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Stony Brook Interim President Richard McCormick with Wolfie on May 23, 2025. Photo provided by Stony Brook University's Marketing and Communications Department
Stony Brook University's Class of 2025. Photo provided by Stony Brook University's Marketing and Communications Department.
Stony Brook University Class of 2025. Photo provided by Stony Brook University's Marketing and Communications Department
Stony Brook University Class of 2025. Photo provided by Stony Brook University's Marketing and Communications Department.

More than 7,600 Stony Brook University students joined the ranks of the university’s accomplished alumni at the Commencement 2025 celebration ceremony, which took place at LaValle Stadium on May 23.

Students from this year’s graduating class were awarded a combined 7,640 degrees and certificate completions. All candidates, with their family and friends, were invited to participate in-person or could watch via livestream.

Degrees were bestowed in the following categories:

  • 4,835 Bachelor’s Degrees
  • 1,950 Master’s Degrees
  • 675 Doctoral and Professional Degrees
  • 280 Certificates

The Class of 2025 officially joined the ranks of more than 225,000 alumni. This class contains students from 65 countries and 46 states, and graduates range in age from 16 – 82 years of age.

Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick, Provost Carl Lejuez, and University Deans conferred the degrees to the university students.

Dr. McCormick challenged this year’s graduating class: “Graduates, remember that success is not only about the achievements and milestones you will have as alumni of this great institution. It is about how you treat and support the people around you. Support for one another is so central to Stony Brook culture. You have left Stony Brook a better university than you found it, and that is saying a lot. We’re counting on you to BE the future!”

New York State Assembly Speaker and alumnus Carl E. Heastie also addressed the Stony Brook community.

Student speaker Amira Gbagba, who graduated with a bachelor of science in applied mathematics and statistics shared the following with her fellow graduates: “Statistically speaking, someone in this graduating class is going to do something huge. Maybe even a few of us. A new app, medical breakthrough, billion-dollar startup, [or a] Nobel prize.  And that someone? It could be you. So don’t rush your dreams trying to match someone else’s timeline. Move at your own pace …. if you have a dream, chase it. If you’re unsure what to chase — stay curious. Try things. Ask questions.”

The Undergraduate Student Government collected more than 600 donations totaling $11,800 as part of the Senior Class Gift.

 

 

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Elwood Union Free School District:

Budget vote:

Yes–983  •  No–830

Board of Education results:

One at-large seat

*Deborah Weiss –1,178 votes

• Vashmir Pascal-Turner – 496 votes

The Elwood school district proposed $79,395,286 budget failed to pass.

The proposed budget was up from last year’s $76,760,609 by 3.43%. The tax levy increased from $53,142,763 to $ 55,374,759. The 4.20% increase pierced the tax cap of 1.29%. A supermajority is required if the cap is surpassed, and since less than 60% of people voted yes, the district can either present the budget for a vote again or adopt a contingency budget, which only allows funds for essential funding.  District Superintendent Gayle Steele, Assistant Superintendent for Business Lorraine Dunke, and the board of education have the option to revise the budget.

In their budget statement, the board wrote that the levy increase was necessary to “preserve the integrity of current programs and offerings.” If the district were to abide the levy restriction and cut $2,231,996, “reductions would include 15.2 full-time staffing positions; the elimination of elementary chorus, band and orchestra programs; reduction in security staff; the elimination of middle school athletics; a reduction in BOCES programs, including tuition for students to attend the Long Island High School for the Arts; reduction in Academic Intervention Services; reduction in field trip transportation expense; and further reduction of districtwide equipment, materials, and supplies.”  The cuts to staff would include one administrative position, six teaching positions which would likely implicate the mental health staff and technology integration staff, three teaching assistant positions, three paraprofessional positions and one clerical position.

Tax payers would have to pay anywhere from $14 to $29 a month  if the 4.20% tax cap were put into place. Additionally, the district proposed transferring funds from the reserves to the capital budget to fix the roof of James H. Boyd Intermediate School.

