Principal Presents Alumni Cups to Dynamic Seniors

Huntington High School Principal Rochelle C. Brown presented this year’s coveted Alumni Cups to Class of 2026 members Frank Algieri and Jolie Weinschreider. The two multi-sport athletes also served in a variety team and club leadership positions.

Ms. Brown made the much anticipated announcement and presentation at the close of the senior scholarships and awards night in the high school auditorium. A crowd of 375 expressed its approval of Mr. Algieri and Ms. Weinschreider with hearty applause.

“The key to my success has been staying disciplined, working hard even when things get difficult, and always trying to improve,” said Mr. Algieri, who starred on the football and lacrosse teams. “I’ve really enjoyed forming great friendships, learning valuable lessons, and being a part of sports teams that felt like family. My commitment to athletics, the leadership and discipline I developed through teamwork, and the memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.”

Mr. Algieri plans to study finance at Coastal Carolina University. Ms. Weinscreider intends to pursue a degree in psychology at Rutgers University.

“The key to my success has been staying organized and consistently managing my responsibilities,” Ms. Weinschreider said. “I am dedicated to completing my work to the best of my ability and I have also benefited from the guidance and support of my teachers. I have really enjoyed being a member of the soccer, basketball, and lacrosse teams with my best friends. I have also valued being in classes with friends while studying curriculum that genuinely interests me.”

The first commencement from Huntington Union School was held Friday, July 18, 1862 at 2 p.m. Since then the community has gathered annually to celebrate the awarding of coveted diplomas. That first graduating class consisted of just six students. The number of seniors would grow over the years, reaching nearly 750 in the mid-1970’s before declining sharply as school enrollments shrunk all across the state.

In 1862, each of the six seniors either gave a speech or read an essay and each time they were followed by some sort of musical selection, either instrumental or a song. The first class of graduates included Charles H. Baldwin, Emma F. Downs, John S. Sherrill, James T. McKay, Ella J. Conklin and valedictorian William G. Nicoll, whose attorney father, William Nicoll presented the diplomas that day in his role as commissioner of common schools.

The following year, 1863, also saw six students earning diplomas, including four from Huntington and one each from Yaphank and Islip. Thus, a yearly tradition was born.

Huntington’s 50th commencement was held on Tuesday, June 20, 1911 at 8:15 p.m. in Assembly Hall at the old high school on Main Street. The night began with the Rev. Charles E. Cragg giving an invocation and following with the singing of “The Evening Dance” by the girls’ chorus. Three salutatory addresses were given by seniors Leroy Randle Grumman (“The Aeroplane”), Nettie May Carll (“Nature Secrets by Huntington Road-Sides”) and Laura Brewster Kissam (“The Boy Scouts of America”). The chorus followed with a rendition of Brahms “Lullaby” before senior George Clifton Sammis addressed the crowd on “The Conservation of Our Forests.”

Mr. Grumman would go on to start an aircraft company in his Huntington garage. It ultimately developed planes that helped the U.S. win World War II and later created the lunar escape module that made a moon landing possible.

At that same 1911 commencement, senior Ella Newman spoke on “Amusement, a National Necessity” and the girls’ chorus followed by singing “The Owl and the Pussy Cat.” Senior Camillus Rogers Trainer then gave a stirring address on “Stonewall Jackson, A Man.”

The honor of giving the valedictory address in 1911 fell to Sarah Louise Funnell, who spoke about “The Land of the Impossible.” Prizes were then awarded to Huntington’s 50th graduating class and diplomas were presented. The chorus sang one final song – “My Mammy’s Voice” before the closing benediction.

Fifty years later, Huntington High School held its centennial commencement in the auditorium on Tuesday, June 27, 1961 at 8:15 p.m. More than 330 seniors marched to their seats while the band, conducted by music teacher Rufus E. Kern, played “Pomp and Circumstance.” The full house sang the “Star Spangled Banner” before Rev. Lloyd A. Duren gave the invocation.