TBR News Media sent a Q&A to local salutatorians and valedictorians, asking about the strategies that helped them become their school’s top performers. Here are the top scholars of Shoreham-Wading River High School’s Class of 2025.
Eden Yiya Hu: Valedictorian • GPA: 104.56 • Activities: Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program, Tri-M Music Honor Society, High School Research Program at Brookhaven National Lab, National Honor Society, Global Awareness Club • Attending Yale University to study Biology
Kerrin McGuire: Salutatorian • GPA: 104.47 • Activities: Varsity Girls Lacrosse (starter since 8th grade), Varsity Girls Track, Varsity Girls Cross Country, Natural Helpers, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society (President), Women in Science and Engineering Club, Chamber Orchestra, National English Honor Society, SADD • Attending University of Virginia to study nursing
What advice would you give an incoming freshman? Hu: Make time for yourself and have fun! McGuire: For all incoming freshmen, I would tell them to enjoy their high school experience and to not be afraid to try new things. I would encourage them to try their best in everything that they do, and find the study methods that work for you. Everyone’s path is different and it’s important not to compare your success to your peers.
How did you stay motivated throughout your studies? Hu: Balancing work with spending time with friends and family helped me come back to my studies with a fresh mind. McGuire: I stayed motivated throughout my studies by thinking long-term. I knew from the start that I wanted to be in the medical field, so I was determined to try 110% to reach my end goal. With good grades and a well-rounded schedule, I could get into some very difficult colleges—so I tried my very best! I was always in it to self-improve and see what I, as an individual, could work on—I tried to not compare myself to others.
Please share some study habits you employ that helped you maintain high grades. Hu: Watching YouTube videos or AP Classroom videos on the topics I need extra clarification on was very helpful. McGuire: Some study habits I employed that helped me maintain high grades included watching videos and note taking, practicing questions, and creating study guides. I learned the most from watching online and AP Classroom videos that explained in depth the concepts I was struggling with, while writing down key points and details. Practice questions always helped with repetition, taking my knowledge and applying it to multiple choice and free response styles. Finally, I made numerous study guides for each unit for my classes before tests and quizzes, jotting down the most important information and the information I struggled with the most to glance at throughout the day or on-the-go.
What are your goals or career aspirations? Hu: I want to get into pharmaceutical research and teach private violin lessons in my free time. McGuire: I hope to become a pediatric nurse anesthetist. I will do this by going to college for four years majoring in nursing, then working in a tertiary hospital for one year as an RN, then going back for graduate school for three years to receive my CRNA license.
The Middle Country Central School District has announced the top students of the Class of 2025 at Newfield High School, Diya John and Jashandeep (Jash) Singh are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
Diya John
Newfield High School Valedictorian Diya John will complete her senior year with more than 50 college credits and the status of AP Scholar with Distinction. She was also selected as the winner of the Principal’s Leadership Scholarship awarded by the Suffolk County High School Principal’s Association.
In addition to her exceptional academic record, Diya is a member of the District’s Legislative Outreach Community Committee, Glamour Galz, Mock Trial Team, Dr. Gerold’s Leadership Club and the National Quill & Scroll Honor Society. In addition, she’s an active member of Newfield’s newspaper The Quadrangle, a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, National Honor Society president, and General Organization president.
“As President of the Newfield National Honor Society, Diya is a natural leader and role model to her peers,” said Diana Cook, the district’s Library Media Specialist and National Honor Society advisor. “She is diligent, detail oriented, and truly cares about the success of her club.Diya is always willing to help others and goes the extra mile to make sure her fellow officers and club members will be successful in everything they do from event planning, to fundraising, to volunteer work for the community.She is the true example of a model student; always willing to help others, and always with a smile.”
Outside of school, Diya is a volunteer teen book reviewer for the Middle Country Public Library, an art and book buddy, a member of the library’s teen advisory council and a youth volunteer with the American Red Cross’s Disaster and Humanitarian Relief efforts. She also crochets in her spare time and donates her creations to causes throughout Long Island.