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The names of board of education candidates who won a seat are marked with an asterisk.

Comsewogue Union Free School District

Budget vote:

Yes: 769  

 No: 205

Proposition 2 (Reallocation of Capital Funds): (Proposition 2 is a reallocation of previously approved capital funds to update elementary school playgrounds, make drainage and site improvements and replace ceramic wall tile at Norwood Avenue Elementary School. Officials said the projects would not exceed $4 million.)

Yes: 869 

 No: 94

Board of Education results: (Candidates ran for three at-large seats with the one receiving the fewest votes to serve a one-year term stemming from the 2024 resignation of Alexandra Gordon.)

*Robert DeStefano (Three-Year Term): 757 votes

*Diane Enright (Three-Year Term): 628 votes

*Francisca Alabau (One-Year Term): 552 votes

Port Jefferson School District

Budget Vote: 

Yes: 868

 No: 290

Proposition 2 (Capital Reserve Fund): Yes: 857 • No: 299

Board of Education results: At large vote for two open seats

*Randi DeWitt-738 votes        *Ellen Boehm-718 votes ∙ Jennie Berges-437 votes

Middle Country Central School District

Budget Vote:

Yes – 1,511 

No – 568

Board of Education results: Three open seats

*Dawn Sharrock- 1,465 votes

*Robert Feeney- 1,453 votes

 *Robert Hallock- 1,421 votes

Three Village Central School District:

Budget:

Yes – 1852

No – 1110           

Board of Education Election:

Two open seats, elected at-large.

*Amitava Das – 1957 votes

*Dr. Stanley Bak – 2116 votes

 

Miller Place School District

Budget vote:

Yes: 539  •  No: 217

Proposition 2 (Library Budget):

Yes: 649  •  No: 101

Board of Education elected trustees: (Candidates ran for two at-large seats)

*Andrea Spaniolas – 521 votes

*Jennier Keller – 491 votes

Rocky Point School District

Budget Vote

Yes: 482

No: 143

Proposition 2:

Capital Reserve Fund

Yes: 491 

 No: 124

Board of Education elected trustee: 

*Susan Sullivan– 524 votes

Mount Sinai School District

Budget Vote

693 Yes 

207 No

Proposition 2: Library

782 Yes 

115 No

Proposition 3: Capital Project

739 Yes 

157 No

Board of Education elected trustees:

*John Hnat- 565 votes

*Anthony Mangione- 616 votes

Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

Budget vote:

Yes–513

No–145

Proposition 2:

Yes–513

No–142

Proposition 3:

Yes–498

No–158

Board of Education elected trustees: 

*Meghan Tepfenhardt: 527 votes

*Thomas Sheridan: 534 votes

Commack Union Free School District

Budget vote:

Yes: 1330

 No: 546

Board of Education results :

(two seats)

Seat 1:

Pricilla Warner- 369 votes

*Nicole Goldstein- 1298 votes

Seat 2:

*Gues Hueber- 1511 votes

Kings Park Central School District

Budget vote:

Yes: 736 

No: 403

Board of Education results:

(two seats)

*Pat Hanley- 841votes

*Shala Pascucci- 745 votes

Smithtown Central School District

Budget vote:

Yes: 4,222 

No:  1,921

Board of Education results:

For the seat of Michael Saidens:

Karen Wontrobski-Ricciardi 2,531 votes

*Theresa Donohue-3,573 votes

For the seat of John Savoretti:

Mike Simonelli- 2,613 votes   

*Brandon Solomon- 3,445 votes

For the seat of Michael Catalanotto:

*Bernadette Ackerman- 3,600 votes

Alfred Carfora – 2,483 votes

Hauppauge School District

Budget Vote:

Yes 597 

No 259

Proposition:  Energy Performance Contract

Yes 667 

 No 174

Board of Education results:

