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

Canon USA, Inc. is partnering with the Eastport-South Manor’s English Language Arts program to develop students’ creative writing skills while gaining insight into the process of becoming a professional author. Throughout this program, called the Future Authors Project, students are writing and compiling their personal stories, which will be illustrated by their own photographs taken with Canon cameras. Once completed, Canon will print and bind the collection in a book, which will be signed by the students and distributed to families and friends. 

Canon senior tech specialist Brandon Chin first held a photography tutorial with Junior-Senior High School students where they were introduced to the fundamentals of professional photography. They learned about the concepts of the rule of thirds, composition techniques and essential camera functions and reviewed and edited their photos to prepare them for inclusion in the final book. Mr. Chin also shared his experiences as an acclaimed photographer. His subject matter includes car racing and race cars, famous athletes and sports teams, and geographic features and tourist sites. Canon also supplied the elaborate kits consisting of powerful, state of the art professional cameras, long range lenses and accessories on loan from the company.  

"By equipping students with the tools and resources they need to bring their ideas to life, we are fostering confidence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning," K-12 Director of ELA Lalaena Alfredsson said. "We believe in the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of nurturing young creative minds. We’re excited to see how the Future Authors Project will empower our students, allowing them to showcase their potential and demonstrate what they can achieve when given the right tools and guidance to succeed."

Click here to view the Jr.-Sr. High School Partners with Canon U.S.A., Inc on Future Authors Project slideshow.

Date Added: 10/3/2025

 

The halls of the Jr.-Sr. High School were filled with gratitude on Sept. 5 as senior varsity football players stepped away from the field and into the classrooms to honor educators who have shaped their educational journeys. Each of the athletes personally selected a teacher who has made a lasting impression on their lives and presented each educator with a T-shirt emblazoned with the words “I Made an IMPACT.”

The gesture was designed to recognize the often unseen influence teachers have beyond academics.

“This is what education is all about – relationships, inspiration and the connections that last far beyond high school and the walls of the building,” ESM Touchdown Club President Michelle Beardsley said.

The ESM varsity players hope this small act of appreciation will inspire others to pause and recognize the difference teachers make every day. The following faculty were recognized: Adriana Loftus, Michael Biggs Robert Bolen, Victor Correa, Thomas DiGennaro, John DiMarco, D.J Eckert, Robert Fleming, Erich Grosse, Thomas Hayes, Michelle Heaney Rachel Neville, Michael Podstupka, David Shouler.

Date Added: 10/1/2025