This fall, Diya will study psychology at Stony Brook University as a member of the WISE program, an honors program for students pursuing STEM majors and careers. Her plans also include attending medical school with a goal of following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a psychiatrist.
Jashandeep (Jash) Singh
Newfield High School Salutatorian Jashandeep (Jash) Singh graduated with the rank of AP Scholar with Distinction. He is a member of the Newfield High School Pit Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, has twice been an all-county viola player, and has earned the Varsity music award for outstanding musical achievement. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Mock Trial Team, Foreign Language Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society. and has earned the rank of AP Scholar with Distinction.
“Jash embodies all of the characteristics set forth by our chapter: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character,” said Ms. Cook. “He especially fits the ‘character’ trait by being a model student, an example to his peers, and an all-around nice guy who is a pleasure to be around.Jash is always willing to help at community events and represents our school and our chapter with pride.”
Outside of Newfield High School, Jash is a volunteer at Mather Hospital and Middle Country Public Library as a Green Teen, where he creates crafts for children, plans events and takes care of the library garden. Jash also partakes in Sewa, of selfless service, at his Sikh temple by serving food every Sunday to his congregation.
In the fall, Jash will study biology at Stony Brook University. He plans on attending medical school with a goal of becoming a general surgeon or working in internal medicine.
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) announced on June 23 that it has retained an engineering firm, Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers (MRCE), and work has begun on taking borings of Harbor Road to determine its composition. This process entails drilling down every five feet until reaching 50 feet, inserting a four-inch wide hollow tube, and pulling out samples of soil from three separate locations.
An engineer will analyze data from the borings. Once that information is gathered, hydraulic data (rainfall, road runoff, the existing water in the pond) will then be analyzed. This process will take approximately two to four months.
The board of trustees feels the frustration of the community regarding the issue of Harbor Road, and we have initiated this work to secure on an accelerated basis the critical information needed to repair or replace Harbor Road. After signing the contract with MRCE on February 12, the first step of this multi-tiered process was conducting a survey of the grist mill and providing a subsequent report. Once the data collection and analysis are complete, three design concepts will be provided.
The organization hopes to at that point share all the pertinent details with the county, towns, and village. They realize that the matter requires a comprehensive approach that prevents this disaster from recurring in the future.
Harbor road, Stony Brook, blocked off. A collapsed dam stood just beneath the road, to the immediate left of Stony Brook Harbor. Photo by Denis Lynch
By Emily Mandracchia
Nearly one year after Harbor Road in Stony Brook collapsed, the unrepaired road is raising serious public safety concerns for residents and first responders. The delay has led to increased emergency response times and growing fears that the situation could result in avoidable loss of life or property.
At a June 17 Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services & Preparedness Committee (FRES) meeting in Hauppauge, residents and officials voiced frustration over the inaction and jurisdictional confusion surrounding the collapsed roadway. They warned that the current detours and narrow, curving side roads are not appropriate for emergency access and are already contributing to slower response times for fire and EMS services.
Beth Zweig, a resident of Head of the Harbor, said the risk is not theoretical. “This is not speculation. Five and seven minutes could be the difference between a person found DOA or a house burned down,” she told attendees, describing the main thoroughfare as “nearly impassible.”
In response to public pressure following a community rally earlier this year, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) promised to provide a list of provisions that would render them comfortable signing the FEMA application. Instead, according to a June 10 letter from WMHO’s attorney, the organization presented a list of stipulations that the town and federal government would need to meet in order to access the site for repairs — without accepting ownership or signing off on the application.
The lack of a signed agreement is preventing FEMA funding, which is tied to a 30-month deadline for project completion. Nearly 10 months have already passed. If the parties fail to act soon, the funding could be rescinded. Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta estimates repairs could cost $8 to $10 million.
Dominick Thorne, a Suffolk County legislator and member of the Public Safety Committee, warned at the June 17 meeting that continued delays not only jeopardize FEMA funding, but could expose all involved parties to greater legal risk if emergency response is compromised.