(3 Open Seats, Three Year Terms)

*David M. Barshay, Esq.- 595 votes

*Rob Scarito- 612 votes

*Michael Buscarino- 601 votes

Northport–East Northport Union Free School District

Budget Vote:

Yes – 2,085 

No – 1,149

Board of Education results:

(Three open seats)

*Christine Ruggeri– 2,332 votes

Thomas Loughran- 1,018 votes

Joseph Pushee– 882 votes

*Jim Maloney- 2,084 votes

*Raymond Burney- 1,823 votes

Proposition #2:

Capital Expenditures

Yes – 2,490

 No – 733

Proposition #3:

Energy Performance Contract

Yes – 2,327

 No – 894

Proposition #4:

Northport Historical Society

Yes – 1,799

No – 1,410

Huntington Union Free School District

Budget Vote:

Yes – 789

No – 200

Proposition:

Building improvement fund

Yes – 835 

No – 146

Board of Education results:

(Two open seats)

*Jon Weston- 788 votes

*Jenna Prada- 768 votes

Harborfields Central School District

Budget Vote:

Yes- 817
No – 165

Board of Education results:

(Two open seats)

*Jeanette Wojcik- 775 votes

*Becky Dorsogna- 738 votes

Cold Spring Harbor Central School District:

Budget vote:

Yes – 245 

No – 49

Board of Education results: (two seats open)

*Bruce Sullivan – 210 votes

*Alex Whelehan – 233 votes

(Both ran uncontested)

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Long Island native and RSOM graduate Kevin Langbart, center, is among the new MDs who will stay at Stony Brook Medicine for their residencies. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
A group of new MDs from the RSOM celebrate with each other during the school’s 51st Convocation. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
A total of 133 graduates of the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) recite the Physicians’ Oath for the first time as newly minted MDs. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
The RSOM Class of 2025 pose and wave during the Convocation on May 19 at Stony Brook University. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz

133 RSOM graduates celebrate during the school’s 51st Convocation; residency training begins in July

The Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University celebrated its 51st Convocation on May 19 when 133 graduates received their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The newly minted physicians will start their residency training in early July.

A talented and diverse group set to practice medicine in more than 20 specialties – such as residencies related to primary care, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, neurology, radiology, surgery and psychiatry – the RSOM graduates, collectively, will practice at leading hospitals and academic medical centers in New York State and 17 other states. A majority (55 percent) will remain in New York, with nearly 15 percent staying at Stony Brook Medicine.

The need for more physicians in the United States and globally remains high, particularly because of aging populations and the need for physician specialists. With ever increasing new technologies to diagnose and treat diseases, and the emergence of AI and telemedicine, opportunities to further advance Medicine in this 21st Century will expand. New MDs entering the workforce will be a major part of that advancement.

Peter Igarashi, MD, the Knapp Dean of the RSOM and Presider over the Convocation, congratulated the 133 graduates and cited their dedication, perseverance, and achievements during this celebration of their journeys that brought them all to this moment as new physicians.

“Over the last four plus years at the Renaissance School of Medicine, you have received the best medical education that New York State has to offer,” said Dr. Igarashi. “The combination of training in the science and art of medicine and the social determinants of health has prepared you to be doctors, well-equipped for whoever walks in the door.”

Susan M. Wolf, JD, a nationally recognized leader in medicine, law, and ethics, Chair of the Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences, Regents Professor, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota, delivered the Convocation Address.

Professor Wolf has devoted her academic career to solving ethical and legal challenges in patient care and biomedical research. Her pioneering work has influenced how medicine approaches end-of-life care, the return of research results and incidental findings, and the ethical integration of technologies like genomics and AI.

She encouraged the students to practice medicine with the highest ethics and to be patient advocates during the caregiving process, helping to empower patients and their decisions in an age when medicine is advancing at a rapid pace even as quality of life and death issues remain paramount.

