On Thursday, June 18, Oakwood had a wonderful Concert in the Park and SRR Celebration. Oakwood PTA was able to secure the talents of “Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could” who led the students in a fun and event filled morning that included lots of dancing.
The following award certificates were given:
Office of the Suffolk County Executive, Steven Bellone Public Service Award for academic success and commitment to the community: Luca Cuozzo.
New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli Achievement Award: Evelyn McGrorry and Luke Pedretti.
The Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman “Triple C Award” for Commitment, Character and Courage: Kimberly Rivas-Carballo and Luke Vaughan.
Wildcat Sports Camp Scholarship: Kiara Bonilla Maldonado and Ethan Jacoutot
Victory Challenge Medals: Jake Casden, Vincent Santamaria, Christopher Portillo Gomez, Josue Gomez-Benitez, and Justin Olivares.
Student Council Representative Award Certificates: Sofia Giacoponello, Ryan Tabibzada, William Diaz, Andie DeVinney, Lillian Dwyer, Ethan Arroyo, Ali Syed, Jazmynn Julien, Gabriel Santiago, Briana Flores Benavides, Evelin Rodriguez Perez, Julian Perez-Benavides, Rehan Naseer, Emely Aguilar, Corinne Belton, Daniel Mejia, Gabriella Anderson, Christopher Kancza, Angel Pareja Mondragon, Ever Chavez Hernandez, Giulana Bausano, Helena Anglade, Lucas Hill Mendizabal, Jaidyn Alvarez, Sabrina Whelan, Dylan Lemke, Isobella Seiller Spatafora, Anna Braglia, Lucien Saint Cyr, Lucy Maniatis, Riley Sherowski, Paige Hiller, Thomas Cusack, Dominick Chiusano, Demi Botta, Emily Cary, Alejandro Dutton, Jason Cortez Gonzales, Genesis Munoz, Ciara Coleman, William Lang, Erin Conlon, Aiden Dearborn, Samantha Castano, Luca Schneider, Patrick McManus, Marissa DeWitt, Silvia Martinez, Ethan Wang, Diego Saravia Rubio, Sydni Russell, Heather Kowalczyk, Arjun Airen, Luka Binsol, Jayla St. Croix, Tessa Binsol, Zachary Gluckstal, Emily Austin and Swraj Patel.
SRR (Safe Respectful and Responsible) Award Certificates: Connor Umstead, Alexis Koffer, Richard Linares Moreira, Olivia Tintera, Cosmo Jannes, Emily Jannes, Lillian Dwyer, Colby Sherowski, Michael Eastwood, Molly Gorman, Emily Sharp, Frankie Pugliese, Odalis Alvarado, Rehan Naseer, Angel Pareja Mondragon, Elmer Espinal Arevalo, Julian Perez Lemus, Evelin Rodriguez Perez, Jazmynn Julien, Ali SyedJoseph Fazio, Josilynn Brown, Paige Hiller, Joshua Evans, Avery D’Andrea, Mason Diamond, Abigail Mejia, Riley Sherowski, Domenica Isoldi, Osman Hernandez, Adrian Burga, Taylor Busch, Helena Anglade, Francesco Monez, Dylan Lemke, Hannah Guerrero Emily Cary, Matthew Colavita, Demetri Parrish, Samantha Kaileh, Brielle Browne, Cristian Ortez, Genesis Munoz, Pratyush Das, Abigail Burkitt, Matthew Gervasio, Yakelin Joya, Michael, Stande, Arjun Airen, Abigail LaRegina, Ruth Acosta Manzanares, Karen Valasquez Malonado, Ali Mohammad, Jason Cortez Gonzales, Anna Isernia, Jack David, Dylan Reader, Shayla Bholan, Brianna Figueroa, William Dowling, Joshir Lyons, and Emily Quintanilla Flores.
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Concert in the Park at Oakwood
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We're Off to Maplewood
Countrywood's 2nd Grade Celebration took place last week and over 200 students celebrated the end of the school year and their time at Countrywood. The big party, sponsored by the Countrywood PTA, included great music by a professional DJ, lots of hot pizza, Italian Ices, and snacks for everyone to enjoy.“Our second grade students along with teachers, staff, and special invited guests enjoyed a memorable event celebrating their time spent at Countrywood,” said Kellie D. Njenga, Assistant Principal at Countrywood. “Everyone had a wonderful time as each class came together to share food, games, and dance the afternoon away with a high energy DJ. A special thank you to the PTA for organizing this fabulous event for all to enjoy as our students get ready to move up to the 3rd grade at Maplewood.”
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Their First Graduation
This graduation won’t be their last, in another 13 years they’ll don their cap and gown and join their classmates for the traditional processional march as they leave Walt Whitman High School. But earlier this week our 4-year-old preschoolers took their leave of the SHIP Preschool Program, a free play-group experience for 3- and 4-year-old residents of the South Huntington School District.
Those who are familiar with our SHIP preschool program know that there wasn't a dry eye in the house during this year's stellar moving-up exercise. Cameras flashed and tears of joy rolled freely as our community's youngest students stood proudly in front of their families to receive their preschool diplomas. There is something truly refreshing about the look of limitless opportunity emblazoned on the faces of four-year-old superstars. Our SHIP program's success serves as a fitting tribute to the supportive parents and dynamic staff that work with our talented preschool children.