“There will be more lawsuits if someone calls the fire department and they don’t make it,” Thorne said.
The Village of Head of the Harbor officials have expressed concern that the current situation has created unsafe conditions for residents and placed emergency responders in a difficult position.
Public safety officials have not confirmed whether any formal emergency response assessments or contingency plans have been issued regarding Harbor Road, and no agency has stepped forward to assume full responsibility for leading the recovery.
Community members have called on Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine to take a leadership role in coordinating a resolution, citing his prior involvement with infrastructure issues and relationships with local stakeholders. As of this writing, no direct action has been announced by the county executive’s office.
For residents and first responders alike, the concern is that the longer the road remains closed, the higher the chance of a preventable tragedy.
Summer is the perfect time to read a book and who better to ask for suggestions than our local librarians? From love stories to thrillers and everything in between, these newly released books are the top picks to add to your list. A special thanks to all of the libraries that participated in our survey.
For Adults
Atmosphere: A Love Story
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“From the bestselling author of Daisy Jones & the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, comes this engrossing tale to kick off the summer. Following female astronauts in the 1980s, her characters wrestle with sexism, identity, and forbidden romance in the fast-paced world of the space program. If you enjoy stories with both action and emotional depth you can’t go wrong adding this to your TBR list!”
— Christine Parker-Morales, Adult Services Librarian, Comsewogue Public Library
The Tenant
by Freida McFadden
“McFadden’s books are perfect beach reads if you like a thriller with a twist. The Tenant is the best selling author’s latest book that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.”
— Erin Schaarschmidt, Head of Adult Services at Port Jefferson Free Library
Not Quite Dead Yet
by Holly Jackson
“Holly Jackson’s adult debut is a twisty thriller where a woman has to solve her own murder.”
— Elizabeth M., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library
Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley
“[This book] is a whirlwind of fun. It’s entertaining, smart and funny. The perfect summer read.”
— Rallyn Tucker, Adult Reference Librarian, Emma Clark Library
One Italian Summer
by Rebecca Serle
“This novel blends grief, self-discovery, and magical realism in the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Katy, devastated by the death of her mother and best friend, Carol, embarks alone on a trip they had planned to take together to Positano, Italy. It is there that Katy meets her mother — not as she knew her, but as a vibrant 30-year-old woman. This reunion forces Katy to see her mother in a new light and reevaluate the course of her own life.It is a moving novel that lets you reflect on love, family, and finding oneself after loss.”
— Amanda Lentino, Adult Reference Coordinator, The Smithtown Library
For Teens/Tweens
Honeysuckle and Bone
by Trisha Tobias
“[This book] is a modern gothic thriller, reminiscent of the classic novella, “The Turn of the Screw,” crossed with modern YA mystery tropes. It’s set in a lushly detailed environment that screams for a film adaptation. This new YA book is not to miss!”
—Emily Ostrander, Head Librarian of the Teen & Tween Services Department, Emma Clark Library
Sunrise on the Reaping
by Suzanne Collins
Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
—Kristine T., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King
by Harry Trevaldwyn
— Sal Filosa, Head of Teen and Technical Services at Port Jefferson Free Library
After Life
by Gayle Forman
[This book] is an emotional and thought-provoking story that explores grief, identity, and the importance of second chances. The characters feel relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and growth. The book’s heartfelt message and compelling storytelling make it hard to put down.
— Colleen Navins, Teen Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library
For Children
Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker
by Heidi Heilig
“Children will love reading this book for its fast-paced adventure, clever twists, and a hero they can root for. With a mysterious curse to unravel, magical secrets around every corner, and the excitement of travel and exploration without ever leaving home, it’s the perfect page-turner to spark imaginations. Young readers will be hooked from the first chapter!”
