Through the celebration of Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 20-24, Jr.-Sr. High School students learned that every healthy choice they make adds to the big picture of their lives.   

Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually and is the nation’s largest drug prevention campaign. This year’s theme was “Life is a Puzzle; Solve It Drug Free.” The week kicked off with students wearing red to symbolize their commitment to the event. Seventh and eighth grade health and art classes decorated puzzle pieces with positive affirmations and coping skills. Once completed they were hung up in the lobby for peers to read. Students also explored various mindfulness activities such as coloring, music and meditation. They engaged in new hobbies such as stress ball making, calming jars and sugar scrubs. Students also had ample opportunities to participate in yoga classes. 

Most importantly, the students learned how to stay curious, creative and connected and to solve their own puzzles drug free. 

Date Added: 11/3/2025
 

The Jr.-Sr. High School gymnasium buzzed with excitement as juniors and seniors took a step toward planning their futures through attendance at the annual college fair. More than 100 representatives from colleges and universities across the East Coast, as well as the military, were in attendance to pitch their educational programs to perspective students. 

ESM guidance director Christine Duffy explained that the college fair is great exposure for students planning their next educational move and for juniors to start the college search. Seniors were also able to speak directly with representatives who may review their applications. 

 

Click here to view the Junior-Senior High School Students Look to the Future slideshow.

 

Date Added: 10/30/2025

The Jr.-Sr. High School National Honor Society inducted 85 new members during a traditional candlelighting ceremony, held on Oct. 15 in the auditorium.

After Society members Jack Gallagher, Bennett Leselrod, Kiera Romond and Abigail White sang the national anthem, Principal Salvatore Alaimo congratulated the inductees on consistently exceeding expectations.

“Remember the commitment you are making and go out in the world and make an even bigger impact,” Mr. Alaimo said.

Officers Madison Heaney (president), Ava DiDonna and Pasha Wray (co-vice presidents), Logan Silbert (secretary), Jameson Ackley and Alex Silbert (co-treasurers) and Brianna King (historian) then lit a corresponding candle as they each described the tenets of the society: leadership, character, service and scholarship.

Each of the new inductees then lined the auditorium’s perimeter with lit candles as they recited the honor society pledge, and then walked across the stage to receive their certificates, marking their membership in the National Honor Society. The officers then presented Jr.-Sr. High School science teacher Robert Bolen with an honorary membership into the society for being instrumental in the success of the inductees and other members and for truly embodying the ideals of the Society.

Click here to view the ESM Inducts 85 into National Honor Society slideshow.

The excitement was palpable as Jr.-Sr. High School students filed into the gymnasium for an assembly hosting members of the BMX No Hate Tour, held on Oct. 8 and sponsored by the U.S. Marines. Now in its 25th year, this impactful program used the energy and excitement of BMX biking to deliver critical and important bullying prevention tools and information overcoming obstacles, surrounding yourself with positive influences, problem-solving and other mental health messages that resonate with high school students.

Spokesperson Dan Sieg spoke to students about the issues of bullying while bikers Logan Place, Trevor Meyer, Zach Newman and Russell Summerville performed jaw-dropping tricks performed on the ground and in the air. One of the tricks included Assistant Principal Daniel Franchese, who sat in a chair on the ramp while one of the athletes pedaled above his head.

Although the BMX tricks were thrilling, the assembly had a powerful message. “Decide what your passion is,” Sieg said. “If someone gives you a hard time, put your head down and focus on the task on hand. I encourage you to find the passion and energy inside you and put it in play.”

Click here to view the BMX No Hate Tour Visits Eastport-South Manor JSHS slideshow.

Jr.-Sr. High School senior Ryan Storch utilized his musical talents to make a difference in the Long Island community. He was recently recognized as one of 23 students from eight Legislative Districts to receive the Suffolk County Legislature’s Distinguished Youth Award

The DYA program challenges the county’s youth to become more civically involved and to focus on activities they not only enjoy but for which they would like to improve a skill. The program focuses on meeting goals in four separate categories: volunteer service, personal development, exploration and physical fitness.

Ryan, who received a Bronze Award for participating in two of the four possible categories, first explored and cleaned up 20 Suffolk County parks and placed a Kindness Rock in each of them. As part of his volunteer service, Ryan played the keyboard during the Lighthouse Mission’s mobile food pantry visits to Patchogue and Bellport, which entertained those in need.

Ryan is a New York State School Music Association level 6 musician for both piano and saxophone and has plans to continue his music study on the collegiate level. He is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, the school’s pit orchestra and the marching band where he plays tenor sax. He said he would like to eventually pursue a career in music education or as a professional jazz musician.

The district congratulates Ryan on receiving the Distinguished Youth Award and extends best wishes for success in his music career.

Date Added: 10/7/2025