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Bellport High School’s top seniors
were recognized during the annual senior awards ceremony, held
in the gymnasium on June 7. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the
former senior awards format was divided alphabetically into
three separate assemblies to allow for parents to attend.
Additionally, the ceremony was livestreamed via a link posted to
the high school webpage, Grade 12 Google Classroom and the
Senior Awards and Recognition Google Classroom.
In all,
138 awards were presented to the Class of 2021’s highest
achieving students who received community scholarships, local
and regional recognitions, department honors, military honors,
student government recognitions and athletic awards.
During his opening address, Class President David Carlson
described his classmates as resilient individuals who learned to
adapt to the many challenges they faced through the pandemic.
“Life will constantly throw curveballs at you. Life will
constantly keep you guessing,” David said. “We’ve been through
COVID, so I can guarantee you can get through much more.”
Principal Timothy Hogan said he was proud of the individuals
who are receiving “special and meaningful awards.” He called
each student to the podium as their photo and list of
recognitions flashed on a screen. Each of the students received
a senior tote bag, containing the honors they received, and
copies of the senior awards programs.
On June 3, the Suffolk County School
Superintendents Association continued its long-standing
tradition of recognizing the highest-achieving graduates in
Suffolk County. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 27th annual
Celebration of the Class of 2021 Valedictorians was presented as
a virtual event. School superintendents, valedictorians and
their parents gathered in small groups, within their own school
districts, to view the event and celebrate the outstanding
accomplishments of this year’s valedictorians.
SCSSA
President and Center Moriches School District Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Ronald M. Masera hosted the event, thanked the
association’s corporate partners for their support in helping to
make the event possible and congratulated the valedictorians on
their success.
“Some of the most highly regarded schools
in the nation are located in Suffolk County,” Dr. Masera said.
“To achieve the status of a Suffolk County valedictorian is an
extraordinary achievement.”
This year’s keynote speaker
was Jon Gordon, well-known author of several books including
“The Energy Bus” and “The Power of Positive Leadership.” He
spoke to the valedictorians about the benefits of positive
leadership and the true meaning of encouraging others to
succeed.
“You have the power to transform the world,”
Mr. Gordon said. “You decide your future. Be a positive leader
and impact the people around you. Remember, the best is yet to
come.”
The SCSSA would like to congratulate all of this
year’s valedictorians, including Bellport High School Class of
2021 valedictorian Anthony Notartomaso.
This year, on
behalf of the SCSSA, South Country Central School District
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani presented Anthony
with a commemorative program, congratulatory video, a
certificate of achievement, a cherished childhood storybook,
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss and Jon Gordon’s book
“The Energy Bus.” The program and video, which was created
especially for the Class of 2021, featured information about
each valedictorian’s school district, their formal senior
yearbook photo, their college of choice and anticipated major.
The choice of the storybook was certainly appropriate, as this
year’s valedictorians plan to attend some of the most
prestigious institutions of higher learning in the nation.
In addition to recognizing the valedictorians, the SCSSA and
their corporate partners awarded scholarships in every high
school in Suffolk County to a highly deserving graduating senior
planning to pursue a career in education or social services.
These worthy scholarship recipients were selected by their own
school districts for this special recognition.
The South Country Central School
District is pleased to announce that Bellport Middle School
social studies teacher Megan Bevan was named Social Studies
Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Long Island Council for
the Social Studies.
Nominated by Director of Humanities
Jaclyn O’Hagan, Ms. Bevan was formally recognized for her
teaching accomplishments during an awards ceremony, held on June
10 in Melville. As a winner of the Social Studies Middle School
Teacher of the Year Award, Ms. Bevan has been invited to present
at the 40th annual LICSS Conference on Oct. 29, 2021.
Ms.
Bevan has taught social studies at Bellport Middle School for 17
years and currently teaches seventh and eighth grade inclusion
social studies. She is also the lead social studies teacher at
the middle school.
“As a social studies teacher, my goal
is to help students develop an interest in social studies and
civic engagement,” Ms. Bevan said. “As an inclusion teacher, I
also try to create a classroom environment in which students
value each other’s differences and work together to achieve
goals.”
During the past two years, the Bellport Middle
School social studies department has developed a project-based
learning experience for seventh graders. One example is Civics
Day, in which students identified problems in the community,
researched the causes and provided solutions to district
administrators and local officials.
The South Country Central School
District marked two important milestones for faculty retirement
and tenure during the virtually held June 10 board of education
meeting. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the district was unable
to hold its traditional reception, but instead announced and
congratulated the recipients, prior to broadcasting a special
video presentation.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph
Giani noted the retirees 370 collective years of service to the
district. About the retirees, he said, “You came to the district
with the potential to be successful and have done that. We thank
you for your commitment and outstanding service over the years.”
The faculty and staff retiring during the 2020-2021 school
year include:
Susan Bugden – Brookhaven Elementary – special
education – 23 years
Deborah Carleton–Tierney – Bellport
Middle School – special education – 21 years
Elizabeth
Driscoll – South Haven Early Childhood Center – office assistant
– 6 years
Michele Falcone – Bellport Middle School – special
education aide – 29 years
Paul Feltman – Bellport High School
– social studies – 23 years
Timothy Hogan – Bellport High
School – principal – 42 years
Kathleen Gillim – Bellport
Middle School – teaching assistant – 16 years
Dorothy Long –
Frank P. Long– teaching assistant – 21 years
Patricia Miller
– Bellport Middle School – office assistant – 15 years
Cynthia Pfister – Bellport Middle School – family and consumer
sciences – 23 years
Michelle Procida – Brookhaven Elementary
– art – 23 years
Vivian Rignola – Bellport Middle School –
teaching assistant – 29 years
Carol Rooney – Kreamer Street
Elementary School – school nurse – 16 years
Marybeth Stitt –
Bellport High School– office assistant – 27 years
Lisa
Zaccaro – Bellport Middle School – assistant principal – 30
years
To the individuals receiving tenure, Dr. Giani
explained that the granting of tenure signifies the district’s
decision to make a more permanent commitment toward an
individual’s professional career. “I am looking forward to our
continuing work together and watching them grow as
professionals,” Dr. Giani said.
