Congratulations to Ms. Kiva Boozer and Nicole Mercurio, whose talented Walt Whitman Varsity Dance team took the National Dance Alliance Summer Training Festival by storm. Teams from Long Island and New Jersey attended this popular summer season tune-up and competition.After a rigorous several days we are proud to post the following results:
Team Awards:
Superior rating in Team Dance
Superior Showmanship Award
NDA Spirit Award
Gold - Team Leader Performance
Herkie Teamwork Award (Named after the founder of NDA)
Individual Awards:
3 All American Team Members -Katherine Cox, Amanda Moletz, and Arianna Carlson
Bid to the National Dance Championship in Orlando Florida
Top Gun Kick Winner - Marina Kilkenny
Top Gun Turns Winner - Katherine Cox
Congratulations girls! A special thanks to their coaches and parents who work incredibly hard helping to ensure a successful start to the new season.
2015-16 Team Roster: Arianna Carlson, Catherine Costantino, Katherine Cox, Taylor Greco, Jenna Kilkenny, Marina Kilkenny, Rachel Kilkenny, Amanda Moletz, Pamela Pulverenti, Madison Repetti, and Brittney Salerno.
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Varsity Dance Team Kicks Off Season
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Audiences Love ‘Merrily We Roll Along’
Right from the opening scene you knew you were in for a treat. The professional orchestra was spot on and the wonderfully talented cast of the Long Island Musical Theater Festival (LITMF) once again captivated their audience with a top-notch production of Merrily We Roll Along.
Our very own vocal director, Mr. Steven Altinel is the Artistic and Musical Director of LIMTF and organized this special program which joined Whitman students and alumni Tyler Zeoli, Lauren Giglio, Marina Kopf, Nick Mangus, Sam Hoffman, Megan Montemurro and Carlos Villatoro onstage with the finest musical theater talent in the region.
Earlier in the week it was a genuine thrill to see Whitman students and staff performing side by side with Broadway star and Emmy winner, Liz Callaway. Ms. Callaway conducted a master class with the LIMTF cast in preparation for the performance, and joined them in a special performance at Adelphi University that honored and paid 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.
Photo Galleryfrom Merrily We Roll Along
Photo Galleryfrom Master Class
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.
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Meet Your New Principal Tonight!
On Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at 7 p.m., Dr. Bennardo and I would like to cordially invite you to attend an informal reception to provide the parents and community the opportunity to meet before the start of the school year. This gathering will be held in the Walt Whitman High School south cafeteria with light refreshments served. It is my hope that many of you can attend.
Respectfully,
John Murphy
Principal
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Summer Music & Arts Camp Concludes on a High Note
The summer music and arts program once again provided excellent opportunities for students of all ages to try something new or improve on talents and skills they already have. Over 100 youngsters took advantage of this affordable and enriching camp held at Walt Whitman High School.
This summer’s music and arts camp menu included band, orchestra, chorus, and jazz, with daily rehearsals and small private and group instruction. A new and very popular addition to the music program this year was Rock Band. “Many of our staff have either graduated from college or are in graduate school and active in music and the arts,” said Mr. Allan Deitz, who co-directs the camp with Mr. Frank Yolango. There were special small group instruction classes that include piano, brass, woodwinds, violin, saxophone and percussion. Art classes were busy in several rooms with illustration, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry making, and basic art that include photography.
South Huntington has a strong dance program and a group of youngsters took full advantage in this summer’s dance classes. Responding to increased interest in the performing arts, classes were added in Pantomime, Intro to Acting, a Show Tunes Vocal Workshop, and a popular Theater Program. There was also a special elementary program that gave our second- and third-graders individualized exposure to music, art, and theatre. “This was a great camp with a long history and a terrific staff,” said Mr. Deitz.
As our creative and performing arts students’ progress through the district’s schools, it’s especially rewarding to see the tremendous increase in both quality and participation. The arts are truly alive and well in South Huntington.
Photo GalleryThursday Performance
Photo GalleryFriday Performance
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Drive Begins for Back to School Supplies
The Brandywine Senior Living Community is coordinating a "Back to School Supply Drive,” and all the supplies they collect will be donated to Countrywood and Oakwood Primary Center’s students. The supplies will go to students who may not be able to afford school supplies, art teachers, etc.
Supplies can be dropped off until August 29th at Brandywine Senior Living, 70 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747. For additional info call Charlene Loglisci at: (631) 531-0000
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Way to Go Epi and Gaby!
There have been two epiphanies in the lives of Gabrielle and Epiphany Ramirez, both of which are connected. It is truly difficult to find the two sisters separated, many peers know them better as the dynamic duo: ‘Epi ’n Gaby.’ The first epiphany is actually the younger sister Epiphany, or Epi as she prefers.
