The University of Rochester nominated four Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School candidates for scholarships during the 2022-2023 school year. Robert Gmelch, Rebecca Isbitiren, Ryan Jannotta and Layla Warsaw are candidates for various scholarships should they choose to apply and be accepted into the University of Rochester.

Robert has been nominated for the Xerox Award for Innovation and Technology for having demonstrated tremendous potential in the computer field, as well as achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and appreciation in the possibilities of technology.

Rebecca was nominated for the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, who like these leaders possesses a tremendous amount of character and demonstrates compassion to others.Layla was nominated for the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, which seeks to recognize future leaders who will have a great impact on the world in years to come.

Ryan Jannotta was nominated for the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, presented each year to a high school junior who demonstrates exceptional promise in the sciences.

The district congratulates the students on this outstanding accomplishment.

Date Added: 6/9/2023

Eighth grade students had a rare opportunity to attend an assembly with guest speaker, author and Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan. The students are currently reading her book “Four Perfect Pebbles” about Mrs. Blumenthal Lazan’s experience in a concentration camp when she was only nine years old.

Mrs. Blumenthal Lazan was greeted by hundreds of crafted and decorative butterflies placed on boards to send the reminder that there are heroes among villians, upstanders among bystanders, and that both survivors and victims should be remembered and recognized. The Butterfly Project also represents what is right and urges individuals to choose kindness and acceptance.

Mrs. Blumenthal Lazan spoke about the Nuremberg Laws, Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass) and her trip to the infamous Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at the height World War II. She also explained the true story behind her book: If she collected four perfect pebbles, all of her family members would survive.

Mrs. Blumenthal Lazan told the students she has separated herself from what happened but realizes the importance of sharing her experiences. She also appealed to the students to share her story with others.

“Please share the stories of the Holocaust,” she said. “It is you who will have to bear witness.”

The assembly commenced with Mrs. Blumenthal Lazan asking students to have love, respect and tolerance toward one another, to look for similarities and respect differences, and to never generalize a group by the actions of others.

Date Added: 6/5/2023

During the second annual Breakfast of Champions, held on May 16, the District honored 20 Junior-Senior High School students who exhibitexemplary character and conduct on a daily basis. In the tradition of Wheaties cereal, who for decades honored champions by placing their photos on cereal boxes, the administration and faculty recognized these students who have made daily contributions to the school community.

During his opening remarks, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Kevin Trentowski congratulated the students, calling them kind, compassionate and friendly and headed for a successful life. He also noted that “while talent is a gift, character is a choice,” and that these students choose to exemplify these traits each day.

Faculty members then spoke about their honoree’s accomplishments and presented their “champion” with a certificate and a Wheaties cereal box photo.

Congratulations to the following honorees:

Kaitlin Andresen, Emily Benson, Anthony Capozzi, Luis Coxic Jax, Sarah Fabricatore, Sydney Flores, Gilberto Garcia, Julianna Gargiulo, Hailey Henderson, Kailyn Hughes, Sarah Langdon, Elsie Martin, Lila McCarthy, Brady McGowan, Logan Meyer, Jayden Milheiser, Cheyenne Miller, Jeffrey Smith, Cassidy Tellez and Julianna Terry.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 5/19/2023

Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School student-artists are being recognized for their talents and creativity at several different Suffolk County venues.

Nine student-artists were selected to exhibit in the Bay Area Friends of the Fine Art Gallery’s juried high school competition and exhibition in Sayville. Gianna Rando was awarded secondplace, Ryann Palumbo thirdplace and Reagan Walsh an honorable mention. Additionally, Jessica Barca, Keira Bree, Alexa Flood, KatieAnne Giusto, Riley Mannix and Katelyn Zeltman also exhibited their work.

Three talented student-artists also received awards from the Parrish Museum’s 2023 Student Exhibition at a special ceremony in April in Water Mill. Seniors Keira Bree (mixed media/collage) and Reagan Walsh (drawing) received an Award of Excellence. Junior Sydney Flores received the “Ones to Watch” award.

Senior Brooke Felton is also being featured as the May artist at the Westhampton Beach Public Library.

Date Added: 5/16/2023