The Jr.-Sr. High School held a luncheon on May 30 for local valedictorians and salutatorians from the Center Moriches, Comsewogue, Eastport-South Manor, Longwood, Miller Place, Mount Sinai, Port Jefferson, Rocky Point and Three Village school districts. The luncheon, sponsored by New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo, was held in the tradition of former NYS Sen. Kenneth P. LaValle, who previously celebrated the area’s top students each year at the same location.  

During the event, Sen. Palumbo told the students how their accomplishments and graduation as the area’s top students are now formal resolutions which have been passed by the assembly and the senate, and that they can now find their names in the state archives. He also noted that, “If you need assistance, you know these are the people you can truly rely on.”   

In attendance were Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano’s chief of staff Alice Painter, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Sen. Dean Murray and Assemblyman Tommy John Shiavoni. After the representatives introduced themselves to the students and relayed how they became interested in public service, each honored guest answered questions including their decision for their impending paths, whether they have gone out of their way to learn something different from their immediate interests, whether they prefer classroom learning post the Covid-19 pandemic and plans for nonacademic goals.  

Of course, the students also received some valuable advice. Sen. Murray told the students, “There is no set path. You forge your own way.”   

Assemblywoman Kassay encouraged the students to “Keep your eyes open, stay curious and don’t shy away from something that comes to you unexpectedly.” 

“We learned a lot from you and want to make New York State the best for you,” Assemblywoman Giglio said. 

Date Added: 6/4/2025