Epi was born with ocular albinism, which is the lack of pigment in the eyes. She was diagnosed as legally blind, but after surgery and many pairs of glasses she is no longer considered blind.
Since Epi and the rest of the members of the Ramirez family wear eyeglasses, the sisters quickly learned the high cost associated with eyewear. As a result, the second epiphany appeared in their lives: the creation of Eye Partners Inspire (E.P.I.).
Eye Partners Inspire is a non-profit foundation and its main vision is to provide eyeglass frames to disadvantaged Long Island residents. The girls collect used eyeglasses, clean them, and then redistribute the eyeglass frames to many of their neighbors. Epi and Gaby do not ship collected eyeglasses overseas because they understand the high need for quality eyeglasses among low-income Long Islanders.
As of now, Eye Partners Inspire has held two successful events: one at St. Hugh of Lincoln in Huntington Station and the second at St. Luke in Brentwood. Collectively, E.P.I. has donated over 225 eyeglass frames to Long Island residents. The group has saved these neighbors an estimated $22,500 (based on average retail price of $100 per frame).
After their first successful year, Epi and Gaby are very optimistic for Eye Partners Inspire's future. Recently the two sisters were interviewed by Huntington Patch, (http://patch.com/new-york/huntington/sisters-high-school-launch-nonprofit-serve-community-0). The girls are currently working on launching a new Eye Partners Inspire program: “Give the Gift of Better Vision.” The premise includes providing full eyeglass packages (eye exams, lenses, and frames) to Long Island children for the holidays.
Way to Go Epi and Gaby!
For more information regarding this exceptional foundation please visit the EPI website: www.epilongisland.org.
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SHEF FAMILY FUN DAY THIS SUNDAY!
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Getting a Jump on the New School Year
As in the past, the 2015 English as a New Language (ENL) Jump Start Program included incoming kindergarten students into our ‘Parents and Children Together’ (PACT) classes. These two classes welcomed 24 students who have never attended preschool and will start kindergarten in September. Throughout the four-week program, students and parents became familiar with school in preparation for the start of school on September 1st.
The transition into kindergarten can be stressful for children who have never been exposed to a school setting, but not for our kindergarten PACT families! Through songs, art, play, books and daily school-home communication, they have learned and enjoyed what our schools have to offer. Each Friday, parents join their children in class for an hour of learning activities and discussion. On the last day of summer school, they took the learning outdoors for some playground literacy fun! Ms. Maria Rodriguez and Ms. Joanne Sanchez welcomed our youngest students with four weeks of dynamic activities that planted the seeds for a great start of kindergarten and a better school career.
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TOPSOCCER Fall Registration Open!
SOUTH HUNTINGTON SOCCER CLUB
TOPSOCCER (SPECIAL NEEDS DIVISION)
Join us in this extraordinary non-competitive program for children with mental and/or physical disabilities. This program is for special needs children who are not able to participate in a regular soccer activity. Children learn to play soccer in a fun and pressure-free environment while also improving their self-esteem.
This program, for players ages 4-18, consists of a one hour weekly clinic consisting of drills and a scrimmage. The clinic is held on Saturday mornings at Maplewood Intermediate School in Huntington Station from 10:00-11:00AM. There is a spring season and a fall season.
Registration is currently being accepted online for the Fall 2015 season at www.southhuntingtonsc.com
The cost is $50 and includes a t-shirt, team photo and trophy.
For more information contact Christy Gudaitis at 631-421-2876 or cgudaitis1@optonline.net
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Exciting News From Our Wildcat Marching Band
You can support the marching band cause and have a great lunch/dinner by visiting Mario's onAugust 26thfrom11AM-10PM. Simply show the attached flier, enjoy your meal, and know that you are helping our students shine.
The excitement continues on September 9th and 10thwith auditions for our upcoming Wildcat Marching Band "Who's Got Talent" Competition. This audition, which will be held from5-8PMin Room 224 at WWHS provides participants a chance to be included in our Friday, October 22ndDistrict-Wide Talent Show.
Those interested in auditioning can email:bpa@wwhsmb.comwith your name, date you would like to audition, and a brief description of your act. You will receive a return email with your audition time. Please be prepared to pay the nominal $5 registration fee at the audition. Additional information is included on the attached flier.
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Fall Adult Education Courses Set
Adult Education Registration Open!
Sign Up Today for our Adult and Continuing Education Courses.
Download course booklet below.
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Healing Through Teamwork
Sean and Kilian Duclay are having a busy summer. This past weekend the brothers led a small armada of 30 sailboats out of Northport harbor and into the Long Island Sound for a day of sailing. But these boats were not manned by your average sailor, they were skippered by Veterans who have learned, thanks to the Duclay brothers program, ‘Sail Ahead,’ that sailing offers healing therapeutic benefits for veterans with post-traumatic stress.