Thank you for a job incredibly well done to Coordinator of Speech-Language Services Marian Raspantini, Nurse Coordinator Jane Samuels, Psychologist Dr. Pamela Mitchell, Social Worker Ventura Trent, Special Education Teachers Debra Jarmon and Jessica Russotto, Paraprofessionals Mary Beth Silveri and Amy Miles, Speech Pathologists Kathy Fitzpatrick and Jennifer O’Daugherty, Physical Therapist Barbara Brush, Occupational Therapist Beth Cohen and SHIP/CPSE Secretary Denise DeLise.
Enjoy the slide show of the afternoon graduation group:
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Meet Walt Whitman's 2015 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Jonathan Sparling - Walt Whitman Valedictorian
Jon is an active guy. As one of the captains of the cross-country and winter and spring track teams he finds balance as first chair, playing the oboe in the NYSSMA Gold Award Winning Wind Ensemble. When it comes to athletics, Jon’s in it for the long haul, running in the 1000m, 1 and 2 mile and the 4x8 events, and of course cross-country. “Between track and wind ensemble you get a lot of motivation to excel, they push you forward, you want to be the best you can in your field,” said Whitman’s top ranked student. “I like activities where you can constantly improve on yourself and still be a part of a bigger picture and contribute,” said Jon, acknowledging both track coach and wind ensemble teacher played a big role in helping him achieve success.
Jon is a member of the National Honor Society as well as an AP Scholar, and a member of the National English Honor Society. He keeps busy off campus as well mentoring as a camp counselor, and volunteering at the Thomas School of Horsemanship and Park Avenue Physical Therapy. Jon will be attending SUNY Geneseo next fall where he plans on majoring in physics.“I’ve really had a fun time here getting to know everyone,” said Jon. “There is such a variety of people, the diversity makes it interesting because everyone adds to the overall experience in a good way.”
Isabel Sakarin- Walt Whitman Salutatorian
Earlier this spring Isabel Sakarin had a lot of choices to make when it came to colleges. Waiting to hear from no less than ten, we are happy to announce the Isabel will be attending Vassar College next fall. If you think that her list of co-curricular activities at Whitman gives a hint of what Isabel will be studying next year, you’d be wrong.
Isabel was a member of the cross-country team and this past fall was named the 2014 Fall Sports Scholar Athlete, along with Jon Sparling, another cross-country runner. It’s a given that she is on every ‘Minds in Motion’ list in whatever sport she participates. In the winter Isabel was a top contributor to the girls fencing team and this past season was nominated to the All-County Women’s Sabre 1st Team. She is a member of Mathletes, as well as the Art Honor Society; she speaks French, scoring in the top percentile nationally in the Le Grand Concours; and each year has been a contributing member of Body Electric, sharing her poetry to the standing room only crowd. She continues her love for ‘spoken word poetry’ beyond the Whitman campus.
So when she told us that next fall she would be studying Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, we were not surprised. This high achieving and multi-talented senior will no doubt excel in whatever she sets her mind to.
Congratulations to both Jonathan and Isabel!
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Project Excel End-of-Year Reception
Our Project Excel year-end ceremony, which celebrated the collective accomplishments of our South Huntington family, was held on June 8th. Our program coordinator, Dave Perkins, did a remarkable job bringing the community together for this special night. Thank you to our lead program mentors from each of the four buildings, Patty Urgiles, Richard Garcia, Shaka Williams, Jennifer DeNoble, and Ian Denson for providing such dynamic support to our students. Thank you as well to Monaco's Pizza, Affinity Health, Inc., and Pollo Campero for their generous support of our Project Excel program. It is inspiring to see what can be accomplished when a community works together in the best interest of their children.
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A Graduation Update
Hi All:
I just wanted to provide an update on tomorrow’s graduation ceremony. At this point it looks as though forecasters are predicting a break in the weather during the morning hours that will allow us to have an outdoor ceremony. Our custodial and grounds teams have numerous blowers and towels ready to dry the bleachers and seats and give us the best opportunity for a rain-free ceremony. Of course, forecasts can always change, and we have until 5:30 a.m. to make a final call about bringing the operation inside. However, right now we are moving ahead with outdoor ceremony preparation. I will be in touch between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. only if conditions and forecasts change. If you don’t hear from me again, our outdoor ceremony plans remain in place.
Congratulations to our graduates and their families. You have earned a very special day. Thank you as well to our dedicated teachers and staff who have contributed to this wonderful moment.
Have a great day and please be well.
Dave Bennardo
PS - Additionally, Dr. Bloom and his team are experimenting with a “UStream Link” that will provide a live feed of the ceremony. The procedure is new to us and this is a first try but it could be the start of something very exciting going forward. The link to the stream (which at this point will still include a few advertisements) is http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shufsd-live.
