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John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022

John H. Glenn High School celebrated the Class of 2022 on June 24 at the school’s 60th commencement ceremony.

The seniors marched on to the football field, clad in blue and white caps and gowns, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senior Class President Maya Polese, and the national anthem, performed by the high school’s band under the direction of Vicki Henson.

The ceremony also served as a farewell and salute to retiring Assistant Principal Leroy Cole.

“Mr. Cole, your mark on the Elwood School District will last for decades,” Superintendent Kenneth Bossert said. “We will fill your position but sir, you can never be replaced.”

Bossert and Principal Carisa Burzynski both offered congratulatory remarks, praising the seniors for their achievements. Burzynski noted that the class had the highest ever number of students collectively earning cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude since the school adopted the system.

— Photos from Elwood School District

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By Daniel Palumbo

The Suffolk Progressives political organization hosted a rally for reproductive rights at Resistance Corner in Port Jefferson Station June 25. 

Over one hundred attendees made their voices heard regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24 decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the 1973 landmark decision Roe. v. Wade and the 1992 decision Planned Parenthood v. Casey. 

Among the attendees were Skyler Johnson (D), who is running for New York State Senate District 1, and Suffolk Progressives activist Shoshana Hershkowitz, both of whom shared their passionate thoughts about this monumental reversal.

— Photos by Daniel Palumbo

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The Northport High School Class of 2022 celebrated their commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 25, alongside their peers and families at Tiger Stadium.

The sunny ceremony follows their years of hard work and growth and began with senior class representative Lisa Kovacs leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Principal Rob Dennis reflected on how this class has endured many challenges and will undoubtedly shape the questions and answers of our future.

“In your time at Northport High School, I know that you have developed the tools to be thoughtful communicators, empathetic analyzers, deliberate thinkers and open-minded collaborators,” he said as he addressed the new alumni. “We are proud of the people you have become. We are proud of the questions you have had to grapple with. Proud of the resiliency you have shown, and proud of the answers you have given us.”

— Photos from Northport-East Northport School District

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Commack High School Class of 2022 graduation. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Commack High School Class of 2022 graduation. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Commack High School Class of 2022 graduation. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Commack High School Class of 2022 graduation. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Commack High School Class of 2022 graduation. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Commack High School Class of 2022 graduation. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Commack High School Class of 2022 graduation. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Commack High School Class of 2022 graduation. Photo by Rita J. Egan

It was a hot evening but that didn’t stop Commack High School seniors from celebrating their graduation day with family and friends on June 24.

During the ceremony, student speakers Daniel Figueroa and Robert Acebedo addressed the crowd, and senior class president Allison Spalding presented the Class of 2022 gift. 

Interim Superintendent of Schools David Flatley and high school principal Carrie Lipenholtz also addressed the crowd. 

— Photos  by Rita J. Egan

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Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
During the graduation ceremony, students and attendees were joined by Distinguished Alumni Speaker Paul Monusky from the Class of 1997. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District
Hauppauge High School 2022 graduation. Photos from Hauppauge School District

Last Friday, June 24, Hauppauge High School seniors walked onto the field for the last time as students.

During the graduation ceremony, students and attendees were joined by Distinguished Alumni Speaker Paul Monusky from the Class of 1997, bottom left.

Monusky is an 11-time Emmy-winning senior producer/director for NFL Films. He got his start in broadcasting at the high school when he began taking TV production classes with Mr. Fran DePetris. He was also the editor-in-chief for the school newspaper during his time as a Hauppauge Eagle.

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Harborfields High School 2022 graduation. Photo from HFSD
Harborfields High School 2022 graduation. Photo from HFSD
Harborfields High School 2022 graduation. Photo from HFSD
Harborfields High School 2022 graduation. Photo from HFSD
Harborfields High School 2022 graduation. Photo from HFSD
Harborfields High School 2022 graduation. Photo from HFSD

As the proud seniors of the Harborfields High School Class of 2022 walked out on to the football field on the morning of June 25 for the school’s 63rd commencement ceremony, the warm summer sunshine perfectly matched the warmth in their hearts.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the choir saluted the school with the singing of the Harborfields alma mater.

Superintendent Rory Manning began by recognizing outgoing Principal Timothy Russo for his dedicated 25 years of service.

“Harborfields High School is in a better place because of your leadership,” he said, before presenting Russo with his own honorary diploma.

In an emotional final address to the students he nurtured for four years, Russo lauded them for embracing change and taking risks. “Throughout the years, your enthusiasm, kindness and respect for Harborfields has led us through some really challenging times, and I thank you for simply being the young men and women that you are,” he said.

— Photos from Harborfields Central School District

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Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo by Greg Catalano
Ward Melville High School Graduation 2022. Photo 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.