Faculty receiving tenure
during the 2020-2021 school year include:
Ashley Adelwerth –
Kreamer Street Elementary – teaching assistant
Tina Barone –
Verne W. Critz Elementary – ENL
Patricia Braver – Bellport
Middle School – ENL
Allison Carruthers – Bellport Middle
School – teaching assistant
Jill Ciavatta – Brookhaven
Elementary – teaching assistant
Celeste DeRosa – Brookhaven
Elementary – teaching assistant
Carol DiOrio – Bellport
Middle School – teaching assistant
Suzanne Eckert – Bellport
Middle School – ENL
Tammi Esposito – Frank P. Long – teaching
assistant
Carl Ferrara – Bellport High School – technology
Carol Garcia - Bellport High School – World Languages
Gregory
Gilroy – Bellport High School – special education
Lois Harrow
– Brookhaven Elementary – teaching assistant
Mandy Hoffman –
Frank P. Long – art
Aimee Iuliucci – Bellport High School –
science (biology)
Susan Lannon – Bellport Middle School –
teaching assistant
Krysta Kanowsky – Verne W. Critz
Elementary and Kreamer Street Elementary – reading
Erin
Kelly – Frank P. Long – elementary
Greta Kiss – Brookhaven
Elementary – teaching assistant
Reinaldo Latorre – Bellport
High School – assistant principal
Merideth McCarthy –
Bellport High School – science
Nicole McGinnis – Bellport
Middle School – special education
Jennifer Petti – Brookhaven
Elementary and Verne W. Critz – social worker
Maria Perez –
Bellport Middle School – teaching assistant
Michele Polito –
Kreamer Street Elementary – teaching assistant
Monica
Pullows-Tetuan – District Director of ELL, Bilingual & World
Language Programs
Donald Schaaf – Bellport Middle School –
mathematics
Eufemia Sokolowski – Kreamer Street Elementary –
teaching assistant
Cristina Sullivan – Frank P. Long – ENL
Brianne Torre – Bellport Middle School – English
Junior
Turcios – Bellport High School – school social worker
(bilingual)
Joann Vassilatos – Kreamer Street Elementary –
teaching assistant
Marlyne Vecchione – Bellport Middle School
– school social worker
Lindsay Voegler – Bellport High School
– mathematics
Angelina Wasson – Bellport Middle School –
music
Bellport High School senior Laura
Slovensky has been appointed to the United States Coast Guard
Academy in New London, Connecticut and will report for summer
training to the Academy’s Corps of Cadets on June 28, just two
days after high school graduation. Laura’s appointment was only
one of the 400 offered annually from a pool of 2,000 applicants.
“I’m extremely proud and excited for this opportunity to
attend my dream school and am really looking forward to it,”
Laura said.
The smallest of the nation’s five military
academies, the U.S. Coast Guard Corps of Cadets is a credited
college which educates future Coast Guard officers. Cadets
receive a full tuition scholarship and monthly stipend for a
five-year service commitment to the U.S. Coast Guard upon
graduation. All graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree
and are guaranteed a position of leadership as a commissioned
officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Laura’s road to this
appointment parallels her love of being on the water. She was
recruited to the academy for competitive sailing. For the past
two years, Laura spent her sophomore and junior years of high
school at the U.S. Performance Academy, an online high school,
so she could train and travel around the world full time and
compete in sailing on the Olympic level. She will continue her
sailing career on the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s dinghy sailing
team against other top colleges.
Laura has chosen a
government major with a security studies track. She hopes to
pursue law enforcement within the U.S. Coast Guard upon
graduation.
Bellport High School’s top
student-artists were selected to exhibit their artwork at the
Parrish Art Museum’s 2021 Student Exhibition.
This
prestigious show exhibits work amongst students from East End
townships in various mediums including computer graphics,
photography, sculpture, drawing and painting. Those students
selected to display their work demonstrated creativity,
enthusiasm and technical skill in diverse media including
painting, sculpture, drawing and photography.
Dream
Smith (painting), Cameron Kerr-Smith (graphic design/digital
media) and Ana Iniguez Lojano (drawing) were selected as Senior
Honorees. Additionally, Alexia Benjamin, Sara Cornacchiulo and
Leonardo Mignola garnered the coveted Ones to Watch award.
The community can view the artwork of these talented
students by logging onto
https://parrishart.org/exhibitions/2021-student-exhibition/.
Bellport High School students,
teachers and administrators commemorated Memorial Day weekend
through participation in the second annual Lt. Michael P. Murphy
Murph Challenge, a grueling fitness workout to benefit the
school’s fundraising efforts for the Wounded Warriors Project.
Participants came together on the high school track to
finish a 1-mile run, followed by a trip to the high school’s gym
to complete 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups and 300 squats, followed
by another 1-mile run.
Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy was a
U.S. Navy Seal officer and the first recipient of the
Congressional Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War for his
actions in the War in Afghanistan. He was born and raised in
Suffolk County and after participating in several War on
Terrorism missions, was killed in 2005 after his team was
surrounded by Taliban forces. While in the Navy, he discovered
CrossFit, creating his own CrossFit-style workout that involved
running, pushing, pulling and lifting. The annual Murph
Challenge has evolved into a workout that pays tribute to Lt.
Murphy and to all fallen heroes.
Social studies teacher
Joe Scioli, who started and runs the program at Bellport High
School, said the event puts the actions of a local hero in
perspective. “This challenge is a good way to make Memorial Day
relevant to our students,” he said.
Class of 2020
graduate and student-athlete Joshua Leidig said he has
participated in the event each year as a way to honor fallen
heroes and the contributions of Lt. Murphy, calling the workout
a tradition. Shaun Bolton, also a participant, described the
event as a “bond that can’t be broken.”
Bellport High School’s National Honor
Society inducted 159 students during a virtual ceremony this
spring. Co-adviser Suzanne Hines explained that the district’s
annual induction included students from the Class of 2020, who
were unable to be officially inducted due to the pandemic, and
students from the Class of 2021. The celebration commenced with
the Cadet Core, who led viewers in the Pledge of Allegiance, and
the Bellport High School String Quartet, who played the national
anthem.
Co-adviser Danielle Stuckey said that the
inductees have proven themselves capable of achieving success in
academics, sports, clubs and community service. “It is to your
benefit to continue to make yourself a well-rounded person,” she
told the inductees.
National Honor
Society officers President Angie Gomez, Vice President Mariz
Baslious, Secretary Melisa Kilic and Treasurer Caitlin Saliba,
explained the meaning of the society’s tenets of scholarship,
service, leadership and character prior to each inductee’s photo
being flashed across the screen.
Principal Timothy Hogan
noted that having maintained a 90% grade point average or above,
a society requirement, is a remarkable achievement in itself,
but he is more impressed by the leadership, service and
character components that each inductee possesses. “These
components paint a broader picture of you and the school
community,” Mr. Hogan said. “You are leaders in the building and
to those around you.”
Mr. Hogan then led the inductees in
the National Honor Society Oath, making their membership in this
prestigious organization official.
The artwork of Bellport High School
student-artists Giana Porter and Maria Slavnova were selected
from 331 submissions to exhibit at The Heckscher Museum’s Long
Island’s Best Young Artists 2021 juried exhibit. Additionally,
Giana won the Donald G. Hom, Jr. Scholarship Award for her
piece, “The Beauty of Day Dreams.”
Celebrating its 25th
anniversary, Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher
Museum is among the most prestigious juried art shows for high
school students on Long Island. Of the 50 high schools that
participated, only 83 pieces were included in the exhibition.
To be considered for the exhibition, students chose an
artwork on display in one of The Heckscher Museum’s artist
exhibitions. They then created their own work of art based off
of their chosen inspiration piece. Each student wrote a
statement as to why they chose that particular piece of art and
how it influenced their work.
Both Giana and Maria
completed their submitted artwork while enrolled in their
current courses at Bellport High School. Maria takes Advanced
Placement Studio in Art – 2D with Brandon Payne, while Giana
takes Drawing and Painting 2 with Devin Auricchio.
The South Country Central School
District is pleased to announce that National Student Council
has recognized Bellport High School Student Council as a 2021
National Council of Excellence for the organization’s exemplary
record of leadership, service and activities that improve the
school and community.