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Kalif Jones– One of the Nation’s Top Tenors
Walt Whitman senior Kalif Jones has been selected by the National YoungArts Foundation as one of the nation’s outstanding young artists. Kalif was selected from over 11,000 applicants representing a wide range of disciplines in the visual, literary, design, and performing arts.
The National YoungArts Foundation identifies and supports the next generation of artists; assists them at critical junctures in their educational and professional development; and raises appreciation for the arts in American society.
As you might expect, Kalif was chosen for this honor because of his incredible talent as a singer. While he enjoys playing the Cello in Whitman’s Symphonic Orchestra, Kalif’s future was set 13 years ago when he began singing and repeating in perfect pitch, anything he heard on his mom and dad’s radio or TV. He takes it all in stride though- “My voice does not define me,” said Kalif. “I’m a normal 17 year-old high school senior with typical thoughts like most kids my age.” Normal yes, but the National YoungArts Foundation judges have named Kalif one of the top five Classical Tenors in the Nation.
As part of the YoungArts New York recognition, in early May, Kalif was invited to participate in a series of workshops and to perform with some of the worlds greatest classical music personalities. This was not Kalif’s first time on the really big stage. When he was seven years old he was chosen to perform in the Metropolitan Opera with one of his all-time favorite tenors Placido Domingo. “This feels like the perfect cap from early childhood to graduating high school,” said Kalif who has decided to attend Westminster Choir College in the fall.
The path Kalif has chosen to take after graduation is not an easy one, but one that hopefully best prepares him for a bright future. There is the performing part that he has been so incredible at, and then there is the business part of the music industry, one that interests Kalif as well. “In five to seven years I see myself performing around the world as a tenor,” said Kalif, who admits to an adventurous side that craves travel more than anything. “At the same time I would like to be part of a large music corporation, helping set up programs.”
Kalif has thrived here in South Huntington’s schools. From Countrywood right on up through Walt Whitman his genuine personality has opened friendships that continue to grow and help define an exceptional young man. “I’m a regular person who genuinely cares about the rest of the world,” said Kalif. “I just love life…more than anything.”
Congratulations Kalif Jones, you make the South Huntington community proud!
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BOE President Jim Kaden's Graduation Speech – June 27, 2015
Good Morning. On behalf of the Board of Education it is my pleasure to congratulate you, the class of 2015 on the completion of your high school education. Graduation represents both a milestone in your life and for many a point where new paths are chosen.
It is my fervent hope that we at South Huntington Schools have accomplished our goal to lead you to attain the foundations you will need to achieve success in your lives. Along with your academic lessons you have had many opportunities to learn about becoming responsible citizens capable of fully participating in society.
At this point you are now called upon to assume your responsibility to provide your input to the great American experiment. To this day, the central concepts of our national charter that was forged in Phildelphia in 1787, remain consistent topics of the ongoing national debate: freedom of speech and religion, the right to bear arms, the right to privacy and the list goes on. It will fall on you and others of your generation to make the right decisions and that will require your full participation. Even while we all need to recognize the fundamental success and optimism of this great nation, we cannot fail to lend our minds to understanding our failings. Judging by the large number of horrific events that continue in this country and in the world, it seems apparent that there still remains a wide chasm between the ideals and promise of the American Dream and the American reality.
It is left to the American people to understand and address the challenge. One might think that with all the sources of information now available we would find it easier and easier to find solutions to problems, but very often the exact opposite is happening. Americans must struggle to gather information from multiple and often polarized perspectives just to gain an understanding of the basic facts of any given situation. Perhaps the biggest problem we face today is that issues needing the most attention often cannot even be discussed openly without fear of being trivialized or ostracized with one stereotype or another in an attempt to isolate others who don’t agree with us. It is in this isolation that the seeds of hatred and violence are sown. Whether it is the middle school child bullied to the point of genuine despair or the person who commits an act of terrorism for revenge, the result is the same; a tragic event that did not need to be. In light of the situation it is easy to see the American Dream as hypocritical and give up on it. That is exactly the wrong course of action.
Just as with us as individuals, there are often disconnects between where we are and where we want our country to be. As educated people it is our responsibility to take the time to understand the issues of the day and seek to understand why others feel differently than we do.
We must study carefully the words people use when they make statements. Are they merely looking for opportunities to place blame on a rival? Do they ridicule or marginalize other thoughts or seek to gain some advantage? Do they offer workable solutions or merely criticism and accusations that further polarize the debate?
As we reach out to others and try to persuade them to understand our own point of view, our goal must be to try to bring them in rather than drive them away. Please make it a goal to become a listener as well if this is not already your habit. You may find at times it is you who needs to change.
It is a sign of maturity to see compromise and debate not as dirty words as the media often encourages us to believe they are, but rather as tools to move us from where we are to where we want to be. You will find this same principle applies to your personal life as well. While it will often be more difficult to work toward middle ground than to posture, only one of the approaches consistently produces solutions to problems.
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.
When the ceremony and celebrations are over, please take some time to reflect on your own accomplishments. You have much to be proud of and this community joins your families to celebrate your success. Best wishes for whatever comes next. Be careful and safe this summer. Good luck and Godspeed.
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Dr. Bennardo’s Graduation Speech – June 27, 2015
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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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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