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Joan Dickinson winner of the Harold Pryor Award with Kara Hahn, Ed Miller, Joan Dickinson, Steve Englebright, Charlie Lefkowitz, Gloria Rocchio and Ken Kronke. Photo from TVCC
NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright congratulates Ron Lavita, winner of the Roy Dragota Award. Photo by Leah Dunaief
NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright congratulates Ron Lavita, winner of the Roy Dragota Award. Photo from TVCC
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn with Ron Lavita. Photo by Leah Dunaief
Colette Frey-Bitzas was the recipient of this year’s Three Village Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year award. Photo by Leah Dunaief
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn with Colette Frey-Bitzas. Photo by Leah Dunaief
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn presents a proclamation to Stony Brook University’s Joan Dickinson. Photo by Leah Dunaief
Three Village Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner. Photo by Leah Dunaief
From left, Andy Polan, Nicole Sarne, John Tsunis Susie Kaiserman, Michael Ardolino, Steve Englebright, Kara Hahn, Colette Frey-Bitzas, Ken Kronke, Charlie Lefkowitz, Ed Miller, Leah Dunaief, Ron Lavita, David Prestia and Carmine Inserra. Photo from TVCC
From left, David Prestia, Susie Kaiserman , Andy Polan, John Tsunis, Carmine Inserra, Michael Ardolino, Ken Kronke, Nicole Sarno, Colette Frey Bitzas, Ron Lavita, Charlie Lefkowitz, Gloria Rocchio, Judge Valerie Cartright. Photo from TVCC

The Three Village Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner on June 15 was a night of celebration.

The 2022-23 chamber board was sworn in by Valerie Cartright, New York State Supreme Court justice and former Town of Brookhaven councilwoman.

This year, for outstanding service to the entire chamber, the Member of the Year award was presented to Colette Frey-Bitzas. She has been a member of the chamber for more than 15 years, according to a press release from the chamber.

“She has volunteered countless hours while serving as second vice president and as chair of the programing committee,” the press release continued. “Being aware of the needs of our business community, she has led the program committee to host programs that are of value to the chamber members. During COVID she made sure members stayed connected through regular Zoom meetings, many of which focused on the challenges business faced during that unprecedented time.”

Frey-Bitzas is financial planning director at PPS Advisors. She also serves as co-chair of Three Village Industry Advisory Board which provides opportunities for Ward Melville High School students to meet with local business leaders. She is a member of the Stony Brook Hospital Compliance & Audit Committee of the Governing Body and is an adjunct professor at Molloy College.

The event held at the Three Village Inn in Stony Brook also included the presentation of the Roy Dragotta Award to attorney Ron Lavita for outstanding commitment to and participation in the chamber. The award is named after the chamber founder.

The Harold Pryor Award for community service was awarded to Joan Dickinson, assistant vice president of community relations at Stony Brook University. Pryor was the former president of the United Transportation Union representing Long Island Rail Road trainmen. He became chamber president in 1978.

— Rita J. Egan

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Photos by Raymond Janis

Parents and community members were treated to a special preview of this year’s surprise prom theme, The Royal Manor, just hours before the graduating Port Jeff seniors celebrated their prom on Tuesday, June 28.

After 10 months of planning and secrecy, the Port Jeff prom committee finally unveiled its spooky creations. From the lobby to the ballroom to the bathroom stalls, every inch of The Meadow Club was tied together into this year’s theme. Randi DeWitt, trustee of the Port Jefferson board of education and member of the prom committee, detailed how these plans came together. 

At the beginning of the school year, the executive board of the prom committee made the difficult decision to move the annual prom from its regular venue, the high school, to The Meadow Club in Port Jefferson Station.

“Everything used to be at the school, but because of COVID — because of that mandate at the beginning of the year — when we sat together as an exec board for the prom, we had to make the decision of where we were going to have it,” DeWitt said. “We decided to have it here at The Meadow Club because there wouldn’t be a mask mandate. We wanted to bring the theme here, which they graciously allowed us to do.”

The committee put together several unique interior designs throughout the banquet space. Part of the prom tradition is that guests are welcomed to a large foyer area. Each student had his or her own mailbox, where parents and visitors could leave special handwritten notes.

“This area we’re very proud of,” DeWitt said. “Every student has a book and it’s a tradition that the parents and other people come and leave messages for the kids.”

Another custom is the intricate decoration of the bathrooms. Both bathrooms contained elaborate displays that featured unique wallpaper, props and even digital audio to create an ambiance of both fun and fright. “This is a big tradition, the bathrooms, because they just get totally transformed,” DeWitt said. 

She described the sense of relief and accomplishment that the committee felt after nearly a year of preparations came to fruition. For her, the event represents the culmination of effort, ingenuity and love on the part of committee members, parents and other volunteers. 

“We had to raise an insane amount of money to pull this off and we did,” DeWitt said. “This is the culmination and it’s great because we know the kids will have so much fun.” She added, “That’s really why we do this — we do it for the kids.”

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Kasumi Layne-Stasik & Luke Florio
Emilia Guzzetta & Logan Shaffer
Carley Davidson and Ryan Parmegiani
Anthony Evangelista and date
Olivia Alvarez and Kyle Scandale
Madison Valenta and date

The Port Jefferson senior prom, a community tradition dating back over half a century, returned on Tuesday, June 28, after two years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the event itself was held off premises at The Meadow Club in Port Jefferson Station, a red carpet celebration was successfully conducted at the school, viewed by a sizable turnout of family, friends and community members.

Couples arrived in a wide array of vehicles — fire trucks, sports cars, hot rods, just to name a few. Spectators cheered and honored the students as they arrived and walked up the steps of the high school for what may have been the last time as high school students.

This year, nearly 100 guests attended the prom festivities. This local tradition is alive and well once more.

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