— Marcela Lenihan, Children’s Librarian, Emma Clark Library
Other recommendations include:
“Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood” by Robert Beatty (8-12 Years) — Kimberly Manise, Head of Children’s Services, Port Jefferson Free Library
“Don’t Trust Fish” by Neil Sharpson (3-6 year-olds) — Cassidy O., Middle Country Public Library
“Will the Pigeon Graduate?” by Mo Willems — Maggie Moloney, Children’s Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library
“Swimming into Trouble” by Angela Ahn (1st through 3rd grades) — By Tracy L., Librarian, Middle Country Public Library
“Will the Pigeon Graduate?” by Mo Willems — Maggie Moloney, Children’s Services Coordinator, The Smithtown Library
“Monster Locker” by Jorge Augusto Aguirre (4th through 6th grades) — Kristen T., Middle Country Public Library
“Nothing Bad Happens Here” by Rachel Ekstrom-Courage — Jenny Cammarano, Library, Comsewogue Public Library
This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Summer Times supplement on June 19.
TBR News Media sent a Q&A to local salutatorians and valedictorians, asking about the strategies that helped them become their school’s top performers. Here are the scholars leading Centereach High School’s Class of 2025 in the Middle Country Central School District.
Centereach High School Valedictorian Shawn Edbert
Shawn Edbert: Valedictorian
•GPA:102.39.
•Activities: Robotics Club, Captain of the Varsity Golf Team, National Honor Society & National Technical Honor Society, French Horn.
•Attending University of Pennsylvania
Ben Taciak: Salutatorian
•GPA: 102.0
•Activities: General Organization President (Student Body President), National Honor Society President, Environmental E-STEM Secretary, Math Team, Science Olympiad, Varsity Golf, Varsity Wrestling
•Attending SUNY Binghamton
What advice would you give an incoming freshman?
Edbert: My biggest advice would probably be to try new things. Get involved around you and figure out what you actually want to do. From there, you can weed out the activities you don’t like and really put all your effort and talents into the things you enjoy. Another tip is don’t do extracurricular activities just to have them. Do them because you actually enjoy what they offer whether it be a sport, club, etc.
Taciak: I would recommend that freshmen get as involved as they can in whatever activities the school offers. They should try things outside of their comfort zone to find their passions, then ceaselessly work to further pursue those passions throughout the rest of their high school career.
Centereach High School Salutatorian Ben Taciak
How did you stay motivated throughout your studies?
Edbert: I like to plan out the work I need to do each day so I don’t have an entire worksheet or assignment to do at the end of the week. I also prioritized having a good work-life balance. I always find it hard to just grind out school work without giving myself some fun in between. Hanging out with friends, watching a movie or show were both ways I enjoyed some time outside the classroom. Getting sleep at night was also important for me. I would never do work past 9:30 p.m. to ensure I get enough sleep and can continue my days with full energy.
Taciak: I set small goals for myself (ex: study for 15 minutes today) so I wouldn’t be daunted by the larger tasks ahead of me. This helped me stay diligently focused on my larger goals like getting into college while minimizing burnout. I also emphasized the importance of having a work/life balance, making sure I spent time with my friends instead of solely focusing on my studies.
Please share some study habits you employ that helped you maintain high grades.
Edbert: For the majority of my studying, I actually liked listening to noise in the background. I’ve actually put on shows in the background just to get me through all of the work I need to complete. I also like to work with other people. Teaching other peers the work I am learning helps me learn the material significantly more thoroughly.
Taciak: For me, studying has always been difficult. I was never able to focus for long periods of time using all of the famous strategies and thus, I would work inefficiently. I felt like this for years until my brother gave me a valuable piece of advice: “Not every car works best using the same oil; you can’t expect the strategies that work for others to always work for you.” This changed my perspective and taught me to seek out what made me work as best as I could. For me, this is to go to a place like a library, use noise-canceling headphones, and play white noise while taking 5-minute rest intervals every 30 minutes.
What are your goals or career aspirations?
Edbert: I am planning to try and get a dual degree in business and engineering. I want to try and startup my own company in the future focusing on the defense segment.