“I am really proud of the students
for all of their hard work, even with the challenges of the
COVID-19 pandemic,” student council adviser Ellen Hoffman said.
“And I would like to extend a thank you to the principals for
all of their help and support with our projects.”
NatStuCo’s goal is to prepare and empower student leaders to
better serve their communities. To meet the requirements for the
National Council of Excellence Award, Bellport High School
Student Council submitted information about three activities
that demonstrated leadership development and service to the
school and community, Hoffman explained. The highlighted
activities included Trick or Treat Street, an annual safe
Halloween festival for the district and community’s students.
Christmas in a Shoebox, a drive to distribute wrapped gifts and
toys in decorated shoeboxes for the holiday season, was also
submitted. Finally, members provided information about last
year’s tile project in which Class of 2020 seniors decorated
tiles illustrating their perceptions of school and life during
the pandemic. The tiles will be mounted on one of the high
school walls this year.
President Jack Frankie said that
what sets Bellport High School Student Council apart from others
is “our drive and motivation to put a foot forward to help the
school and the community.”
“Receiving a National Council
of Excellence Award reflects dedication on the part of the
school to provide a strong, well-rounded student council
program,” National Association of Secondary Principals Director
of Student Leadership Nara Lee said. “NatStuCo applauds the work
of the National Councils of Excellence and challenges them to
continue their leadership and service to their schools and
communities.”
For the eighth consecutive year, the
South Country Central School District has been designated by the
NAMM Foundation as one of the nation’s Best Communities for
Music Education for its outstanding commitment to music
education and for demonstrating outstanding achievement in
efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by
the National Association of Music Merchants and advances active
participation in music. To qualify for the Best Communities for
Music Education designation, the district answered detailed
questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class
participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the
music program and community music-making programs. Responses
were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music
Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“The
music program here at South Country has continued to provide
students with a well-rounded education from kindergarten to the
12th grade,” said District Music Chairperson Victoria Hartman.
“This award recognizes the commitment our teachers,
administration and community make toward a child's educational,
cognitive, emotional and social skill development by way of a
strong music education program.”
Ms. Hartman explained
that during the pandemic, school districts like South Country
have re-committed to their already stellar music education
programs, which provide valuable ways to keep students engaged.
Bellport High School junior and vocalist Emma Butler described
the importance of music in her life.
“Music is important
to me because it provides me with an outlet to express myself
throughout the school day,” Emma noted.
Bellport High
School Principal Timothy Hogan expressed his deep pride in the
district’s music program. “Even during these turbulent times,
our teachers have provided a supportive and meaningful
experience for our students,” Mr. Hogan said. “I look forward to
a return in normalcy in the years ahead but am thankful for the
opportunities and experiences provided to our students in the
interim.”
Education comes in all forms and
locations, as seen in the case of Bellport High School student
Kerri Campbell. In addition to learning her core courses, the
high school senior has also been tuned in to a cockpit’s
controls as she regularly takes off from an airport runway.
As a senior, Kerri is looking forward to receiving her
diploma this coming June but has recently gotten a jumpstart on
her future career. The future airline pilot recently passed her
FAA checkride, a Federal Aviation Administration examination a
pilot must undergo to receive an aircraft pilot’s certificate or
rating for flight privileges. Additionally, her recently
acquired private pilot’s certificate allows Kerri to now fly a
single engine plane with passengers as pilot in command.
The road to becoming a pilot has been in the making since
Kerri was 13 years old when she first joined the Civil Air
Patrol. Her interest flourished after attending a Civil Air
Patrol National Glider Flight Academy where she flew solo in a
glider for the first time at just 16. Kerri is not only
interested in powered flight, but gliders and lighter than air
aircraft. She plans on obtaining both her glider and lighter
than air ratings in the near future as well.
In
September, Kerri plans on attending ATP Flight School, located
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she will begin her
professional flight training to become an airline pilot.
Kerri currently attends Bellport High School classes
remotely, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Being able to acquire
my certification has been a positive outcome of remote
instruction,” Kerri said.
The Brookhaven Hamlet resident
is also a member of Bellport High School’s National Honor
Society and various other clubs. She said she has had little
time to participate in many activities other than flying
throughout her high school career but is pleased that she could
participate in community service projects through Civil Air
Patrol membership.
“I have basically spent my whole life
flying,” Kerri said. “It has been my whole focus."
Bellport High School celebrated the
72 top academic students of the Class of 2021 during the fourth
annual Evening of Excellence, portions of which were held
virtually and livestreamed, on March 23. This tradition
celebrates the most inspiring and influential seniors who
completed their seventh high school semester with a weighted
cumulative grade point average of 93% or higher.
After a
presentation of colors by the Cadet Core, the Bellport High
School String Quartet, under the baton of Victoria Hartman,
performed the national anthem.
During a livestreamed
portion of the program, Principal Timothy Hogan thanked teachers
Aimee Iuliucci and Amy Krawczyk who produced the video and
livestream. He also welcomed viewers and thanked the faculty
members chosen by the students as those educators who had a
significant impact on their educational journey and who possess
energy, work ethic, talents and enthusiasm brought to school
each day. These honored educators include Henry Finnegan
(Brookhaven), Tricia Bartkewicz (Kreamer Street), William
Champlin (Verne W. Critz), Joseph Tortora (Frank P. Long
Intermediate), Leck Nhotsoubanh (Bellport Middle School) and
Alan Kupferman (Bellport High School).
To the students,
Mr. Hogan said, “The Class of 2021 exemplifies those qualities,
particularly given the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic which
has had a direct impact on the final two years of your time at
Bellport High School.” He continued, “The leadership and grace
you have shown in navigating this unprecedented set of
circumstances is beyond admirable.”
In honoring both the
distinguished seniors and the teachers they selected as most
inspiring and influential, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph
Giani spoke about the definition of excellence as “meaning
greatness,” as “never easy to do,” being a “quality that people
really appreciate because it is hard to find,” and as the
“quality of being truly the best at something.” He continued by
saying, “This evening, excellence is you.”
Mr. Hogan
then announced the names of the top 10 students from the Class
of 2021 and gave a description of their accomplishments. The top
10 students include, in order, Anthony Notartomaso
(valedictorian), Victoria Monte (salutatorian), Charlotte
Kellogg (essayist), Jack Armann, Kanya Shah, Madison Peters,
Lindsey Belmonte, Madison Baumann, Cailey Ziegler and Anna
Mezzatesta. Mr. Hogan also announced in a pre-recorded message,
the names of the honored teachers.
The evening concluded
with the presentation of all of the distinguished seniors, whose
photos were flashed across the screen one-by-one, and a video
montage of all of the celebrants.
One year after closing its doors to
the COVID-19 pandemic, Bellport High School celebrated the
gradual comeback of activities and the students’ and faculty’s
resiliency during a tough year of closures and social
distancing. On the evening of March 12, the Bellport Strong
event commemorated not only the anniversary of the shut down,
but the message that as a community, “We are stronger together.”
Student council adviser Ellen Hoffman said, “On March
13th, we closed the doors to our schools and all that went with
them. Now one year later, we’re back and stronger than before.”