The 133 new MDs celebrated with each other, RSOM faculty, friends and family members throughout the day. This included a special shout out and a rousing applause from them during the ceremony directed to their parents and loved ones, who sacrificed much time and means throughout the graduates’ medical school journey.

The RSOM Class of 2025 join a long history of the school’s graduates. Since the first graduating class of 1974, the RSOM has issued more than 5,000 MD degrees, more than 600 PhD degrees, and nearly 750 master’s degrees to more than 6,200 graduates.

 

 

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Udya Dewanamuni

Udya Dewanamuni, a Suffolk County Community College Honor’s Program student and NSF-I-SUCCESS STEM scholar in both chemistry and physics from Ronkonkoma, is one of only 90 high-achieving community college students nationwide selected to receive the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a highly competitive national scholarship that provides up to $55,000 annually toward completion of a bachelor’s degree. This is the largest private scholarship awarded to community college transfer students in the country. Udya is the thirteenth Jack Kent Cooke scholar in the college’s 66-year history.

Beyond funding, Jack Kent Cooke Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. Scholars also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke scholars and alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support – ensuring they have every tool needed to thrive beyond community college.

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,600 applications from community colleges across the nation. The 90 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 467 students. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence, and leadership qualities.

A Physics major, Udya holds a 4.0 GPA and has earned consistent recognition on the Dean’s List for two years. She is a Get There From Here scholar, an Honors Program student and serves as Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa. She serves as a Student Government Senator and President of the Math Club. An NFS-I-SUCCESS STEM scholar and tutor in both chemistry and physics, Udya has engaged in interdisciplinary research projects with Brookhaven National Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Boston University, and the Mathematics Department at Suffolk. She is also a recipient of numerous awards, most notably the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar, PTK All-State Academic Team, and the winner of the PTK NY Region Nontraditional Student Award. In the fall, she will be studying Chemical and Biological Engineering and is currently awaiting final admissions decisions from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Stanford.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Udya for achieving this remarkable honor, which reflects not only her exceptional accomplishments but also brings great pride to Suffolk County Community College,” stated Dr. Edward Bonahue, Suffolk County Community College President.

“Udya is the epitome of a great student. From the moment she started in our program she took advantage of all opportunities we have to offer and not only succeeded but thrived. She not only celebrated her own success, but she used her experiences to encourage others. According to Deanna Downs, Coordinator of the Physical Science Learning Center, Udya is the most sought-after tutor and students regularly praise both her deep understanding of physics and chemistry and her ability to break down complex topics with clarity. Udya’s impact reaches far beyond her own academic success, and she has left a meaningful legacy that will continue to inspire long after she graduates,” said Sean Tvelia, Professor and Academic Chair of the Physical Sciences Department at Suffolk County Community College.

“Being selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholar is an incredible honor that allows me to continue my academic journey towards becoming a physician-scientist,” said Udya Dewanamuni. “This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the amazing support of my community, and it motivates me to keep striving for excellence while helping others achieve their dreams as well. Ultimately, this scholarship empowers me to keep moving forward, aiming to become the best version of myself daily!”

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 21,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately 145,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school to college and into careers.

About the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded almost $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org

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Photo courtesy of Hauppauge School District
Photo courtesy of Hauppauge School District

After weeks of preparation, fourth and fifth grade orchestra students at Pines Elementary School in the Hauppauge School District welcomed New York City-based composer, teacher and Broadway musician Eric Davis, the composer of one of their concert pieces.

Students first performed for Mr. Davis, showcasing their hard work and interpretation of his piece, “Dark Forest Legend.” Following their performance, Mr. Davis took the baton and led an interactive workshop on his composition. He shared stories about the inspiration behind the song, the narrative he hoped to convey and even how his original title was initially rejected by the publisher.

“It’s always rewarding to watch the students work with the original composer,” said orchestra teacher Tracey DeRose. “Seeing them learn directly from the expert is a delight.”

