Ten years have passed very quickly for Huntington High School’s Class of 2006, which recently held formal and informal reunions that attracted dozens of graduates.
The Class of 2006 formally graduated at Huntington High School’s 145th commencement exercises on Friday, June 23 at 6 p.m. Joseph Leavy and Leslie Mitek announced the name of each senior as they stepped onto the stage to receive congratulations from district officials. Amy Rabinowitz was the master of ceremonies. Katie Ann Lyons was the valedictorian and Ariel Olsen was the salutatorian.
The Class of 2006 was led by Sarah Whitney (president), Laura Engelhart (vice president), Eric Rochman (treasurer), Melissa Bezas (recording secretary), Emma Peck (corresponding secretary) and Michael O’Leary (historian).
“Emma Peck and I actually planned two reunions, one informal and one formal,” Mrs. Engelhart-Tieman said. “The informal reunion started at the Homecoming Day football game and it was a blast. The athletic department roped off space in the bleachers for us and after the game we all met up in Huntington village to catch up. We had about 40 people there.”
A crowd of 71 turned out for the formal reunion, including 56 Class of 2006 members. It was held the day after Thanksgiving in the private loft space at Honu on New York Avenue.
“It was a great night to catch up and see everyone,” Mrs. Engelhart-Tieman said. “Emma and I both had people pull us aside to tell us that they had been hesitant and nervous to attend, but were glad they came since everyone was so friendly and past the ‘awkwardness’ of high school.”
Alum Mike Plunkett was among the attendees. He owns a video and photo production business, working with private clients on product shot and head shots, real estate, events, family portraits and parties, promotional videos, etc. The Huntington grad also works with agencies such as Patrick McMullan Company in Manhattan, where he began shooting events professionally in 2006. He even finds the time to work part-time at Equinox in Woodbury and is planning to get certified as a Pilates instructor and hopes to have a Pilates related business off the ground by 2018.
Class of 2006 members are an enterprising and adventure seeking group. Stephanie Elmessaoudi lives and works in Italy for Marist College, serving as the school’s assistant director of housing and residential life for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in that country.
Tom Potter started a Brooklyn based furniture business, Anvil Club. The items are made primarily from repurposed heavy steel and iron machinery that he rescues. Matt Kennaugh has also developed his own business. Cloud 9 Customs makes surf boards. Justin Green’s business focuses on creating custom steel designs.
The reunion organizers faced a daunting task, but they were happy to take on the job. “We enjoyed planning it, even though it was a lot of work to track people down,” Mrs. Engehart-Tieman said. “Facebook was a huge help. It was nice to reach out to people we haven’t spoken to in some time.”