Huntington School News
A retirement party was recently held for Leslie Pond, a math teacher at Jefferson and Southdown primary schools at Quetzalcoatl Mexican Restaurant on Main Street in Huntington. The crowd included current and former teaching and support staff colleagues as well as Washington Principal Marsha Neville, Jefferson Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide and retired Washington Principal Lois Markland.
Superintendent James W. Polansky stopped by the dinner to present Mrs. Pond with a plaque in recognition of her decades of service to the young people of the community.
The crowd dined on a set of appetizers that included Mexican salad, chicken quesadilla and taquitos and entrees of pescado a la verancruzana, enchilada huasteca, enchilada suiza, burrito caliente, fajita taco, tequila pasta, quesadilla and tostadas.
"In keeping with Leslie's self-efficacy, we gathered for simple dinner and drinks," said Joanne Tures, a Washington Primary School third grade teacher.
"I am truly blessed by the largesse of my good fortune," Mrs. Pond said. "The outpouring of love and gifts were of epic proportions; the generosity of heart and spirit, most honoring and humbling."
Weitzner wins Scholarship
Huntington High School senior Alexis Weitzner is one of just 11 Long Island students to earn a college-sponsored scholarship through the National Merit Scholarship Corp. A mere 2,500 students won such scholarships across the country. The awards provide from $500 to $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at institutions financing the scholarship.
Ms. Weitzner plans to study philosophy and psychology at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. She is a National Merit Finalist, placing her among the top seniors in America this year.
"The highlight of my senior year was getting more involved with all of the activities that Huntington has to offer," Ms. Weitzner said. "Relay For Life was especially amazing."
Ms. Weitzner is well known in the equestrian world. It's a sport she will be traveling to pursue this summer. "But, I'll mainly just be relaxing for once," she said about her plans. "I'm looking forward to it!"
Finley Mathletes are Sharp
The J. Taylor Finley Middle School mathletes are sharp. The seventh grade team coaches by teacher Melanie DeMarco finished first in its division. The eighth grade team coached by Denise Grodzicki also finished atop its division.
Finley's eighth grade "A" team consisting of Steve Yeh, Justin Knowles and Jacob Strieb placed fifth in all of Suffolk County. "Students volunteer for the team," Ms. Grodzicki said. "Any student who enjoys math and wants to compete is welcome. This year's team consisted of 15 students of varying ability levels. We practiced after school every Tuesday and competed against teams from across Suffolk County once a month."
There are 30 participating schools and over 90 teams in Suffolk County, making Finley's achievements even more impressive.
Town Honors HHS Retiree
Retired Huntington High School social studies teacher and athletic coach Ignatius Asaro was recently honored by the Huntington Town Board. Mr. Asaro, a longtime town employee, was presented with the Richard Ford Service Award for his outstanding work with the town's beaches. The retired teacher resides in East Northport.
Goodbye Mrs. Oranges
Huntington High School foreign language teacher Eliana Oranges is retiring. "She always has a smile on her and every single person in this building loves her because she is friendly with everyone: secretaries, custodians, security personnel, as well as colleagues," said Mercedes Pena, a fellow foreign language teacher.
Mrs. Oranges built strong relationships with her students and department colleagues. "She and I were a real team," Mrs. Pena said. Mr. Oranges taught "pre-AP Spanish" and Mrs. Pena taught AP Spanish.
"She prepared students extremely well with very high standards," Mrs. Pena said. "Students knew how to write high level compositions because of her high standards. Eliana is also sweet as apple pie. We will all miss her tremendously!"
The Halo Effect
Dressing for success is more than just a catchy slogan. It's reality as Huntington High School business students learned this year. The teenagers "dressed-up" every Wednesday from September through June and noted the reaction of their classmates, teachers and support staff around the building.
"The students learned just how important it really is to create a positive first impression, otherwise known as a 'halo effect' in the world of business," business teacher Suzi Biagi said.
Washington Aides Retiring
Washington Primary School teacher aides Carol Ann Sinatra and Kim Luke are retiring. The pair was recently feted during a breakfast in the school library.
Principal Marsha Neville got emotional when talking about the two prized staff members, who have provided invaluable assistance to the faculty and students at the school for many years. Mrs. Neville said both of the aides are irreplaceable.
"I am going to miss everyone," Mrs. Luke said. "You have been just great." Mrs. Sinatra said that Washington "has been a great fit for me. I have been very happy here."
The two aides said they are looking forward to their retirement years and spending time with loved ones. Still, they are sad to leave the building they have called home for a long time. Mrs. Sinatra said she has told her husband many times, "I love that little red school house."
Richardson Captures Charlie Kaye Scholarship
Huntington High School senior Collin Richardson has won the Charlie Kaye Scholarship, which carries a $300 stipend. The award is open to any graduating senior in Suffolk County "who is considering furthering their education in music," according to the application.
"The scholarship was established by the Friends and Family of Charlie Kaye and is intended for a Suffolk County high school graduating senior who show exceptional promise in music," states the application.
The scholarship committee reviewed a submitted DVD portfolio and essay before selecting Ms. Richardson for the award.