After the workshop, students asked Mr. Davis questions about the life of a composer.

Students asked thoughtful questions, gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to create music.

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A scene from the 'Goals for Giving' fundraiser at Newfield High School. Photo courtesy of MCSD
A scene from the 'Goals for Giving' fundraiser at Newfield High School. Photo courtesy of MCSD
A scene from the 'Goals for Giving' fundraiser at Newfield High School. Photo courtesy of MCSD
A scene from the 'Goals for Giving' fundraiser at Newfield High School. Photo courtesy of MCSD
A scene from the 'Goals for Giving' fundraiser at Newfield High School. Photo courtesy of MCSD
A scene from the 'Goals for Giving' fundraiser at Newfield High School. Photo courtesy of MCSD
A scene from the 'Goals for Giving' fundraiser at Newfield High School. Photo courtesy of MCSD

The Middle Country School District Boys Lacrosse team recently hosted its annual “Goals for Giving” fundraiser at Newfield High School, marking another successful year of community spirit and charitable giving. Organized by Regina Giambone, the event rallied widespread support from the district’s athletic department, administration, students, parents, and teams.

“We are incredibly proud of the boys lacrosse team and the entire district community for coming together in support of such a meaningful cause,” said Newfield High School Principal Scott Graviano. “It was great seeing the enthusiasm and joy in the air as everyone represented their teams, schools and Middle Country with pride.”

Funds raised during the event will directly benefit the Middle Country School District’s Special Education Program, with this year’s contributions earmarked for enhancing sensory rooms across the District’s schools by adding new, adaptive equipment.

Supporters showed their enthusiasm and solidarity by purchasing and proudly wearing event T-shirts featuring the official “Goals for Giving” logo, both during the school day and at the evening game. The event also featured a spirited 50/50 raffle and a variety of gift baskets, generously donated by local businesses and community members.

The district extends its heartfelt thanks to all who participated, contributed, and made this event possible. 

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

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Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Hela Ressa loves to knit and crochet. She loves it so much that she has taught the skill to thousands of yearning learners for more than 25 years in Smithtown. So it was only fitting that her adult students celebrate her upcoming 100th birthday with a surprise party before her adult ed class at the Smithtown administration building on May 12. She turns 100 on June 19.

Smithtown Central School District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Secaur, shared a letter with Ressa congratulating her accomplishments. The letter read in part, “Your hands have crafted far more than scarves and sweaters….Through your lessons, we’ve learned to slow down, to create with purpose, and to find joy in the quiet rhythm of our craft…you have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.”

Ressa emigrated to the United States from Germany more than 70 years ago. She settled on Long Island and began teaching knitting and crocheting classes at Sears Roebuck Department Store in 1969. Since then, Ressa has taught the adult education class in seven school districts and at a community center throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

For her efforts, Ressa received a proclamation from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Werheim.

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Port Jefferson High School. File photo by Elana Glowatz

By Sabrina Artusa

Two incumbents and one newcomer are vying for two seats on the Port Jefferson Board of Education. Ellen Boehm, current president, Randi DeWitt, current board member and challenger Jennie Berges attended a PTA-sponsored event to project their positions on district issues. 

Berges, a mom of three and the only candidate with children currently in the district, is a mental health counselor who is running to “be a voice” for parents and teachers who want to feel connected to the administration. 

Dewitt is a first-grade teacher of 26 years in another district and a lifelong Port Jefferson resident and attended the Port Jefferson School District herself before raising two children who graduated the district. “My platform is to continue to advocate for our students and to continue our district’s reputation for academic excellence,” she said. Her current term as a board member expires this year. 

Boehm, current president of the BOE, also graduated from the district and had children who did as well. She has been on the board since 2012 and took on the role of president five years ago. 

All three candidates acknowledge diminishing enrollment as an issue, although it is a trend that most schools have experienced post-COVID, according to data from the New York State  Education Department. Already a small district, the candidates spoke of how it factors in to board decisions. 

