Class of 2020: Commencement Breaks with Tradition

Good morning/afternoon/evening.  On behalf of our Board of Education and our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Stimmel, I would like to welcome you to our Commencement Program for the Class of 2020.  At this time, would you please stand for the singing of our National Anthem?  “The Star Spangled Banner” will be sung by the Patricia Ann Kubelle Winner Mr. Shawn Gibbons:

** “THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER” – Shawn Gibbons

       Thank you very much.  Please be seated.  To begin our Commencement Program, I would like to introduce the dedicated leader behind the success of our programs throughout our district.  He has served the community and students of Sayville Public Schools for 17 years in the capacity of Cherry Avenue Principal, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Superintendent.  A true gentleman and a tremendous child advocate, our Superintendent of Schools, ……Dr. John Stimmel.                                                     

**Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Stimmel

Thank you, Dr. Stimmel.  At this time, it is my honor to introduce the Salutatorian for the Class of 2020….a gifted student, a leader of her peers, an athlete on the Softball field and Basketball court and a tremendous person….Ms. Lauren Flaumenhaft:

    **Salutatorian for the Class of 2020 – Ms. Lauren Flaumenhaft: "An Opportunity."

Thank you, Lauren.

For our vocal selection, I would like to introduce the winner of the Patricia Ann Kubelle Memorial Award, a very special individual, and a sensational member of our High School……

Mr. Shawn Gibbons: 

 **Vocal Selection – Patricia Ann Kubelle Memorial Award Winner – Shawn Gibbons

 “Santa Fe” 

Thank you Shawn.  That was amazing.

The Valedictorian for the Class of 2020 is an outstanding student whose humility is awe inspiring.  A role model for all, an accomplished athlete in the cross country and track and field arena, a Science and Engineering researcher studying autonomous robotics; it is my pleasure to introduce the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020, Mr. Brendan Dillon: 

**Valedictorian for the Class of 2020 – Brendan Dillon: “Basic Advice for a Happy Life."

Thank you, Brendan. 

 At this time, it is my honor to introduce the President of the Board of Education.....Mr. Keith Kolar:

**PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS  –  Mr. Keith Kolar, President of the Sayville Board of Education 

DIPLOMA DISTRIBUTION – Mr. Keith Kolar, President of the Sayville Board of Education

It is now my pleasure to introduce the president of the Senior Class:  A young woman who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Class of 2020, a remarkable role model, and a very special person in our high school….Ms. Mary Vermilyea:

**RESPONSE FOR THE CLASS – Mary Vermilyea, President of the Class of 2020:  "It is All About Hope."

Thank you, Mary.

**PRINCIPAL Ron Hoffer: FINAL WORDS

All members of the Class of 2020 have had the benefit of having a tremendously dedicated and caring group of professionals who have assisted them in achieving this milestone of high school graduation and they are the teachers of Sayville Public Schools.  At this time, I would like to recognize a group of teachers who have been selected by the students in the Class of 2020 as “Teachers Who Have Made a Difference” in their lives.  Please reference our commencement program to find the graduate who recognized our teachers who have made a difference.  For those family and friends watching our graduation program on our livestream, a digital rendition of our commencement program including the list of teachers who have been nominated as teachers who have made a difference can be found on our district webpage.

The Class of 2020 has been an outstanding class to work with in all endeavors.  Our students, your sons, daughters and friends, have earned many significant honors, both individually and collectively, and they have been outstanding representatives of our school and community.  As I reflect on their accomplishments, I do so with a great deal of pride and satisfaction.  The Class of 2020 has made significant contributions in Sayville High School being named a National Blue Ribbon School. We have also recently been recognized by New York State as a Recognition High School (formally known as “A Reward School”) for the 8^th consecutive year.

At this time, I am extremely proud to announce that 92% of the students in the Class of 2020 will go on to further education, and that approximately 99% of our graduates have earned Regents diplomas this year. 

This is a time for celebration and an opportunity to recognize the noblest of commitments.  I would like to recognize the following members of the Class of 2020.  Collin Bauers, Connor Brennan, Michael Kontryn, and Brian Velazquez.  These young adults will be serving in our US military and providing us with the veil of freedom we have all come to know and love.  Thank you for your anticipated service.

Many, if not all of the aforementioned accomplishments, would not have been realized without the support and dedication of our high school’s faculty and staff.  I would like to seize this opportunity to wish 5 members of our high school staff and faculty well as they enter retirement.   They are:  Lennard Cromwell, Ellen Gugliotta, Patricia Landicina, Betsy Quinlan and Edward Schmieder.  Thank you for your combined 135 years of service.  I would also ask that you join me in remembering a member of the Class of 2020 and three members of our High School’s family who are not with us today but are certainly smiling down from above and celebrating with us.  They are: Cameron Riccomini, Ms. Lori Elia, Mr. Dennis Fagan and Ms. Donna Papa.