This first annual event, held at the Centerport Yacht Club, hosted over 80 veterans, their families and devoted volunteers. Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci joined members of the Huntington community to celebrate Sail Ahead. “To be here, at the inaugural Sail Ahead event, is to bear witness to the nautical culture of Long Island paying homage to our veterans in a unique and unconventional way,” said Lupinacci.
Sean and Kilian, who were inspired to use sailing as a healing method for veterans with post-traumatic stress, coordinated the event. We’ve highlighted these two young men before but in case you would like to know more, please use the following links about this remarkable program and Sean and Kilian Duclay.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Jennifer Duclay, a freshman at Walt Whitman, did many of these fantastic photos. Jenny has been very involved in this event and in the Sail Ahead organization as well. She was assigned to the USMMA RHIB and boarded every boat to take pictures.
http://www.shufsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=21553
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/sail-ahead-group-uses-sailing-trips-as-therapy-for-veterans-1.10765263
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Wildcat Booster Club & Modell's Team Week Savings
The Wildcat Booster Club is excited to offer you this 15% off coupon valid 8/28 - 9/24
Save it to your phone, share it with your friends, use it multiple times! The best part is while you are saving, Modell's will donate an additional 5% back to the Wildcat Booster Club win, win!
Please join us for our first meeting this *Thursdayin the training room at the North Gym. (*note this is a date change)
Thank you!
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First Day of School Brings Excitement
Summer recess officially ended today as more than 6,000 South Huntington students headed back to school. At Stimson Middle School, principal Edwin Smith greeted our 7th and 8th-graders for his second year, and at Walt Whitman, new principal John Murphy was with many of his senior class students as they decorated the campus in their annual senior sunrise celebration, signifying a new day and a new year.“This chance for a fresh new beginning each year is unique to the world of education, as it offers renewed energy, optimism, and opportunity for every school community,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Dave Bennardo in his welcome back message.
As is customary in South Huntington, our new kindergarten students ride the bus for the first time accompanied by their parents. It makes for a smooth transition for moms and dads. Long Island’s first STEM Designated Middle School – Silas Wood, is ready for their third year highlighting the new and exciting opportunities that STEM education will create. And our littlest SHIP students embark on a year full of exploration and fun as they acclimate to a school setting. Already pros at navigating their hallways, our 4th and 5th graders at Birchwood and Maplewood held out a welcoming hand to help make their new 3rd graders comfortable in their new school. “There is a genuine sense of pride permeating South Huntington, and we stand poised for more wonderful growth in the year to come,” said Bennardo. “We believe the sky is truly the limit for our students and staff, and the cooperative relationship enjoyed between the members of our learning community fuels a common sense of mission within the district.”
Welcome Back Students and Staff!
Photo Gallery
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Thank You Unity Church of Healing Light
Thank you Reverend Evelyn Digsby and the congregation from the Unity Church of Healing Light! This is the 16th year in a row that the congregation and ministerial staff of the Unity Church of Healing Light on East Pulaski Road in Huntington Station graciously donated backpacks, each filled with school supplies. Representatives from the church were at South Huntington School District offices today, Wednesday, September 2nd to donate over 100 backpacks filled to the brim with school supplies for needy elementary children in our district.“We sincerely appreciate this generous donation to our students,” said Deputy Superintendent Ms. Jacqueline Harris. “Our partnership with Rev. Digsby and the Unity Church of Healing Light continues to be a blessing to our neediest students.”
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Girls Tennis Opens Season
We hear from coach Rory Sherman that the Walt Whitman Varsity Girls Tennis team opened their season with a tough battle against Kings Park on Wednesday afternoon. Stepping up and leading the Wildcats at first and second singles were senior Misha Patel and sister Shailee who both won multiple games for Whitman. At 3rd singles, Kayla Soulias defeated her opponent in dramatic fashion winning both sets in tiebreakers. Julia Ballontine played well and narrowly missed a victory.
In Doubles play Christina Bogdani and Emma Coleman demonstrated the meaning of teamwork as they played. Allie Wirth and Sabrina Greenberg won multiple games and had a strong come from behind set. Mabel Basi and Sarah Panza both played extremely well beating their opponents in straight sets 6-0, 6-0.
Please come support the girls at their next home meet on Thursday, September 10 against Northport at 4pm.
