programs.
The program is presented jointly by Suffolk County and the Town of Huntington in collaboration with the South Huntington School District, the Huntington Opportunity Resource Center Leadership Council, the Suffolk County Police Department, the Park Shore Science Camp Academy, the Huntington Manor Fire Department, the Huntington Ecumenical Ministers Alliance, Tri-CYA, REACH-CYA, David W Parker Lodge #72 and chapter 64, OES, and the Huntington branch of the NAACP. Other sponsors include the Huntington Community First Aid Squad, Integrity Golf and Canon USA.
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'Merrily We Roll Along'
There is a fantastic performance taking place this weekend at the Walt Whitman High School Performing Arts Center. The Long Island Musical Festival Theatre, which includes many of our talented students and music teachers, will be presenting “Merrily We Roll Along” by Stephen Sondheim on Friday, 7/31 @8 p.m.andSaturday, 8/1@3 p.m. The Performing Arts Center is sure to come to life with the sights and sounds of this wonderful show as Long Island’s finest talent comes to our community for a weekend of musical excellence. Please join ustonightortomorrowfor this fantastic show.
Tickets: General Admission - $25 adults, $20 students and seniors.
Merrily We Roll Along chronicles the lives and careers of three best friends. The story begins in 1976, and ends in 1957. The music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim with a book by George Furth and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick.
Walt Whitman students and alumni who are featured in the cast of “Merrily We Roll Along:” Sam Hoffman, Nick Magnus, Lauren Giglio, Marina Kopf, Megan Montemurro, Carlos Villatoro, and Tyler Zeoli.“Glorious…Heartbreaking…The charms of the music are still abundantly evident…The cheers began with the first bars of the show’s overture, the most infectious and conventionally stirring that Mr. Sondheim wrote.”– New York Times
Friday, July 31 at 8pm
Click here to purchase tickets
Saturday, August 1 at 3pm
Click here to purchase tickets
Walt Whitman Performing Arts Centre
301 West Hills Road, South Huntington, NY 11746
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