The sound of bagpipes resonated throughout the ESM Jr.-Sr. High School campus as faculty, the board of education and the Class of 2025 processed down the walkway and onto the field for the 22nd annual commencement exercises on June 27. The evening honored the collective accomplishments of 269 seniors during one of the most important and memorable milestones of their lives.

Upon the graduates taking their places, Student Council Class President Kate Keesee led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a stellar performance of the national anthem by Kaylin Marra.

Board of Education President Jeffrey Goldhammer welcomed the Class of 2025 and encouraged them to carry with them the values that have guided their education: a commitment to learning, respect for others and the drive to keep growing. “Your future is yours to shape,” Mr. Goldhammer said. “Step into it with confidence, knowing your journey is just beginning and your greatest moments still lie ahead.”

Class President Madalena Hiotis noted that the seniors have had an “I can’t wait” way of thought. “We did not get to this point of success by wishing time would move faster but instead by making memories with each other,” she said. She also encouraged her peers “to live in the present moment, embrace change and be spontaneous.”

Salutatorian Camryn Warsaw shared her belief that the ability to show up on days that we don’t want to live in all her peers. “The important part of acknowledging that we’ve all thought about giving up on something….is that we didn’t give up,” Camryn said. “We all chose to persevere…and that commitment and dedication is illustrated by the fact that you’re sitting here today.”

Valedictorian Amanda Seligman encouraged her peers to “run your own race,” a piece of advice bestowed by her mother. “Don’t measure your success by how perfectly things go,” Amanda said. “Measure it by how much you show up for yourself when your plans ultimately derail.”

Principal Salvatore Alaimo also recognized 52 members of the District’s Century Club, as well as coaches, unsung heroes, and teachers and friends who pushed the graduates to be better. Also congratulated were students who received the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness. “I hope you will reflect on the challenges you faced and realize that although it was a demanding journey, the circumstances you encountered in the past few years have imparted upon you invaluable skills that will transcend your entire lifetime,” Mr. Alaimo said.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Steimel also started a new tradition of presenting a Challenge Coin to those entering the military. He also presented a coin to veterans and board trustees David Samartino and Joseph Sammarco.

“We salute your courage, your commitment, and your selflessness.Your decision embodies the highest ideals of service and patriotism,” Mr. Steimel said. “You carry with you the hopes and gratitude of our entire community.We are immensely proud of each of you,and we will watch with anticipation as you contribute to the strength and security of our nation.”

Prior to handing out the diplomas, Mr. Steimel addressed the graduates with the message to carry the spirit of ESM with them when they face obstacles. “As we mark this momentous occasion,a day filled with joy, reflection, and anticipation,I want us to take a moment to look back before we swim forward,” Mr. Steimel told the graduates. “While the future beckons with endless possibilities, never forget the foundation that has shaped you.This school, with its halls echoing with laughter and learning,your dedicated teachers, and the vibrant Eastport-South Manor communityhave provided the bedrock for who you are today.And, of course, your families– their unwavering love, sacrifices, and the values they instilled in youare the invisible threads that will always connect youto your truest self.Carry these memories and lessons with you,for they are the compass that will guide you through any storm….. And hey, don't worry too much about what the future holds – just remember,it's a big ocean out there, and you are all about to become very well-fedsharks!”

After the final diploma was received, the new graduates threw their caps and exited the field as alumni of the Eastport-South Manor Central School District. The district congratulates the Class of 2025 on this milestone accomplishment and extends best wishes for success as the class embarks on new journeys.

Click here to view the Congratulations to the Class of 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 7/1/2025

Science Research students Jameson Ackley, Ava Didonna and Michell Zheng earned the distinction of High Honors at the Long Island Science Congress Awards Ceremony for the presentation of their research on June 13. Their research project involved resolving and refining the structure of the beta-lactamase protein from Burkholderia ambifaria.The team competed with over 30 other teams in their category and earned this distinction.

Date Added: 6/18/2025

Under the direction of Jr.-Sr. High School music teachers Jamie Sico, Brendan Hogan and Daniel Graf, the talented wind ensemble, Sinfonia and concert choir traveled to the most enchanting place on earth – Festival Disney in Orlando, Florida. 

With music in their hearts and pixie dust every step of the way, each ensemble delivered performances worthy of a standing ovation, earning outstanding ratings across the board. Senior Aaron Isaacson brought home the Best Student Accompanist Award. 

The District is proud of the students for sharing their talents and representing Eastport-South Manor with pride, passion and a touch of Disney magic. 

Date Added: 6/12/2025

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