Taciak: I hope to get a dual degree in Finance and Data Science and then work in the buy side of Private Equity.
TBR News Media sent a Q&A to local salutatorians and valedictorians, asking about the strategies that helped them become their school’s top performers. Here are the scholars leading Ward Melville High School’s Class of 2025 in the Three Village Central School District.
Oliver Wu: Valedictorian • GPA: 105.36 • Activities: Kaleidoscope Newspaper (Editor), Tri-M Music Honor Society (President), Long Island Youth Development Music Club, Bluegrass Club, DECA • Attending Princeton University to study Public & International Affairs
Alexander Song: Salutatorian • GPA: 104.84 • Activities: Ward Melville Iron Patriots, Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program, SchoolNova TA, Tri-M Music Honor Society • Attending UCLA to study Computer Science
What advice would you give an incoming freshman? Wu: The path to “success” is often circuitous. Not everything you do has to (or should) directly or immediately contribute to a goal you have. Be a good person, care for yourself and others, keep space for what you love — these things all have so much value. It shouldn’t be an expectation for you to hollow yourself out in the name of “success.” Song: Get enough sleep!
How did you stay motivated throughout your studies?
Wu: Nothing like Lorde’s “The Louvre” playing in the background on repeat as I stare at a question I don’t understand (yet). A lot of people say they give 110% in everything they do. I’m gonna echo Michelle Zauner’s mother and say: give 90%, always save 10% of yourself. Song: I pursued what I truly cared about, which gave me the motivation to keep going forward.
Please share some study habits you employ that helped you maintain high grades. Wu: Everyone’s saying this, but I need to repeat it: we all underestimate the extent to which our technology has wrecked our brains and destroyed our ability to think with clarity. Keep reading things you enjoy! It makes focusing when you need to study so much more manageable. Song: I study with my friends, I use active recall, and I create practice problems for myself.
What are your goals or career aspirations? Wu: Something in government or government-adjacent as a policymaker. Song: I’m interested in robotics and computer vision.
Citizens Commission on Erosion members and Port Jeff Mayor Lauren Sheprow (front left, leaning) examine a blueprint of the PJ Country Club on Feb. 20. Photo by Lynn Hallarman
By Lynn Hallarman
A newly-released interim report from the Port Jefferson Citizens Commission on Erosion offers a candid appraisal of mounting risks and financial pressures surrounding the East Beach Bluff Stabilization.
The report cites worsening erosion, persistent drainage challenges and the likelihood of rising construction costs as factors that could drive up the long-term expenses of Phase 2. In light of these concerns, the commission urges officials to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis of alternative strategies before moving forward.
The planned wall of Phase 2 will be constructed seaward of the club building, which sits near the edge of East Beach Bluff on the municipally-owned Port Jefferson Country Club property. According to officials, Phase 2 construction is tentatively scheduled for the fall of this year.
Any strategy moving forward, the commission argues, should recognize that the club building — perched dangerously close to the bluff’s crest — will ultimately need to be moved in the wake of rising sea levels, increasing storms and accelerated global erosion of Long Island’s shoreline.
“The report outlines multiple pathways forward,” Village Trustee Kyle Hill said on his Facebook page. “But each underscores a shared reality — we must begin planning for a strategic retreat [of the club building].”
Overview of the project
In 2017, the village hired GEI Consultants, an engineering firm based in Huntington Station, to develop a plan designed at curbing the rapid erosion of the East Beach Bluff. In recent years, wind, surf and storms have scoured the bluff of vegetation and steadily eaten away at its edge, ultimately leading to the collapse of the club’s gazebo and a section of the tennis courts that once were set perilously close to the brink.
Phase 1, completed in June of 2023, included the construction of a reinforced steel and cement wall at the base of the East Beach Bluff, along with a series of terraces and native vegetation planted along its slope.