At this point in our program, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank some very special people who volunteer their time to make our school district so successful: Our Board of Education members: (President – Mr. Kolar,  Vice President – Mr. Cangelosi, Board Members:  Dr. Bertsch, Mr. Cooley, Mr. deVenau, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Verdone.)  Thank you very much for your support and leadership in addressing the needs of our school and community throughout the year.  I would also be remiss if I did not thank the people who make our visions and dreams come true... our Central Office administrators (Superintendent, Dr. Stimmel, Dr. Criscione, Mr. Belmonte, Dr. Branscombe, Mr. Maloney, Ms. Gigante, Ms. Makris, Ms. Von Eschen, and Mr. Saperstein) and, of course, the faculty, the staff, our technicians from IMC and the grounds crew of our district for their support, guidance, and leadership throughout the year.  Without their teamwork, their commitment and their cooperation, we would not be able to provide the quality of programs that we are able to provide for our school and community each year.  Once again, thank you for your support, for your assistance, and for your dedication in developing an excellent educational community.

The Class of 2020 has been a credit to our school and community in all endeavors.  The class has continued with our tradition of academic excellence, of athletic success, of outstanding music, drama, and art programs, and of civic-minded growth and involvement.  I would like to thank the Student Government officers President – Liam Cummings, Vice-President – Thomas Schilling, Treasurer – Megan Bast, Secretary – Terina Imperato, Public Relations Officer – Meg Hanley Student Government Advisor - Ms. Katherine VanDorn as well as our Senior Class officers President – Mary Vermilyea, Vice Presidents – Sarah Keane and Natalie Young, Treasurer – Isabella Artz, Secretary – Tara Donahue, Social Media Coordinator- Connor Brennan and our Senior Class Advisors -   Ms. Alison Galea and Mr. Christian Doller for your leadership, your cooperation and commitment to our school and to the students in the Class of 2020.  Additionally, I would also like to thank the Guidance Counselors, Mr. Dillon, Ms. Flynn, Ms. Restrepo and Ms. Stevens.... and our Assistant Principals - Mr. Baio, and Ms. Loriston, for guiding and addressing the individual and collective needs of the students in the Class of 2020. 

Most importantly, I would like to congratulate and compliment the members of this outstanding class for your commitment to excellence in every arena.  I can state, without hesitation that the Class of 2020 has been a remarkable class to work with in all endeavors.  I applaud you for all of your efforts throughout your respective high school careers, and I would encourage you, as the future leaders of this wonderful country, to continue to be energetic, hardworking and committed to your goals and to your dreams. 

As a representative of our faculty, staff, and administration, it has been my pleasure to have worked with you for the past four years.  Ladies and gentleman... Thank you for joining us this morning/afternoon/evening.  Please have a safe and an enjoyable night.  “I congratulate the Class of 2020,” and wish you success, health, and happiness in all your future endeavors.

Good morning/afternoon/evening.  On behalf of our Board of Education and our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Stimmel, I would like to welcome you to our Commencement Program for the Class of 2020.  At this time, would you please stand for the singing of our National Anthem?  “The Star Spangled Banner” will be sung by the Patricia Ann Kubelle Winner Mr. Shawn Gibbons:

** “THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER” – Shawn Gibbons

       Thank you very much.  Please be seated.  To begin our Commencement Program, I would like to introduce the dedicated leader behind the success of our programs throughout our district.  He has served the community and students of Sayville Public Schools for 17 years in the capacity of Cherry Avenue Principal, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Superintendent.  A true gentleman and a tremendous child advocate, our Superintendent of Schools, ……Dr. John Stimmel.                                                     

**Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Stimmel

Thank you, Dr. Stimmel.  At this time, it is my honor to introduce the Salutatorian for the Class of 2020….a gifted student, a leader of her peers, an athlete on the Softball field and Basketball court and a tremendous person….Ms. Lauren Flaumenhaft:

    **Salutatorian for the Class of 2020 – Ms. Lauren Flaumenhaft: "An Opportunity."

Thank you, Lauren.

For our vocal selection, I would like to introduce the winner of the Patricia Ann Kubelle Memorial Award, a very special individual, and a sensational member of our High School……

Mr. Shawn Gibbons: 

 **Vocal Selection – Patricia Ann Kubelle Memorial Award Winner – Shawn Gibbons

 “Santa Fe” 

Thank you Shawn.  That was amazing.

The Valedictorian for the Class of 2020 is an outstanding student whose humility is awe inspiring.  A role model for all, an accomplished athlete in the cross country and track and field arena, a Science and Engineering researcher studying autonomous robotics; it is my pleasure to introduce the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020, Mr. Brendan Dillon: 

**Valedictorian for the Class of 2020 – Brendan Dillon: “Basic Advice for a Happy Life."

Thank you, Brendan. 

 At this time, it is my honor to introduce the President of the Board of Education.....Mr. Keith Kolar:

**PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS  –  Mr. Keith Kolar, President of the Sayville Board of Education 

DIPLOMA DISTRIBUTION – Mr. Keith Kolar, President of the Sayville Board of Education

It is now my pleasure to introduce the president of the Senior Class:  A young woman who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Class of 2020, a remarkable role model, and a very special person in our high school….Ms. Mary Vermilyea:

**RESPONSE FOR THE CLASS – Mary Vermilyea, President of the Class of 2020:  "It is All About Hope."

Thank you, Mary.

