A total of 39 exceptional middle school students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society on June 22. The ceremony was officiated by members of the East Islip High School National Honor Society.

The inductees were Logan Alfalla, Jake Berlin, William Blaschuk, Amanda Bolen, Daniel Carroll, Tyler Cato, Julianna D Addario, Emily Farrell, Ryan Flad, Erin Fredrickson, Kiersten Galli, Kayla Glick, Jack Gravano, Alyssa Hartman, Samuel Henderson, Georgia Hodge, Andrew Jacobsen, Christian Kozak, Clara Kupstas, Johanna LeRoux, Jordan Maloney, Annelyse Marra, Ashley McAdam, Brendan McCaffrey, Drew McCarthy, Matthew McGuire, Reese McGuire, Adam Menendez, Michael Mignone, Sarai Murria, Sophia Pepe, Jordan Schumacher, Dilana Schwartz, John Talt, Ella Tantillo, James Terhune, Brianna Tucci, Drew Walendowski and Gabriella Zimmitti.

Haylee Shelorke, a first grader at Timber Point, wrote a letter to Superintendent John Dolan as part of a persuasive letter writing unit in writer’s workshop.

As part of the writing process, Shelorke came up with different ideas for changes she wished for, both at home and at school. She decided to request that a special class be opened at Timber Point so that her little sister could come to school with her. To Shelorke’s surprise, Dolan came to visit her at the school and brought along a handwritten response. Although her wish could not be honored, a gift certificate to Stanley’s Bakery was in the envelope with her letter. Dolan did offer her some advice: “Encourage your little sister, with the hopes that one day she will be as bright and shining as you!”

Two East Islip student-artists were recently awarded by Suffolk County for their outstanding poster creations. JFK third grader Anndrea Pumay was named the first-place winner in the annual countywide “Be Pool Smart” poster contest. Pumay’s poster will be featured in Suffolk’s pamphlets about pool awareness and the importance of safety around water. Additionally, Connetquot second grader Alyssa Toala won second place in the contest.

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi presented the Pool Smart winners with proclamations during the June 22 Suffolk County Legislature meeting in Hauppauge. East Islip High School Class of 2021 graduate Marie Tohill sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the ceremony.

Class of 2021 graduate Brooke Rizzuto was recently named the recipient of this year’s Suffolk County School Superintendents Association Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to one graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in education or social services and maintained a minimum weighted GPA of 85%. Rizzuto will attend Sacred Heart University this fall, pursuing a degree in chemistry education.

“Brooke’s kind, compassionate, empathetic, caring ways, combined with her roll-up-your-sleeves, let’s-get-the-job-done work ethic, will make her an excellent teacher,” said Superintendent John Dolan. “She has natural leadership and nurturing skills that will make her classroom a positive and energetic learning environment for our future students. Brooke will be part of the next great generation of teachers who pave the way for a bright future for our global community.”

Prior to the end of the school year, the high school’s honors symphony strings and honors wind ensemble presented a powerful performance of “Pirates of the Caribbean” in the school’s auditorium. Due to COVID-19, the two ensembles were not able to combine and perform as a full orchestra at the school’s outdoor concerts earlier in the spring.

“The high school’s music department would like to thank the district and community for their continued support during this difficult year,” said Orchestra Director Giovanna Ruggiero. “We look forward to continuing to make great music next year.”