Destruction of costly Phase 1 work of the bluff face vegetation in the wake of a series of severe storms late in 2023 and early 2024 complicated the overall cost and timelines of the project. [For further information about Phase 1 see TBR News Media website, “Report finds no maintenance or repairs carried out on Port Jeff East Beach Project,” Feb. 6.]
Phase 2, includes the installation of a second wall landward of the bluff crest with the intention of preventing the building from collapsing onto the shoreline below.
The design of Phase 2 is currently being revised to address drainage issues complicating the wall build, according to GEI Consultants’ 2024 Annual Bluff Monitoring Report, submitted to the village this May.
As of yet, the village has not received the updated engineering plans, trustee Bob Juliano confirmed during a recent commission meeting.
Port Jefferson Country Club prior to collapse of gazebo and edge of tennis courts, undated photograph. Courtesy of PJ Village website
Financial questions linger
In 2021, village trustees projected the initial cost at around $10 million for the Phase 1 and 2 wall build and bluff restoration. This figure assumes at least three decades of structural stability to justify the investment. However, these cost estimates now appear to be outdated with recent inflation spikes and unaccounted expenditure, including a large drainage project, bluff repair and long-term maintenance costs.
The commission report calls for an updated cost analysis factoring these additional projects as well as costs related to potential supply chain uncertainty and tariffs on critical construction materials such as steel.
Phase 2 is supported in part by FEMA money. The commission expressed concern that this funding may be rescinded in the current political climate, leaving local taxpayers to make up the difference.
“The commission is concerned over the reliability of FEMA funding and whether those funds could be withdrawn,” the report states.
Despite calls for a cost analysis of all options, village officials have not yet initiated a publicly vetted fiscal plan for relocating the facility or other options — something that the commission deems a critical omission in its findings.
GEI report warns of new damage
The recently-released 2024 Bluff Monitoring Report in May, paints a mixed picture. Conducted by GEI, the monitoring period covers from February 2024 to this March.
While the lower bluff wall — reinforced with a steel bulkhead, stone armor and vegetative plantings — has held up, the upper slope is showing new signs of distress, according to the report.
Three storm events in 2024 exacerbated erosion along the western slope. Further displacement of coir logs and terracing, expansion of gully formation, vegetation destruction and signs of internal sediment movement were all documented in the report’s inspections. GEI notes that drainage remains a major vulnerability.
Recommendations include temporary seeding and erosion control matting over denuded areas of the bluff face, sand backfill in certain sections of the lower wall, repairing cracks in the lower wall, inspection and maintenance of the lower wall, replacement of the displaced coir logs and a soil boring analysis at the bluff crest to help define drainage issues.
The report emphasizes the need for permanent drainage landward of the club building and reconfiguration of the current building drainage system southward.
A drainage plan and long-term maintenance plan were not part of the initial design or cost analysis for the entire project — Phase 1 and 2 — according to the commission research on the history of the project.
CCE’s concerns
The commission reviewed the recent GEI report in detail at the June 19 meeting held at the club building. Members appreciated the comprehensive summary and visual timeline of project work but had many concerns about the recommendations.
“What is this [GEI] report trying to accomplish besides complying with the state?” one member asked. “The report should help the village identify problems but also guide the corrective action.”
Members point to vague directives without clear implementation plans, missing details in technical specifications for reconstituting bluff damage, and unexplained rationales for root causes of problems such as why the gullies formed in the first place and are now expanding. One member wants to see a priority ranking of potentially costly recommendations made in the report.
“Does it even make sense to do all these recommendations? Or are we just shoveling against the tide?” another member said.
Bluff base west of the concrete Phase 1 lower wall showing destroyed coir logs, as at March this year. Photograph from the commission’s report
The commission plans to submit questions to GEI and the village board of trustees about the report recommendations, requesting a priority list, cost estimates and a clear funding plan.
Long-term outlook
Trustee Juliano, at a recent Meet the Candidates night, said: “We don’t even know how much the next phase [Phase 2] will cost, and the loss of long-term revenue from the catering facility [that runs private events at the clubhouse] should be taken into account when weighing the monetary pros and cons.”
