At the June 25 meeting of the Sachem Central School District Board of Education, several student-athletes were recognized for their accomplishments this spring.

The unified basketball and bowling teams at both high schools were honored for their programs. Next, students who participated in the Special Olympics received certificates from the Board of Education. Athletic Director Gary Beutel then introduced the Sachem East varsity softball team for winning the Long Island championship and advancing to the state semifinals. New York State track champs Savanna Edwards, Bella Galeas, Taylor Percy and Sarafina Scavo were recognized for winning the 4 x 400m relay. Lastly, spring student athletes who received post season honors were celebrated.

Congratulations to all!

Date Added: 7/1/2024

On Thursday, June 27, the Sachem High School North Class of 2024 gathered at the Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium field one last time to celebrate their graduation. Seniors were welcomed by cheers from their families as “Pomp and Circumstance” played throughout the stadium.

Students who will be entering the armed forces upon graduation were called in front of the stage to be honored for their service. At this time, the Sachem North Symphonic Choir sang the National Anthem before a special guitar solo of “God Bless America” was performed by senior Steven Mattiolo.

High School North Principal Andrew Larson presented Superintendent of Schools Dr. Pellettieri with an honorary diploma ahead of his retirement this July, before speaking to the graduating class. Mr. Larson noted his special connection to the Class of 2024 as they started their careers at Sachem North together. He then introduced guest speaker Kristen Bowes Burke. Bowes Burke, general counsel for Mercy College, imparted advice to the seniors as they go off into the world.

Following the remarks, elementary principals Dr. Thomas Desmond and Mr. Joseph Watson introduced the top 25 academic leaders of the class including salutatorian Ryan DeSimone and valedictorian Avi Talsania. Talsania addressed his peers.

“Treat everyone’s life just as valuable as yours and welcome each hardship you face as another steppingstone in your journey. It has been the greatest gift getting to know you guys the past few years and with that, I can wholeheartedly say, we are the ones who will change this world because that is exactly what we have been prepared to do,” Talsania said.

Senior class president Nicholas Abbate stepped up to the podium and reflected on some memories during his time at High School North. He posed a question to his peers in the hopes of empowering them to overcome future obstacles.

“What can any one of us do in the face of insurmountable challenges? Should we retreat from them and passively accept that there’s nothing to do but accept our bleak fate? Or do we summon the strength to believe that with a little courage and a little determination, we can beat the odds that are seemingly stacked up against us? Because we’ve already beaten those odds to arrive at this unique moment in history,” Abbate said.

Following the student speeches, Board of Education president Rob Scavo introduced trustee and parent of a graduating senior, Meredith Volpe to present the diplomas. Students walked across the stage as they were congratulated by administrators and Board of Education members. Once back in their seats, the seniors turned their tassels and threw their caps to the sky, marking the end of their high school careers

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/28/2024

At the June 25 meeting, the Sachem Central School District Board of Education presented several staff members with tenure. The Board congratulated the educators on this well-deserved honor and milestone in their Sachem careers.

Congratulations to the following:

Administrators
Brenda Almendarez-Debello, Thomas Lipani, Lisa Pesce, Michael Saidens, Heather Shook, Elizabeth Tucci and Joseph Watson.

Teachers
Christina Alfano, Isabella Busch, Danielle Cali, Elizabeth Calvano, Lisa Costa, Marissa Delorfano, James Duffy, Angela Fasano, Jessica Freyer, Robert Frontino, Nicole Heselpoth, Amy Hinojosa, Karah Klein, Jacqueline Luchetti, Peter Strong, Julia Vaillant and Danielle Whelan.

Teaching Assistants
Jill Oakes, Christine Martin and Michelle Migliozzi.

Date Added: 6/28/2024

The Sachem High School East Class of 2024 proudly walked out onto the football field in their red caps and gowns to celebrate their graduation on June 26. “Pomp and Circumstance” played overhead while cheers and applause were heard from the crowd.

Once students were seated, the commencement ceremony began with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by senior chorus members. During this time, graduates who will be serving in the military were recognized and honored.

High School East Principal Lou Antonetti welcomed the audience and gave congratulatory remarks to the graduating class. He recognized three students who were graduating a year early and presented two honorary diplomas – one to Isaac Ruiz’s family, a member of the Class of 2024 who passed too soon, and to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Pellettieri, as he is retiring this July.

Following the remarks, the top 25 academic leaders of the class were called to the podium to receive medals. Senior class advisers Dawn Patterson and Katherine Stein introduced the students and shared their future plans. Valedictorian Adrian Benedikt Dayao and salutatorian Michael Mauro were recognized at this time. Dayao addressed his peers, reflecting on their time at Sachem East and encouraging them to strive for personal growth while allowing for grace.

“Not only is life not graphable, but our models of living are all guesswork that we constantly update with conflicting advice and realizations, and that will leave us with regrets, tiny and thick,” Dayao said. “But that’s okay. Give yourself grace, and they’ll change.”

Salutatorian and senior class president Michael Mauro stepped up to the podium to deliver a speech that shared lessons he learned during his time in Sachem including to have fun, embrace differences and the importance of community service.

“No matter our paths or future jobs, we need to stay in touch and help each other out, particularly in times of need. Shedding any silly conflicts or friend group barriers. We’re all Sachem and we’ll all play vital and fulfilling roles in society, where we should do so with an eye toward the spirit of serving our communities in the way we’ve been taught,” Mauro said.

Board of Education President Rob Scavo began the conferring of diplomas alongside trustees and administrators. Students walked across the stage and returned to their seats before tossing their caps into the air – signaling the end of their time in Sachem schools.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/27/2024

The Sachem Central School District Board of Education appointed two principals at its June 25 meeting. Lori Onesto was named the principal of Cayuga Elementary School and Christopher Washousky was appointed principal of Lynwood Avenue Elementary School.

Ms. Onesto has worked in Sachem since 2003 and served as assistant principal at Sachem High School North for the past school year. Prior to her assistant principalship, she was an AIS math teacher and held a leadership role at Hiawatha Elementary School as a principal’s aide. Ms. Onesto holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta and received her master’s degree from Brooklyn College.

Mr. Washousky most recently served as the assistant principal of Samoset Middle School. Prior to coming to Sachem, he was a teacher in the Floral Park-Bellerose School District and an administrator of the district’s Saturday Enrichment Program. Mr. Washousky holds a bachelor’s degree from Plattsburgh State University and a master’s degree from Dowling College.

Both Ms. Onesto and Mr. Washousky’s appointments are effective July 1.

Date Added: 6/26/2024