**PRINCIPAL Ron Hoffer: FINAL WORDS

All members of the Class of 2020 have had the benefit of having a tremendously dedicated and caring group of professionals who have assisted them in achieving this milestone of high school graduation and they are the teachers of Sayville Public Schools.  At this time, I would like to recognize a group of teachers who have been selected by the students in the Class of 2020 as “Teachers Who Have Made a Difference” in their lives.  Please reference our commencement program to find the graduate who recognized our teachers who have made a difference.  For those family and friends watching our graduation program on our livestream, a digital rendition of our commencement program including the list of teachers who have been nominated as teachers who have made a difference can be found on our district webpage.

The Class of 2020 has been an outstanding class to work with in all endeavors.  Our students, your sons, daughters and friends, have earned many significant honors, both individually and collectively, and they have been outstanding representatives of our school and community.  As I reflect on their accomplishments, I do so with a great deal of pride and satisfaction.  The Class of 2020 has made significant contributions in Sayville High School being named a National Blue Ribbon School. We have also recently been recognized by New York State as a Recognition High School (formally known as “A Reward School”) for the 8^th consecutive year.

At this time, I am extremely proud to announce that 92% of the students in the Class of 2020 will go on to further education, and that approximately 99% of our graduates have earned Regents diplomas this year. 

This is a time for celebration and an opportunity to recognize the noblest of commitments.  I would like to recognize the following members of the Class of 2020.  Collin Bauers, Connor Brennan, Michael Kontryn, and Brian Velazquez.  These young adults will be serving in our US military and providing us with the veil of freedom we have all come to know and love.  Thank you for your anticipated service.

Many, if not all of the aforementioned accomplishments, would not have been realized without the support and dedication of our high school’s faculty and staff.  I would like to seize this opportunity to wish 5 members of our high school staff and faculty well as they enter retirement.   They are:  Lennard Cromwell, Ellen Gugliotta, Patricia Landicina, Betsy Quinlan and Edward Schmieder.  Thank you for your combined 135 years of service.  I would also ask that you join me in remembering a member of the Class of 2020 and three members of our High School’s family who are not with us today but are certainly smiling down from above and celebrating with us.  They are: Cameron Riccomini, Ms. Lori Elia, Mr. Dennis Fagan and Ms. Donna Papa.

At this point in our program, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank some very special people who volunteer their time to make our school district so successful: Our Board of Education members: (President – Mr. Kolar,  Vice President – Mr. Cangelosi, Board Members:  Dr. Bertsch, Mr. Cooley, Mr. deVenau, Ms. Dolan, and Mr. Verdone.)  Thank you very much for your support and leadership in addressing the needs of our school and community throughout the year.  I would also be remiss if I did not thank the people who make our visions and dreams come true... our Central Office administrators (Superintendent, Dr. Stimmel, Dr. Criscione, Mr. Belmonte, Dr. Branscombe, Mr. Maloney, Ms. Gigante, Ms. Makris, Ms. Von Eschen, and Mr. Saperstein) and, of course, the faculty, the staff, our technicians from IMC and the grounds crew of our district for their support, guidance, and leadership throughout the year.  Without their teamwork, their commitment and their cooperation, we would not be able to provide the quality of programs that we are able to provide for our school and community each year.  Once again, thank you for your support, for your assistance, and for your dedication in developing an excellent educational community.

The Class of 2020 has been a credit to our school and community in all endeavors.  The class has continued with our tradition of academic excellence, of athletic success, of outstanding music, drama, and art programs, and of civic-minded growth and involvement.  I would like to thank the Student Government officers President – Liam Cummings, Vice-President – Thomas Schilling, Treasurer – Megan Bast, Secretary – Terina Imperato, Public Relations Officer – Meg Hanley Student Government Advisor - Ms. Katherine VanDorn as well as our Senior Class officers President – Mary Vermilyea, Vice Presidents – Sarah Keane and Natalie Young, Treasurer – Isabella Artz, Secretary – Tara Donahue, Social Media Coordinator- Connor Brennan and our Senior Class Advisors -   Ms. Alison Galea and Mr. Christian Doller for your leadership, your cooperation and commitment to our school and to the students in the Class of 2020.  Additionally, I would also like to thank the Guidance Counselors, Mr. Dillon, Ms. Flynn, Ms. Restrepo and Ms. Stevens.... and our Assistant Principals - Mr. Baio, and Ms. Loriston, for guiding and addressing the individual and collective needs of the students in the Class of 2020. 

Most importantly, I would like to congratulate and compliment the members of this outstanding class for your commitment to excellence in every arena.  I can state, without hesitation that the Class of 2020 has been a remarkable class to work with in all endeavors.  I applaud you for all of your efforts throughout your respective high school careers, and I would encourage you, as the future leaders of this wonderful country, to continue to be energetic, hardworking and committed to your goals and to your dreams. 

As a representative of our faculty, staff, and administration, it has been my pleasure to have worked with you for the past four years.  Ladies and gentleman... Thank you for joining us this morning/afternoon/evening.  Please have a safe and an enjoyable night.  “I congratulate the Class of 2020,” and wish you success, health, and happiness in all your future endeavors.