However, some longtime residents express frustration over the use of millions in taxpayer dollars to subsidize a building that is underutilized by the broader community, with little evidence that it generates sufficient revenue to justify the expense of the stabilization project.
Over the years, many residents say they have seen the club building evolve from a vibrant municipal community center hosting local activities to a catering hall primarily serving private events. There is currently no restaurant at the clubhouse.
“Sadly, this valuable piece of public parkland continues to be underused by our village residents,” resident Myrna Gordon said. She has repeatedly called for a reimagining of the site where the clubhouse sits, including rebuilding inland to protect the bluff and the long-term viability of a club facility as a community asset.
The village board, under newly reelected Mayor Lauren Sheprow, appears to be moving forward with plans for Phase 2 construction to install an upper wall.
“Protecting public assets and ensuring our approach is sustainable — not just structurally, but economically and environmentally,” Sheprow said at a recent public meeting.
Residents are encouraged to review the interim commission report and the GEI Bluff Monitoring Report, which are publicly available on the village website, and to share their input with the board of trustees. To view the CCE report, visit the village website and search for “Citizens Commission on Erosion.” To view the GEI 2024 Annual Monitoring Report search for “East Beach Bluff.”
“This is a moment for long-term thinking,” Hill said. “It’s a chance not just to respond to erosion — but to reimagine how this space can better serve the entire community.”
TBR News Media sent a Q&A to local salutatorians and valedictorians, asking about the strategies that helped them become their school’s top performers. In Smithtown Central School District, an honor speaker is chosen by the graduating class of each high school instead of prescribing to the valedictorian and salutatorian distincion. Rabia Chattha is the honor speaker for Smithtown High School East. At Hauppague High School, Sara Conquet was valedictorian and Ayaan Shah was salutatorian.
Rabia Chattha • GPA: 4.45 • Activities: President of Science Olympiad, President of National Honor Society, member of multiple honor societies, Varsity Track and Cross Country Teams, Volunteer Ambulance Corps, co-founder of Game4AC • Attending Stony Brook University to study Biochemistry on the Pre-Med track
What advice would you give an incoming freshman? Try everything from class to clubs, even if it isn’t your first choice, because you never know what you’ll end up liking. I’ve learned that high school is the perfect time to explore new interests and step outside your comfort zone.
How did you stay motivated throughout your studies? Rather than only focusing on one long-term goal, I set many short-term ones as stepping stones. Whether it’s aiming to get a good grade on a test coming up in a week or working toward my dream of becoming a physician, these goals keep me focused.
Please share some study habits you employ that helped you maintain high grades. My biggest study habit that has helped me is time management. I use planners and to-do lists to stay organized. After each class, if there is an upcoming test, I rewrite all of my notes, and if I notice a flaw, I practice a lot to better my weaknesses in that subject.
What are your goals or career aspirations? In the future, I aspire to become a physician. It has been my dream since I was young to help others through medicine and to truly make a difference in people’s lives.
—————-
Sara Conquet: Valedictorian • GPA: 103.23 • Activities: Chamber Orchestra, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, English Honor Society, History Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Quiz Bowl • Attending Vassar College to study Neuroscience
Ayaan Shah: Salutatorian • GPA: 102.92 • Activities: Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, Science Bowl, Coding Club, Chamber Orchestra (cello), Varsity Tennis, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, German Honor Society, English Honor Society • Attending Georgia Institute of Technology to study Electrical Engineering
What advice would you give an incoming freshman? Conquet: Don’t just focus on grades, even when it seems like school encompasses every part of your life. Try to enjoy your classes, especially classes with content that you enjoy learning about — this may even help you figure out what you want to do after high school. Also remember that school isn’t just about schoolwork, even if most of the time it seems like it’s just about classes and grades. Remember the people — the friends, the teachers, the coaches — that motivate you to get through the day and give you reasons to smile. Thank them, spend time with them, and remind them how important they are to you. Shah: My best advice for freshmen would be to take in everything. It is easy to say that a certain subject or class is useless, but you never know what you are interested in if you do not stay open to learning. The second part to this is to try everything. You are at the optimal part of your life where you can learn new hobbies and build lifelong interests, and now is the time to start. Join new clubs, participate in sports, explore new subjects, and do not let any opportunity pass you by.
