The Suffolk County School Superintendents Association hosted its 31st annual Valedictorians Luncheon at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook on May 29, an annual SCSSA tradition that honors the enviable accomplishments of Suffolk County’s highest-achieving Class of 2025 graduates. Class of 2025 Valedictorian Amanda Seligman attended the event, alongside Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Steimel, Principal Salvatore Alaimo, music teacher Jamie Sico and her parents Sara Seligman and Jason Seligman.

After a warm welcome by SCSSA President-Elect Dr. Timothy T. Eagan, SCSSA President Dr. Harold Dean told the valedictorians that their success is a testament to their relentless dedication, hard work and perseverance. “As you look ahead to the paths you will forge and the lives you will impact, know that we take great pride in both your accomplishments and your potential to make a meaningful difference in the world,” Dr. Dean said. “We encourage you to remain true to your values – they are the foundation of a lasting leadership.”

Guest speaker Dr. Carl Lejuez, executive vice president and provost at Stony Brook University, encouraged the valedictorians to seek mentorship but to remain true to themselves. “From the first day [of college], look for an opportunity to make an emotionally connected relationship with faculty and staff.” He also said, “You should take something from mentors while staying yourselves” and that it is important to “carve out your own place.”

The valedictorians were then called to the stage, accompanied by their school superintendent and high school principal, to receive a certificate of recognition, a plaque and a copy of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

During his closing remarks, Dr. Eagan congratulated the valedictorians on their outstanding accomplishments and charged them with the following advice. “Approach your college education with the same passion that got you here today.”

Date Added: 6/6/2025

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

Jr.-Sr. High School students interested in a career in law had a unique opportunity to learn more about the field through participation at Law Career Day. The event provided insight into what a typical day looks like for an attorney, what courses the students should be taking in high school and college, the challenges of law school and defining moments in the panelists’ careers.  

“Even if you are not a lawyer, the law affects all of your rights,” consumer debts attorney Maria Degennaro told the students. “I encourage you to take a law class.” 

Ms. Degennaro joined a panel that included attorney Gabriele Burner, Bureau Chief Family Court Bureau Karen Caggiano, Surrogate’s Court Deputy Chief Clerk Amy Campbell, New York City Supreme Court senior court reporter Darlene Devlin, Suffolk County Court Judge (6th district) Kenneth Lauri and paralegal Emma Rubin. Also on the panel was Mock Trial member and Eastport-South Manor senior Angelina Sankar.  

During the morning seminar, the panelists also broached the topics of the legal ramifications of artificial intelligence, the importance of writing and public speaking as an attorney, and the increased need of bankruptcy lawyers. Several of the panelists also spoke about the importance of mentorship and encouraged the students to become involved in clubs that allow them to express their ideas and to become known in their community. 

Date Added: 6/2/2025

National Science Honor Society members at the Jr.-Sr. High School learned of several possibilities in the STEM field thanks to a recent visit from ESM Class of 2003 alumna Dr. Sharon Pepenella. Dr. Pepenella is a former Advanced Placement Biology student of science research teacher Robert Bolen and is now a senior research programs representative at Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Office of Workforce Development and Science Education. She supports the student programs in which dozens of Eastport-South Manor students have participated at both Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 

In her presentation, “From the Bench to BNL,” Dr. Pepenella highlighted her experiences as an undergraduate student and the transformative experiences that shaped her pathway to earning a Ph.D. She also provided insight into entering the STEM field.  

“It was a truly unique experience having a former student share their success and provide insight into achieving success in STEM fields,” Mr. Bolen said.  

Date Added: 5/19/2025

The District is pleased to announce that S & P Global has raised the district’s 2019 bond rating from AA- with a Stable Outlook designation to an AA rating, along with a Stable Outlook designation. As a result, the district now stands to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest costs over the next decade, particularly with this year’s borrowing of $70 million for the Capital Project, an additional $20 million the following year and scheduled TAN borrowing.     

Each time Eastport-South Manor borrows funds, it is reviewed by credit-rating agency S&P Global to determine its credit worthiness. S&P Global is a financial intelligence provider that supplies detailed information on the credit standing of countries, states, local governments and municipalities to the largest financial institutions in the world. A higher municipal credit rating earns lower interest rates for borrowed funds, resulting in less interest paid on the lifetime of a loan. Ratings are designated from a high of AAA+ to as low as D-.    

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Timothy Laube explained during the May 7 board of education meeting that the improved bond rating was due to the district’s financial stability, as well as the result of improved and upgraded facilities, seven years of passed school budgets, steady school leadership and the voter-approved capital project in 2022.  

Board President Jeffrey Goldhammer congratulated Mr. Laube on the improved credit rating and noted that the district has been “proactive” over the years in its work to improve district finances.  

Date Added: 5/16/2025