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Wildcats Sweep Westhampton
We hear from boys’ volleyball coach Mike Patto that the varsity team opened their season on Thursday evening shutting out Westhampton Beach 3 sets to 0. (25-5, 25-18, 25-21). Jack Poplawski (#12) had 6 kills and 3 digs. Dylan Diamond (#11) had 19 assists and 3 aces. Chris Corbett (#33) had 13 digs.Come out and support our guys at their next home match, Thursday, September 10th at 4:30 in the North Gym.
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Board of Education Honors Students
At the September 2nd Board of Education meeting, the Board, administrators and members of the community congratulated our Project Excel students on their fine summer work. Project Excel provides mentoring, counseling, homework help, parent training, paid work experiences, and youth employment opportunities. Our Project Excel program continues to be a source of tremendous pride for students, parents, and teachers alike and is a proud cornerstone of South Huntington’s education program.
Coordinator of Student Services Mr. David Perkins, who supervises the Project Excel Program, brings his passion for student success, networking, and counseling to his tireless work with our students. “We were very happy this year to have South Huntington students working in our facilities, special education, athletics, and central offices, as well as our extended school year program,” said Perkins. Each student worker was paid approximately $1,400 by the Suffolk County Department of Labor.“It was inspiring to hear our students speak of their proud summer employment experiences,” said Deputy Superintendent Jacci Harris. “And it was particularly heartwarming to learn that the work had encouraged several of our students to consider careers in special education.”
We congratulate all of our Project Excel students and offer special thanks to Sonata Weingarten and Julio Taku for sharing eloquent essays with the Board meeting audience. “I learned that I am much smarter than I though I was,” read Sonata in her thoughtful essay. “The workshops helped us get ready to work. They taught us about making a good impression, dressing nice, being polite, and managing money.”
For Julio Taku, working as a counselor in the Extended Summer Youth Program, the experience gave him a new appreciation for our Special Education students. “I could go on for days about what the Excel Program means to me,” wrote Julio in his essay. “But this summer, working with Ms. DeNoble, Mr. Rentz and Mr. Metzak, I learned just how amazing our Special Ed Kids are,” said Julio. “They are smart, artistic, kind, funny, and overall awesome. This was the highlight of my whole summer and definitely a worthwhile use of my time.”
Congratulations to the following students who got the opportunity to learn and earn this summer. Thank you Project Excel, and thank you parents for your commitment to your children’s success. Jose Acevedo Santos, Germany Ariste, Jevon Burke, Jalynn Cooke, Brianna Flythe, Thalia Forney, Shadae Graham, Kayla Hampton, Colin Hayes, Wendley Jean Baptiste, Carol Lopez Garcia, Monique Malcolm, John Monteforte, Jason Moreno Quintanilla, Paul Naclerio, Deyling Raudales, Daniel Reyes, Cindy Richard, Jared Rosenthal, Jason Seidl, Evan Schneider, Justin Smith, Julio Taku, Cedrick Victor, and Ona S. Weingarten.
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Instruments vs. Voices? Either Way, We Have Two of the Best Right Here at Whitman.
Walt Whitman seniors Tyler Zeoli and Joonho Ko have been selected to participate in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National Honors Ensembles. The award is the pinnacle for high school musicians as they have been selected as the best of the best after achieving All-State recognition in the prior year. Tyler was selected to the All National Honors Mixed Chorus and Joonho the All-National Honors Concert Band.
Joonho is a top player on the men’s tennis team and a leader of the Wildcat Mathletes team. He is also a member of the Whitman Jazz Band. “This award represents the greatest achievement I could have had in my high school music career,” said Joonho, who plays the Euphonium in the Concert Band. “It means a lot to me.” Joonho is currently concentrating his college search on places that will enable him to take his love for math, engineering, and computer sciences to the next level; MIT, Stanford, and Cal Tech to name a few.
Tyler Zeoli plays the Viola in the Chamber Orchestra and the Concert Orchestra, but it’s the instrument inside that has brought him this national achievement. “There is something about performing music with words that I fine amazing,” said the leading bass member of the Whitman Choir. Like many students, Tyler progressed through the grades sampling from the extensive menu of extra curricular activities and electives, and has narrowed his focus to the performing arts and music. Tyler would like to attend the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU next year.
Both of these outstanding musicians will travel to Nashville on October 25th where they will perform in a series of concerts with other top musicians in the country.
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Field Hockey Opens With Big Win
We hear from Walt Whitman Varsity Field Hockey Coach Karen Schmitt that on Tuesday evening, the Lady Wildcats won their home league opener against Patchogue-Medford 3-0. This win comes on the heels of the non-league 2-1 win over cross-town rival Huntington. Junior goalie Emily Dickson had 9 saves for the shutout. Senior Nikki DeLuca scored two goals and senior Kelly Baumann scored one goal. Come support the team at their next home game this Friday against Lindenhurst at 4:45 p.m.
Photo Gallery
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