As residents and students drove into the high school’s back
parking lot, student council members handed out luminary candles
in a paper bag. Drivers proceeded to the tennis courts and
passengers placed their candles inside the chalk-drawn letters
that revealed the message Bellport Strong. In total, 1,400
candles were laid inside the letters to represent each high
school student in the return to the “new normal,” Hoffman said.
Livestream and drone footage were available on the student
council Instagram and the drone footage was filmed by special
education teacher Rodney O’Neal.
It can be
viewed here. Additionally, at 20:21 (8:21 p.m.), the
scoreboard was turned on to recognize the seniors’ and the
community’s return.
The resonating sounds of instruments and voices in South Country Central School District’s school auditoriums were required to pause during the 2020-2021 school year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, students and faculty have become more creative in their broadcasting of live music for the community. On March 8, Bellport High School Tri-M Music Honor Society members and All-State musicians hosted their first live-streamed concert on Zoom, allowing participants to showcase their talents from home.
District Music Chairperson Victoria
Hartman thanked the community for the great turnout, which
marked one full year to date from the high school’s last live
concert in 2020.
“The students and their teachers have
worked so hard preparing these solos despite all of the
challenges in their way this year,” Ms. Hartman said.
Soloists included the following:
Violet Gordon – violin –
“Concerto no. 4 in D major”
Keira Ballan – voice – “Et
Exultavit”
Emma Butler – voice – “O del mio dolce ardor”
Hannah Carlson – violin – “Concerto no. 4 in D Major”
Liany
Kasten – voice – “Se tu m'ami, se sospiri”
Tamara Ortiz Macas
– flute – “Sonata V” and piccolo – “Damare”
Sydney Macioce –
flute – “Sonata VI” (in E major)
Michael Marziliano – voice
– “Finishing the Hat”
Leah Silvestre – viola – “Concerto in
D Major”
The South Country Central School
District and Bellport High School athletic department are proud
to announce that the New York State Public High School Athletic
Association has designated the girls varsity basketball, boys
and girls winter track, girls bowling, cheerleading and
wrestling teams as scholar-athlete teams.
To acquire
scholar-athlete team status, 75% of a high school athletic
team’s roster must acquire a 90% GPA or greater during the
sports season.
South Country Director of Athletics,
Health and Physical Education Robert McIntyre congratulated the
winter athletes on this prestigious designation. “The student
athletes have exceeded our expectations on the fields and
courts, as well as in the classroom, during what has been a
difficult year for all students,” Mr. McIntyre said. “They
should all be proud of their accomplishments.”
South Country Central School District
students celebrated the first 100 days of school with special
and engaging hands on English language arts, mathematics and
arts activities to mark the momentous occasion for the
district’s elementary school students.
At Brookhaven
Elementary School, Kindergarten students in Jennifer Drake’s
class came dressed in specially designed t-shirts to reflect the
number of days they have attended school. The class made 100-day
hats and stacked pennies for 100 seconds. They made Fruit Loop
necklaces, separating the cereal in groups of 10. Students tried
to see how many sight words, letters and their names they could
write in 100 seconds and jumped, ran in place and stood frozen
for the same amount of time. The students also enjoyed playing
dice games such as Race to 100, a dot grid game for finding
specific groups, and Toss a Penny 100 times to see whether heads
or tails is revealed the most.
Due to the number of snow
days, the 100th day of school landed on a virtual day, so Mrs.
Drake’s class also celebrated 101 days with a 101 Dalmatian
theme. Like the 100th day celebration, students participated in
themed activities, such as placing 101 dots on a dog, playing
the Racing to 101 dice game and barking for 101 seconds. They
also stacked dog bones for 101 seconds as “Who Let the Dogs
Out?” played in the background. To top off the activities, the
students shared Scooby graham bones and fruit snacks.
Bellport Middle School in the South
Country Central School District presented “Because of Them We
Can,” a 30-minute video, celebrating the school’s fourth annual
Black History Month on Feb. 10.
After an official welcome
from student Hope Gorden, Madison Roberts led the Pledge of
Allegiance. Principal Dr. Jamal Colson then set the theme of
unity and progress by noting that looking into the past, one can
witness the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s
history. He also gave a brief history of Black History Month.
Recorded were biographies, photos and historical newspaper
clippings of notable African Americans. Students Kourtney Gaynor
and Jillian Ferrara also read Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s “The
Miracle of Morning.” Associate Professor of African Studies Dr.
Zebulon Miletsky encouraged viewers to reflect on the people who
helped them to get where they are today. He lovingly spoke about
the support received from his parents and grandparents and the
influence they had in his life.
“I think of the teachers
and mentors who helped along the way,” Dr. Miletsky said. “This
is a big part of African American culture.”
There was a
cameo appearance by U.S. Congressman Jamal Bowman of the 16th
Congressional District, who quoted verses from the album “God’s
Son” by hip hop band Nas. He told viewers that as a former
teacher and principal, he would encourage students to ask
questions about who African Americans were before they were
slaves.
“Before slavery, what was your history?” he
asked.
The video concluded with a flashback of photos
depicting middle school students participating in educational
activities such as science, technology, physical education,
sports and writing.
The Black History Month Celebration video can be viewed here.
A collaboration of South Country
Central School District faculty and Bellport High School
students have developed a new and invaluable resource to assist
parents and the community with navigating through the online
world. Under the advisement of the guidance department and with
assistance of students enrolled in Sophia Black’s video
production class, the Virtual Parent Help Center, located under
the Resource tab of the district website, contains links, videos
and tutorials to help parents grasp further understanding about
topics such as the Parent Portal, Student Portal, Google
Classroom and much more.
Director of Guidance and
Counseling Programs Jenna Restivo explained that this important
resource is in line with the Board of Education’s priorities to
increase parent involvement and communication within the schools
and learning community and to assist parents in supporting their
children’s accountability and success with remote learning.
“Instead of sending a letter to parents, they can now look
at a video or link, which is much more helpful,” Ms. Restivo
said.
Furthermore, Ms. Black talked to her students about
areas of assistance parents needed the most help. She then asked
the video production class to research each of the topics and,
using their newly acquired screen recording skills, to record
videos and voice overs using green screen technology.
“The students needed practice editing, so this was the perfect
opportunity for the students to use their skills to help the
community,” Ms. Black said.
To access the Virtual Parent
Resource Center, viewers need to click on the district website’s
Resources tab > Parent Resources >
South Country Parent Resource
Page. There, viewers will be able to access social media sites,
school websites and staff directories and administration
information. The Resources and Tutorials page also contains
videos about the portals, Google Classroom tips, student videos
and more. There is also an invaluable tab, “What do I do if…”
which answers frequently asked questions and the persons to
contact in case of an issue with a Chromebook, getting locked
out of Google Classroom, how to reset a Naviance account and
more.
The academic accomplishments of
Bellport High School seniors Nora Hunt, Cameron Kerr-Smith,
Michael Paredes, Dream Smith and Delielah Tinsley were honored
during the Town of Brookhaven’s virtual 30th annual Black
History Month Celebration, held virtually on Feb. 5. Sponsored
by the Black History Commission, these high achieving seniors
were recognized for overcoming challenges during their high
school tenure and for having acquired and maintained a minimum
3.5 or higher or 90% grade point average.