How did you stay motivated throughout your studies? Conquet: I always reminded myself of my goals and of how maintaining good grades would allow me to get into a better college and have a more successful future. I also often engaged in friendly competition with some of my peers, and trying to get grades as high as or higher than theirs helped motivate me. Shah: One of the most important aspects of my life that allowed me to focus on my future goals has been my parents. They always supported my academics, pushed me toward perfection, and aided me when I was unsure exactly what I wanted to do as a career.
Please share some study habits you employ that helped you maintain high grades. Conquet: Actively taking notes while the teacher is instructing (in lecture-type classes), taking practice tests in a quiet environment and treating them as if they were the actual test (then grading the tests and assessing my weaknesses and strengths), prioritizing subjects based on difficulty and the dates of the exams. Shah: One of the best study habits has been to really focus during class and take detailed notes. Even just taking your own notes on blank paper is really helpful to memorize content. Another important point is to remember everything. A school year is not very long, so you should keep everything in mind and not let anything go.
What are your goals or career aspirations? Conquet: I would like to eventually conduct professional scientific research and pursue a professional degree. I would like to participate in or lead significant research which could possibly benefit the lives of others and contribute to advancements in medicine and science. Shah: I am going to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. I intend to particularly focus on computer hardware. As a part of this, I hope to participate in various scientific research projects to expand my knowledge and engineering skills.
In the first week of June, I was honored to lead a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. There were 65 of us, including the HIMS and Her, a very talented music group from Hope House Ministries.
The purpose of this pilgrimage was to celebrate the jubilee year of hope. It is also Hope House Ministries’ 45th anniversary. I wanted to give thanks for the countless blessings and amazing support we have received over the past four decades, especially since we’ve never taken government grants to help sustain us.
On our third day in Rome, we went to Saint Peter’s Basilica for an audience with Pope Leo the 14th. We were among more than 150,000 other people from around the world. It was quite powerful; due to a connection that I have in Rome, we were able to sit in the front section, front row, just right of the Pope. It was amazing experience; his message was amazing; being among people from around the world was amazing.
As we were leaving, the HIMS and Her sang their anthem “Go Light Your World,” which is a song about hope.
Before we left Rome, we visited the tomb of Pope Francis. It was overwhelmingly powerful. His prophetic voice continues to inspire me to just stay the course.
On Day 6, we traveled to Assisi, which is very holy ground. We visited the tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi. We saw the home where he was born and we walked in his footsteps.
Every night after a lot of walking, a lot of visiting and dinner, we had an optional meeting for people to share what touched them on that particular day. After the sharing, we’d have a traditional American sing along; singing America’s best — “Sweet Caroline-” — the Italians didn’t know what hit them.
At our last get together, I asked my co- pilgrims what was most striking about our time together. Almost everyone spoke of the powerful masses and music. However, the other striking comment was about us as a group, how strangers from all over the country came together and built community and new friendships, friendships that they believe will last forever.
As the leader, I too was profoundly touched by how a group of strangers became vulnerable brothers and sisters, friends and a community despite the polarizing times we live in.
By the time you read this column, our seniors in high school will have graduated.
A few words for the class of 2025: Don’t be blinded by those who tend to use shame, blame, guilt and religion to shackle people down and divide them. Set people free with your commitment to respect and being non-judgmental of all.
May your moral compass guide you on a path that is committed to working for peace and social justice. As Gandhi once said. “BE THE CHANGE YOU HOPE FOR.”
Congratulations class of 2025. Thank you for making the world a little bit better, a little brighter and a little more hopeful!
Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.