Sayville High School Technology/Business Department Chairperson and Retired U.S. Navy Chief, Bryan Coon, presided over the annual military-service recognition tribute for seven Sayville High School Seniors who have signed up for military service: 

1. Colin Gover-US Army
2. Vincent Palumbo – US Marine Corps Reserves
3. Jack Quinlan – US Military Academy West Point
4. Jillian Rastello – US Air Force Academy
5. Allison Reilly - US Military Academy West Point
6. Yirdaw Rivera – US Military Academy West Point
7. Nicholas Romano – U.S. Navy

Chief Coon followed the tradition long established by the late Major General Dennis Fagan, U.S. Army National Guard, retired and a former faculty member, by reflecting on Freedom.  It is an “abstract concept” that “makes tonight special and possible.” Freedom is not guaranteed, but “provided to us … by young citizens who are willing to give up many of our civilian liberties and the good life to put on a uniform, take an oath, and defend this nation.”

As part of the ceremony, Mr. Coon explained the Challenge-Coin ceremony as he bequeathed small coins, bearing the emblems of the military branch appropriate to each student, to  the Seniors on stage. Mr. Coon closed by stating that these students were now “part of a new generation of young citizens who are willing to go into harm’s way to protect us and our free society. Our Nation is indebted to them and others like them and we thank them for their commitment to service to this great Nation.”

At the end of the tribute, the audience erupted with resounding applause and gave a standing ovation to the students.