Black History
Commission member Charlotte Pressley said the town wanted to
congratulate and thank the students for achieving the learning
goals placed before them, especially during the past school
year. “It has been a trying task to do distant learning, yet our
students have achieved that goal,” Ms. Pressley stated. “We want
to congratulate and thank them for achieving that goal.”
Principal Timothy Hogan also congratulated the students by
saying, “These students embody the high standards and
expectations Bellport High School sets for all of its students
and we encourage the school community in joining us in
celebrating their achievements.”
The celebrated students
can be viewed
here.
The South Country Central School
District is pleased to announce that Bellport High School
senior, Charlotte Kellogg, was selected for admission to Amherst
College with a QuestBridge College Match Scholarship and
welcomed into the QuestBridge Scholars Network. This year, only
1,464 Finalists were selected as Match Scholarship Recipients at
the organization’s 42 college partners, with only 18 students
matched to Amherst College. As a member of the QuestBridge
Scholars Network, Charlotte was awarded a full, four-year
scholarship to Amherst College, which will cover tuition and
fees, room and board, books and supplies and travel expenses.
In being considered for this prestigious opportunity,
QuestBridge searches for academically talented students, like
Charlotte, who match the college partners’ level of academic
achievement and can potentially thrive on their
college/university campuses. Finalists are chosen from a pool of
applicants who are in the top 5% to 10% of their class, have
received mostly A’s in the school’s most rigorous classes and
have realized strong standardized test scores, if taken.
QuestBridge is a national nonprofit institution that
connects the country’s most exceptional students with leading
educational institutions and further academic opportunities at
some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. In June,
Charlotte was named a College Prep Scholar and was subsequently
considered for a finalist designation and then College Match
Finalist.
The Bellport High School Student
Council hosted the annual Christmas in a Shoebox to benefit the
South Country Central School District community’s young
children.
Each year, the student council hosts a drive
to collect gifts and toys for the impending holiday season. The
members then gather to wrap the gifts in shoeboxes prior to
being distributed throughout the community.
“This is our
favorite activity for the community, and there is even more need
during the pandemic,” adviser Ellen Hoffman said. “The student
council really enjoys the opportunity to lift some of the
burden. Everyone in the high school was so generous; faculty,
staff and students really came through in this challenging time
to help make the holidays happy.”
Bellport High School
math teacher Amanda McCauley and social worker Ann Haddad also
hosted a similar activity to benefit high school students this
year. Faculty, staff and students were extremely generous with
their donations of gifts that were included in gift boxes for
secondary-level students struggling this holiday season.
The South Country Central School
District is pleased to announce the appointment of Manouchka
Daniel as assistant principal of Bellport Middle School,
effective Dec. 14. Ms. Daniel replaces former assistant
principal Joseph Watson who resigned his position earlier this
school year.
An Amityville resident, Ms. Daniel joins
South Country from the Westbury Union Free School District,
where she served as assistant principal of Powells Lane
Elementary School since 2019. Prior to her administrative
duties, Ms. Daniel taught sixth grade English as a Second
Language to students at Westbury Middle School. She also has
elementary school teaching experience as a former kindergarten
and third grade integrated co-teacher at PS532 New Bridges
Elementary School in Brooklyn and as a fourth grade lead
teacher, grade level chair and Saturday Academy Director at
Leadership Prep Brownsville, Uncommon Schools, Inc. in Brooklyn.
Prior to a career in education, Ms. Daniel acquired a
bachelor’s degree of administration in finance and investments
from Baruch College. She holds a master’s degree in childhood
education from Hunter College and an advanced certification in
educational leadership from Hofstra University. Ms. Daniel
additionally holds a Master of Divinity from the Alliance
Theological Seminary.
Brookhaven Elementary School students in the South Country Central School District designed and created holiday cards for residents of the Bellhaven Care Facility. Their collective efforts to spread holiday cheer was in conjunction with the Brookhaven Village Association, who invited the school to participate in the Put a Little Heart in Your Community event. The annual event on Dec. 12 was an event that celebrated the spirit of giving, unity and joy by giving back to the community.
Bellport High School seniors Madison
Baumann and Bobby DeSantis were selected as recipients of the
Suffolk Zone Award. Sponsored by the New York State Association
for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, this award
recognizes one male and one female Suffolk County high school
senior from each school district who exemplify outstanding
scholastic ability, physical education performance and
leadership qualities.
“The physical education staff at
Bellport High School recognize the leadership, enthusiasm and
inclusive nature of Bobby and Madison,” Director of Athletics,
Health and Physical Education Robert McIntyre said. “They are a
spark of energy and always bring out the best in their peers.”
Ranked in the top of her class, Madison was named a
scholar-athlete for varsity volleyball in 2017-2019. In 2019,
Madison was the team’s Offensive MVP and Ace Leader. She has
also pursued dancing for the past 14 years and is a leader on
the Bellport High School Clipperette Dance Team. Madison also
excels at academics as a member of the National Honor Society,
Science and Math honor societies, and is a high honor roll
student. Madison also shares her athletic skills with peers as a
member of Athletes Helping Athletes and as a teacher at Stage
Door School of Dance.
Bobby is also ranked at the top of
his class and is a three-sport athlete who competes in football,
basketball and lacrosse. He is a three-year starter in football.
Prior to being named captain during his junior and senior years,
Bobby was named captain of the junior varsity football and
lacrosse teams. As a junior, Bobby earned the designations of
All-Division and Academic All-County honors in football and
continues to be a leader on and off the field.
The South Country Central School
District Board of Education announced the tenure of five
faculty, marking the most important milestone of their
educational careers. Although the district was unable to
introduce the individuals to the community during the Dec. 2
virtual board meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph
Giani congratulated them for their commitment and outstanding
service to the district.
The district congratulates the
following faculty:
Allison Carruthers – Teaching
Assistant – Bellport Middle School
Jill Ciavatta – Teaching
Assistant - Brookhaven Elementary School
Greta Kiss –
Teaching Assistant - Brookhaven Elementary School
Susan
Lannon – Teaching Assistant - Bellport Middle School
Maria
Perez – Teaching Assistant - Bellport Middle School
Hybrid learning and the COVID-19
pandemic did not hinder South Country Central School District
faculty, PTA and students from generously donating food to
assist those in need this Thanksgiving season.
At
Bellport High School, the student council organized a food drive
during the month of November and members successfully packed
more than 30 large boxes for the Lighthouse Mission and for a
number of individual district families. The student council also
donated turkeys and hams, accompanied by individual donations
from faculty and staff.
Student council adviser Ellen
Hoffman said, “The Student Council has been really impressive in
their drive to fill donation boxes as much as they can in a
cohort setting. There are a lot of fresh new faces in our
meetings and so many students want to help and be involved.”
Brookhaven Elementary School’s PTA also sponsored a
schoolwide food drive for families in need of holiday treats. In
order to support families and local businesses, community
members supplemented donations with meals from Rudi’s Bar and
Grill to be picked up by community families, school social
worker Kate Coppola said.
Through the student council,
Bellport Middle School also collected food throughout the month
of November. Additionally, Verne W. Critz Elementary School
donated 11 complete Thanksgiving meals to school families
looking forward to celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. The
collection was sponsored by the PTA and staff.
