By Greg Catalano
As temperatures warm, residents flock to public parks and gardens to enjoy the weather. Some take trips to Old Towne Gardens in East Setauket to buy flower and vegetable plants, aiming to take advantage of the frequent April showers. Others bring their families to Heritage Park in Mount Sinai, known for its signature daffodil smiley face mowed into the grass, and fly kites.
— Photos by Greg Catalano
By Greg Catalano
Benner’s Farm in East Setauket hosted easter egg hunts on April 18, 19 and 20. Children, baskets in hand, enjoyed the beautiful weather as they eagerly searched for the hidden eggs, toured the working farm and met the Easter Bunny.
– Photos by Greg Catalano
Photos by Greg Catalano
Photos by Greg Catalano
By Greg Catalano
VFW Post 3054 in East Setauket hosted a moving Veterans Day ceremony at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park on Route 25A on Saturday, Nov. 11, paying tribute to U.S. service members and veterans of all generations.
After a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and a touching prayer, members of the Three Village community, including Scouts, Daisies and members of the East Setauket Fire Department, among others, placed wreaths in tribute to all the local community members for their military service over the years.
The Port Jefferson community marked yet another successful Easter Parade this year, with hundreds turning out for the festivities.
Hosted by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the parade route started at Theatre Three, working down Main and finishing at Harborfront Park. Once there, a wild frenzy ensued, with children and parents rushing to the park to collect the hidden eggs.
Fun and merriment went all around, the community and chamber capping off another memorable annual Easter tradition.
— Photos by Greg Catalano
The Friends of St. Patrick held the 71st annual Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 12.
In a grand spectacle, marchers walked along the parade route of Route 25A from Miller Place to Rocky Point. The event featured countless community organizations, business groups and performers.
— Photos by Greg Catalano
Submitted by Three Village Central School District
The Ward Melville Class of 2022 came together for a final time on June 26 to celebrate their graduation. Graduates marched through balloon arches onto the front lawn of the school to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” as family and friends cheered them on.
Commencement exercises began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by student government president Riley Meckley, followed by a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by student-musicians. Ward Melville Principal William Bernhard welcomed the crowd, as Board of Education President Deanna Bavlnka gave opening remarks.
Bernhard introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Pedisich. This marked Pedisich’s first and last graduation address, as she is retiring. She noted that she feels a special connection with the Class of 2022, as they are entering the next chapter of their lives together. Pedisich touted the graduates’ resiliency and strength as they navigated high school amidst a pandemic.
“We had much to learn from our students, as they did from us, and together we continue to prevail as a district that celebrates unity, respect and collective strength led by the motion, the message invoked and exemplified by the Class of 2022.”
Meckley returned to the podium to reflect on the graduates’ time at Ward Melville High School. She presented the school with a gift — a new, updated Mr. Patriot mascot costume.
Class of 2022 valedictorian Claire Yang and salutatorian Alexander Lin both delivered speeches, saying farewell to their high school careers while looking forward to the future.
“Today, as we end one chapter of our lives and prepare to embark on the next, I hope you will all continue to embody the ideals of resilience and understanding,” Lin said. “With our resolute determination, I’m confident that this class is well-equipped to tackle grander issues in the future.”
“I know how bright and driven our class is,” Yang said. “We are visionaries with big ideas. It goes without saying that the future is in phenomenal hands. But more than that, this is a class of people that can inspire change and goodness in others.”
Following their remarks, the graduates were called on stage by assistant principal Vince Cereola to receive their diplomas from Bernhard, alongside the board of education and district administrators. Class of 2022 President Alexa Moore led the turning of tassels, and students tossed their caps into the air as the Ward Melville High School bell rang, signifying the end of an era.
Residents of the Three Village Central School District rooted the Patriots on to a homecoming win against Walt Whitman High School Oct. 6.
The Patriots varsity football team beat the Walt Whitman High School Wildcats 32-10. Ward Melville now ranks 5-0 in the league, which is the first time since 1974.
Before the big game, students and families enjoyed a parade and carnival where attendees participated in games, crafts and listened to live music.
The Patriots will travel to William Floyd Oct. 13 and Longwood High School Oct. 20. Their next home game is Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Centereach High School seniors leapt up from their seats and tossed their caps in a sea of confetti to celebrate the end of their commencement day ceremony June 24.
Even though rain had delayed the festivities, Centereach seniors couldn’t find reason not to smile as they walked across the field and onto the stage to accept their diplomas celebrating the completion of 12 years of hard work and dedication.
The Cougars’ class of 2018 valedictorian Anthony Roman and salutatorian Olivia Zhu bid farewell to their classmates after sharing stories and words of encouragement and triumph.