Berges said it is a draw that the board could potentially build off of the “smaller community feel” and intimate class sizes could be attractive to many families, as they were for hers. “Declining enrollment is a challenge,” she said. “Having a small school shouldn’t be. I think there are ways to work with what we have to work within the integrity of that.” 

The district is responding to the trend. Superintendent Jessica Schmettan said that there are fewer classes for certain grades. Programs are continuing strong, and even expanding in some areas such as full-day prekindergarten and a breakfast program. 

Addressing taxes, Boehm said she applauds administrators for keeping taxes lower than neighboring districts, but that residents on fixed income, including herself, are “feeling the strain.”

“I think it is really important that as a board and a district…that they stand behind the students and evaluate what is best for the students of Port Jeff. My hope is that it keeps programs intact. Does it mean that every teacher will be here forever? I don’t know.” 

2025-2026 budget 

The board held their last public hearing on the $49,406,575 budget on May 13 – a 2.89% increase from last years’ budget with a $741,969 increase in the tax levy from last years’ $39,396,316. The district lost around $111,000 in state aid.

The district continues to tackle costs amid the $16.5 million Child Victims Act settlement, which Schmettan said will have no effect on programing or quality of education to the students. WIth $5.1 million already paid, the district is under a one-year borrowing contract with Oppenheimer & Co for the remaining cost while they pursue potential solutions with the state. Around $400,000 from the undesignated reserve will be expended in the 2025-2026 school year to cover the interest. 

Now confronted with expenses that were previously shouldered by LIPA’s tax payments, Dewitt and Boehm said they explored the possibility of redefining the district lines, thus including more homes in their area and bringing in more revenue and students, but were unable to appeal to neighboring districts. 

On May 20 voters will also weigh in on a proposition pertaining to the renovation of the HVAC system, described as old and “inefficient” by Deputy Superintendent Sean Leister. “The pipes throughout the building are literally crumbling in our hands, he said. “I spent between $165,000 and $200,000 in repairs this year alone.” 

The board would like to use up to $3.2 million in capital reserves designated for upgrades and renovations to aid in financing the new system. Leister said that if the system isn’t repaired, the heat could reach unsafe levels by state standards and require the students to be sent home. Currently, they have to choose which rooms to air condition, he added.

Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 in the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Cafeteria. 

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Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin recently honored Walt Whitman High School Assistant Principal Dr. Scott Muller, who was named the 2025 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS), in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The award recognizes exceptional school leaders who go above and beyond to foster academic achievement, inclusive learning environments, and a strong sense of community.

From left, Legislator Donnelly, Legislator Bontempi, Dr. Muller, Legislator Sanin and Dr. D’Elia.

Dr. Muller has served as Assistant Principal at Walt Whitman High School for 19 years, where he is widely respected for his commitment to student success, his collaborative leadership style, and his tireless advocacy for students of all backgrounds. From supporting special education and English as a New Language (ENL) students to helping lead school spirit events and fundraisers, Dr. Muller has made a lasting impact on the South Huntington School District.

Originally on a path toward a career in medicine, Dr. Muller was inspired to pursue education by early experiences that sparked a lifelong passion for learning. He holds degrees from Binghamton University, Dowling College, Stony Brook University, and St. John’s University, and began his career as a science teacher at Deer Park High School before joining the South Huntington School District in 2006.

He was formally recognized at a statewide ceremony in Albany on May 2nd.

Legislator Sanin presented Dr. Muller with a county proclamation in recognition of his service and leadership, joined by her colleagues Legislator Tom Donnelly and Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, whose districts also encompass parts of the South Huntington School District.

“Dr. Muller’s unwavering dedication to his students and school community exemplifies the very best of educational leadership,” said Legislator Sanin. “It was a true honor to recognize him for this well-deserved achievement, and to celebrate the positive impact he continues to make in the lives of young people across Suffolk County.”

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