South Country Central School District
is proud to announce that the Long Island Council for the Social
Studies has recognized Bellport High School teacher Andrew
Budris as the 2020 Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Budris, a Bellport resident, has taught social studies
in the South Country Central School District for 25 years and is
currently Lead Teacher for Social Studies. He has worked
diligently to lead the high school and Bellport Middle School in
implementation of Project Based Learning. With the input of
colleagues, his development of the Kiva Project has provided
students with the opportunity to conduct research on global
business and economic challenges and to provide microloans to
applicants through partnership with the South Country Education
Foundation.
Social studies teacher Megan Bevan said, “He
has opened the door for students of all backgrounds and skill
levels to get involved in research and civic action. Thanks to
his leadership, Bellport High School is working to develop a
generation of students who are engaged in solving society’s
problems through informed action.”
Mr.
Budris currently teaches Advanced Placement Government and 10th
grade Global Studies and said social studies is a way to better
understand humanity. “I have a fundamentally optimistic view
that the better people understand each other, the more likely
they are to see each other’s humanity,” he explained. “We need
an understanding of our shared experiences to build a workable
community.”
Mr. Budris also noted that as a social
studies teacher he aims to foster critical thinking and the
ability to build views that are based on sound reasoning. “The
most important skill today is to use critical thinking to
determine what information is reliable,” he said. “I’d like to
see kids use knowledge as a tool to build bridges between groups
of people.”
Mr. Budris is married to high school English
teacher Ellen Hoffman and has a daughter, Maddy, who is enrolled
at the high school as a freshman. The Budris family took up
residence in Bellport 20 years ago.
The South Country Central School
District is pleased to announce that 45 current Bellport High
School students and 2020 graduates were recognized as Advanced
Placement Scholars for exceptional achievement on the May 2020
national exams.
Twenty students qualified for the AP
Scholar Award by receiving a 3 or higher on three or more exams
and include: Mariz Baslious,* Erin Boehmke, Eva Colon, Mathew
Bokehi Costa,* Rachel Dickinson, Carly Diolosa, Alexa Ferrara,
Samantha Fuentes,* Courtney Gerard, Jahid Hossain,* Victoria
Pennachio, Samantha Porsche, Jonel Poueriet-Santana,* Ella
Rauch, Caitlin Saliba,* Peri Sallah, Maya Samuel, Peter
Schortemeyer,* Mia Suarez and Eliza Ynoa.
Thirteen
students received the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an
average grade of 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or
higher on four or more of those exams and include: Jack Armann,*
Lindsey Belmonte,* Kayzjah Charles, Aidan Gaynor,* Taylor
Kelly,* Jared Lorenzo, Victoria Monte,* Liam Murphy, Anthony
Notartomaso,* Troy Sica, Katherine Vignona, Ryan Voegele* and
Cailey Ziegler.*
Twelve students received the AP Scholar
with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least
3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 4 or higher on five or
more of these exams and include: Audrey Barry, David Bellante,
Connor Coleman, Sebastian Derosa, Ali Guillermo, Natalia Jordan,
Charlotte Kellogg,* Juliana Lewkowski, Nicholas Promutico, Luca
Scharpf, Kanya Shah* and Kunj Shah.
Additionally,
Sebastian Derosa and Juliana Lewkowski were recognized as
National AP Scholars by earning an average score of at least 4
on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or
more of these exams.
* indicates students who are
currently enrolled at Bellport High School.
Mariz Baslious
Charlotte Kellogg
Bellport High School seniors Mariz
Baslious and Charlotte Kellogg were selected by QuestBridge as
2020 National Finalists for having demonstrated high academic
achievement. QuestBridge is a national nonprofit institution
that connects the country’s most exceptional students with
leading educational institutions and further academic
opportunities at some of the nation’s top colleges and
universities. In June, Mariz and Charlotte were two of 3,770
high school juniors named 2020 College Prep Scholars out of a
pool of 12,600 applications. As finalists, they will potentially
be matched with a full scholarship to one of QuestBridge’s 42
partner colleges.
In being considered for this
prestigious opportunity, QuestBridge searches for academically
talented students who match the college partners’ level of
academic achievement and can potentially thrive on their
college/university campuses. Finalists are chosen from a pool of
applicants who are in the top 5% to 10% of their class, have
received mostly A’s in the school’s most rigorous classes and
have realized strong standardized test scores, if taken.
In addition to be academically talented, Mariz is highly
involved in extracurricular activities. She is vice president of
the National Honor Society and a member of the math and science
honor societies, as well as a member of Math Team. An avid
tennis player on both the junior varsity and varsity teams,
Mariz received the recognition of Most Valuable Player last
season. She is also a Sunday school teacher for her church.
Charlotte is an Advanced Placement student and a member of
the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society, where she
serves as corresponding secretary. She is also president of the
Chess Club and math team and recently assisted in forming the
previously defunct debate club. Charlotte also spends time with
computer club activities and drama club. Although not a varsity
athlete, Charlotte maintains a rigorous personal athletic
program in which she trains with weights and participates in
functional training, such as everyday moving and compound
exercises.
The South Country Central School
District welcomes Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum,
Instruction and Accountability Elizabeth Doyle, effective Nov.
1, who was appointed by the board of education during the Sept.
29 business meeting.
“We are extremely fortunate to have
such a qualified educator to fill this position,” Superintendent
of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani said. “The Board of Education and I
look forward to working with Ms. Doyle in achieving the
district’s educational and instructional goals.”
Ms.
Doyle, an East Hampton resident, joins South Country from the
East Hampton Union Free School District, where she served as
principal of John M. Marshall Elementary School since 2013.
During her tenure, she successfully implemented a
prekindergarten program and a Spanish dual language program. Ms.
Doyle also partnered with Sag Harbor’s Wellness Foundation to
implement a Wellness Zone while extending recess time for all
grades to promote health and wellness and increase student focus
and motivation. She also implemented a character education
program to further promote diversity and a positive school
climate. Ms. Doyle also developed and led K-12 professional
development in literacy, mathematics, school culture,
professional learning communities, critical friends groups,
classroom management and co-teaching.
Prior to her
tenure at East Hampton Union Free Schools, Ms. Doyle was
principal of Explore Empower Public Charter School and the
former coordinator for K-12 English in the White Plains City
School District. She was additionally director of operations and
school support and director of instruction for Replications,
Inc., an education nonprofit partner with the New York City
Department of Education. She began her educational career as an
elementary school teacher at The Jackie Robinson School in
Queens. Ms. Doyle was formerly vice president for Citigroup
Private Bank before answering New York City’s call for career
changers to become teachers in high needs districts. She thus
applied to the NYC Teaching Fellows Program where she served as
a fellow and selector.
Ms. Doyle holds a master’s degree
in elementary education from Queen’s College and certification
in Advanced Studies in Education Administration from LIU Post.
She also received a bachelor’s degree in business administration
and international business from Hofstra University.
In recognition of National Hispanic
Heritage Month (Sept.15-Oct.15), Frank P. Long Intermediate
School students learned about Mexico’s annual Day of the Dead,
Dia de los Muertos, a celebration which honors the lives of
ancestors who have passed.
Fifth graders in art teacher
Mandy Hoffman’s class learned to draw colorful sugar skulls,
which represent ancestors and which are included in altars
during the popular holiday held on Oct. 31-Nov. 2. A YouTube
video narrated by Ms. Hoffman and skeleton helper Mr. Bones,
engaged the students with the how-to instructions on drawing a
skull and its decorative design qualities.
After the
sugar skulls were completed, they were hung on the wall of the
art room for everyone to enjoy.
When tuning into the South Country
Central School District’s YouTube channel to view the latest
streamed board of education meeting, a new face has popped up on
the virtual screen. During the Sept. 23 board of education
meeting, Student Council President and Bellport High School
senior Jack Frankie was appointed as the board’s newest student
ex-officio board member for the 2020-2021 school year.
President E. Anne Hayes welcomed Jack to his new position and
said she will look forward to hearing his report each meeting.
During his first report to the board, Jack relayed that school
opened smoothly and students are cooperative and compliant with
wearing masks. During future meetings, his job will be to report
high school activities and happenings to the board and to relay
important board business to the student council.
“I am
very excited to tell the Board of Education all of the great
things that are happening at the high school despite the
pandemic,” Jack said. “I think the high school is in the best
shape it’s ever been.”
In addition to his Student Council
presidency, Jack is a member of the jazz band and plays the
trumpet and euphonium. He’s an Advanced Placement student and a
former cross-country athlete. His biggest interest, however, is
acquiring his certification and flying hours as a student-pilot
at BOCES, where he is in his second year of study to fly small
planes and hot air balloons. Jack explained that his goal is to
pursue a major in aviation management and to possibly pursue all
FAA certification and licensing, in addition to pursuing space
travel with NASA or Space X.
The South Country Central School
District is pleased to announce that the Long Island Arts
Alliance selected Bellport High School senior Anna Mezzatesta as
one of 20 Long Island Scholar Artists for the 2020-21 school
year. Under the direction of former teacher and art department
chairperson Suzette Fandale, Anna was recognized for her
excellence in media arts and for academic achievement.
Additionally, senior Caitlin Saliba was one of 20 recipients who
received an Award of Merit for portfolio work completed under
the direction of teacher Devin Auricchio.
To be
considered for these prestigious designations, students must be
nominated by their school for representing the highest level of
artistic talent in media arts, visual arts, music, dance or
theater. The student must also submit a portfolio of their work
for consideration by the selection committee and must hold an
unweighted grade point average of 90% or above. As a
scholar-artist, Anna’s profile and photo will be published in
Newsday in December.
The South Country Central School
District is pleased to announce that Bellport High School
student-musicians Jack Burkhardt (Bb clarinet) and Taylor Kelly
(French horn) were selected to participate in the New York State
School Music Association Virtual All-State Festival for
symphonic band, being held virtually on Dec. 3-5. Due to
COVID-19 restrictions, NYSSMA will not be able to host these
students to rehearse and perform at the Winter Conference in
Rochester at the renowned Eastman Theater of the Eastman School
of Music.
The duo was nominated and selected based on
scores they received at the NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival
during the 2018-2019 school year. Director of Music Victoria
Hartman explained that being selected is a remarkable
achievement in that 6,500 students statewide auditioned for a
position in the All-State Music Festival. Performing ensembles
include the All-State symphonic band, wind ensemble, mixed
chorus, treble choir, symphony orchestra, and instrumental and
vocal jazz ensemble. Fifteen Bellport High School students
auditioned for All-State in spring 2018.
In addition to backpacks, school
supplies and face masks, South Country Central School District
students toted an abundance of enthusiasm on their entry back
into the classroom during two official reopening days of school,
held on Sept. 8 and Sept. 10. As the students entered the
buildings, their temperatures were checked and hands were
sanitized prior to being escorted to their designated classrooms
to immediately begin instruction.
Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Joseph Giani reported that the district’s reopening
after the six month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic was
smooth with students seated appropriately, mask compliant and
engaged in learning. “I am looking forward to growth and
improvement as we come to settle in this new normal of teaching
and learning,” Dr. Giani said.
Board of Education
trustees and President E. Anne Hayes were equally complementary
of the smooth opening by administration, faculty and staff. “A
lot of thought was put into the process and we were confident in
our staff that they would get things done,” Ms. Hayes said.
“Through helping each other and pulling together, we will
continue to have a strong and productive school year.”
Bellport High School’s theater art
program is pleased to announce that student-thespian Jack
Burkhardt was the recipient of a coveted 2020 Teeny Award for
his supporting male role as Lumiere in the school’s musical
“Beauty and the Beast.” The award was presented during a virtual
awards ceremony, held by East End Arts on July 23.
“This
is a terrific accomplishment,” art department Chairperson
Barbara Gallagher said. “Jack is an extremely talented actor and
the South Country Central School District congratulates him on
this special achievement.”
Each year, Bellport High
School is one of 18 school theater programs whose productions
are celebrated by the East End Arts for student talent and
excellence in acting, production, pit orchestra, stage
management, lighting design and crew and more. This year, the
theatre program received 36 nominations for its productions of
“Beauty and the Beast” and “The Game’s Afoot.”
Bellport High School junior Charlotte
Kellogg has been chosen by QuestBridge to be a 2020 College Prep
Scholar for having demonstrated high academic achievement.
QuestBridge is a national nonprofit institution that
connects the country’s most exceptional students with leading
educational institutions and further academic opportunities at
some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. Charlotte is
one of 3,770 high school juniors named a 2020 College Prep
Scholar out of a pool of 12,600 applications nationwide, and
later in the fall, will potentially be matched with a full
scholarship to one of QuestBridge’s 42 partner colleges. As a
College Prep Scholar, Charlotte will also receive exclusive
awards and access to opportunities to develop a strong college
application. Awards for being a College Prep Scholar also
include opportunities to attend summer programs at Yale,
Stanford and the University of Chicago.
Charlotte is an
Advanced Placement student and a member of the National Honor
Society and Math Honor Society, where she serves as
corresponding secretary. She is also president of the Chess Club
and math team and recently assisted in forming the previously
defunct debate club. Charlotte also spends time with computer
club activities and drama club. Although not a varsity athlete,
Charlotte maintains a rigorous personal athletic program in
which she trains with weights and participates in functional
training, such as everyday moving and compound exercises.
Charlotte said she does not have her eye on a particular
college or university at this time but will pursue an academic
program that allows her to combine computer science and
statistics.
Bellport High School is proud to
announce that its theater program has received 36 nominations
for 2020 Teeny Awards for its productions of “Beauty and The
Beast” and “The Game’s Afoot.” Bellport High School is one of 18
high schools whose theater productions are celebrated annually
by East End Arts for student talent and excellence in acting,
production, pit orchestra, stage management, lighting design and
crew and more. Winners will be announced on Thursday, July 23,
during a virtual format.
The South Country Central School
District congratulates the following individuals for receiving
Teeny Award nominations:
Play and Musical:
Michael
Marziliano as William Gillette – Lead Male in a Play in “The
Game's Afoot”
Autumn Margaret Walthers as Daria Chase – Lead
Female in a Play in “The Game's Afoot”
Michael Marziliano as
the Beast – Lead Male in a Musical in “Beauty and the Beast”
Jack Burkhardt as Lumiere – Supporting Male in a Musical in
“Beauty and the Beast”
Troy Sica as Cogsworth – Supporting
Male in a Musical in “Beauty and the Beast”
Emma Butler as
Mrs. Potts – Supporting Female in a Musical in “Beauty and the
Beast”
Technical:
Jasmine Armann – stage manager –
“Beauty and the Beast”
Juliana Lewkowski – stage manager -
“The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” and “Beauty and
the Beast”
Vivienne Love – lighting – “The Game’s Afoot or
Holmes for the Holidays” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Kieran
Sawyer – lighting – “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the
Holidays” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Ryan Wilson – sound –
“The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” and “Beauty and
the Beast”
Troy Sica – assistant director – “Beauty and the
Beast”
Pit Orchestra:
David
Bellante (percussion), Bella Caypinar (violin), Kayzjah Charles
(bass), Mariah Chavez (violin), Ryann Christie (clarinet), Sara
Cornacchiulo (flute), Sebastian DeRosa (violin), Vivian Fritz
(harp), Isabella Gascon (violin), Emily Gentzel (violin), Violet
Gordon (violin), Taylor Kelly (oboe), Daniela Mondi (cello),
Victoria Monte (cello), Timmy Montick (trumpet), Liam Murphy
(French horn), Anthony Notartomaso (baritone/euphonium), Tamara
Ortiz Macas (flute), Rianna Raghunandan (violin), Ella Rauch
(cello), Aidan Sawyer (French horn), Kat Vignona (trumpet),
Emily Zahralban (violin) and Grace Zimlinghaus (French horn)
Bellport High School’s Tri-M Music
Honor Society inducted 75 seventh and eighth grade
student-musicians to the prestigious Tri-M Music Honor Society.
The new inductees are members of either band, orchestra or
chorus and were recommended for membership by music faculty.
Music teacher Victoria Hartman explained that the students
were selected to participate in the 2019 New York State School
Music Association’s solo festival and were preparing to
participate in the 2020 NYSSMA solo festival, which was canceled
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also described the inductees
as “leaders in the classroom” and students most likely to assist
behind the scenes at concerts.
Tri-M Music Honor Society
is formerly known as Modern Music Masters. A program of the
National Association for Music Education, Tri M recognizes
students for academic and musical achievement. To be eligible, a
student must maintain an A average in music lessons, a C average
in academic courses, be presently enrolled in a high school
music course and be recommended by faculty.
The South
Country Central School District congratulates the following
students:
Katherine Alayon
Alexa Allan
Pietro
Ancona Jr.
Brynne Ballan
Angely Banegas
Maddy Budris
Claire Cannella
Christopher Chaves
Shaniah Chavez
Kailyn Ciavatta
Nolan Comerford
Juliette Cuccurese
Rosario Curcio
Evan Dedis (VP)
Samantha DeLillo
Karyn
Devine
Maya Dixit
Nathan Ernst
Kenya Escobar
Erin
Fagan
Frankie Felice
Christopher Ford
Giulia Gannon
Sean Glynn
Malena Gomez
Kevin Gonzalez
Louisa Gordon
(Pres.)
Connor Gronenthal
Stephanie Grosso
Dylan Horn
Molly Hough
Brynn Johnsen
Melina Kasten
Dylan Knakal
Julia Kotasek
Emma Kuegel
Lauren LaGrega
Danika Leidig
Taylor Macioce
Diana Malchiodi
Anay Maldonado
Ryan
Manitta
Catherine Masem
Sarah Meininger
Erini Michaels
Hrysanthopoulos
Gael Michel
Derek Minden
Connor Murphy
Alana Negron
Macy Neider
Riley Neider
Michael Nesi
(treasurer)
The Bellport High School Class of
2020 embraced and overcame the limits of social-distancing in a
pandemic era to celebrate an important milestone in their
educational careers during the annual commencement ceremonies,
held on June 25. Prior to the ceremony, the police and fire
departments escorted students, parents and family as they drove
through the middle of Bellport Village from Bellport Middle
School to the high school grounds where they were greeted by the
administration and members of the board of education. If a
student was unable to drive, Lyft donated transportation
services so that every student was able to participate in this
exciting event.
“Pomp and Circumstance” was played over
the PA system as Bellport Security assisted each car with
parking. Although required to remain in their cars during the
ceremony, students could watch the ceremony, which was
livestreamed on a movie screen, and listen to the ceremony live
on 94.9 FM radio. After Assistant Principal Erika Della Rosa
welcomed the students, Student Council President Carly Diolosa
led the salute to the flag.
During her introductory
comments, Carly explained that the obstacles the Class of 2020
experienced will be chronicled in history books and gave
important advice to her peers. “Your achievements in life should
not be measured by the car you drive or the job you have, but by
the impact you have on others’ lives, the kindness you share and
the values you reflect into the atmosphere.”
Principal
Timothy Hogan, in acknowledgement of challenges faced by the
pandemic and social injustice reforms, he told the students that
significant challenges are ahead. “We must continue to work
collectively in developing new models and new initiatives to
navigate this ever changing environment,” he said.
Essayist Audrey Barry, whose task was to talk about the memories
of the past, said she sometimes finds herself wanting to go back
to a sense of familiarity and comfort. She encouraged peers to,
take the good times of your past and use them to motivate your
present.”
Natalia Jordan spoke about presence in her
salutatory address. “In today’s society, the present is our tool
to construct the future. Thus, it is imperative to not only be
aware of a current crisis but also be involved in the action to
create a better future.”
During the valedictorian
address, Ali Dennis Guillermo Jr. told peers that the path to
success does not have to be traveled alone and relationships
made can help foster success. He attributed his path to success
to his recently deceased father and deceased friend R.J. “After
being made valedictorian, there were 10 seconds where I was
completely ecstatic that my hard work had paid off. But there
had to be an 11th second, right?” Ali said. “In that 11th
second, I remembered what had gotten me this far. It was the
motivation and influence of both RJ and my father. It was a
motivation that could not be ignored.”
After the
celebratory speeches, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani
certified the diplomas and announced that the seniors had
completed the requirements for graduation. Board President E.
Anne Hayes then led the students in the traditional moving of
the tassel, symbolizing that the seniors were now alumni of the
South Country Central School District.
After a brief
fireworks show by Grucci Fireworks, the students and their
guests then proceeded to the front of the high school where they
received their diplomas and had the opportunity to take a
graduation photo.
101 Fireplace Neck Road
Brookhaven, NY
631-730-1700
Website
101 Fireplace Neck Road
Brookhaven, NY
631-730-1700
Website
37 Kreamer Street
Bellport, NY
631-730-1650
Website
185 Dunton Avenue
East Patchogue, NY
631-730-1675
Website
599 Brookhaven Avenue
Bellport, NY
631-730-1725
Website
35 Kreamer Street
Bellport, NY
631-730-1626
Website
205 Beaver Dam Road
Brookhaven, NY
631-730-1575
Website
189 Dunton Avenue
East Patchogue, NY
631-730-1500
Website
The links above direct to websites of the South Country Central School District. Photos courtesy of South Country Schools.