2020 Senior Issue | Wildcat Pause

Shoreham-Wading River High School
​Wildcat Pause
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Volume XXXVI ​250 Route 25A, Shoreham, NY June 2020
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Congratulations, Class of 2020!
To the Class of 2020,
Where do I even begin? This is obviously not where I thought we’d all be on May 21, 2020 when I update this
letter for the third time.​ ​When I wrote my first letter to you in early February​,​ the world was just starting to hear
about COVID-19, and we were all preparing for our February break. Things have certainly changed in so many
fundamental ways. The next draft of my “senior letter” was written in early April when the end of the year was
still very much in question. Just a few weeks ago our worst fears regarding our school year came true, and we
were told that we would not be returning to the building. For most, this brought on a huge sense of loss and
with it despair when we should be planning celebrations.
Instead of counting the days until the end of the school year, we’re now trying to figure out what comes next​.
Will I be able to get a job? Can I start my career plans? What will my college or university look like this fall? Will
I be even going to campus or just continuing with distance learning? These questions and all the unknowns that
go with them are causing a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety for all of us. On top of that we’re missing
seeing one another and all the mundane daily interactions that we once took for granted. However, one major
thing has not changed.
“Go
confidently in
the direction
of your
dreams. Live
the life you
have
imagined.”
Henry David Thoreau
As your principal for the past three years, I’ve witnessed you celebrate major accomplishments and console
one another through challenging times. Through the good and the bad, you’ve figured out that you often have
far more in common with one another than you originally thought, and you’ve found your greatest strength
when your minor differences were ignored. You are all learning difficult lessons about getting through
challenging times, and I know you will be able to get through this and be better for it.
Today, more than ever before, our strength is in our unity and not in our differences. I could not be prouder of
how the Class of 2020 is responding to this challenge. We do not know how long this current reality will last, but
at some point each one of you will step out on your own to follow your own dreams and aspirations. I cannot
wait to see where your different paths take you.
Each of you has an unlimited potential for what you’ll be able to accomplish after graduation. Many of you have
the keen ability to find your smallest flaws, but you are unable to recognize the strengths and talents you
possess.
Focus on your strengths and draw inspiration from your imperfections. You can truly accomplish anything if
you’re willing to put in the effort. In the words of author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau, “Go confidently
in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
Sincerely,
Mr. Frank Pugliese
Principal

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 2
Our favorite teachers
“Mrs. Gianfalla--she is the kindest, most
whole-hearted teacher I have had the
pleasure of being a student for
throughout my tenure in high school.
Mrs. G is always there for anyone who
needs anything, and I’ll always miss her
Dunkin’ Donut Fridays.”
Benjamin Carrier
“Mr. Malvagno--for always being real
with everyone.”
Devin Pisani
“Mr. Nohejl--His classes were always
fun, and he has super-high energy and
always keeps it interesting.”
Trevor Coster
“Dr. Rubenstein--She always gives the
best advice and will always make you
laugh.”
Ashley Luppens
“Mr. Haughney and Mr. Feise--I have been close with them since the
beginning. They have taken me in and have always been there for me. I
will miss all the laughs and good times I’ve had with them, and I will
miss being in their office every day. Best teachers in SWR.”
Joe Ceschini
“Mr. Storck--Not only because he was
someone I could always turn to, but because
he showed me I have a voice and how to use
it. He helped me find something I'm
passionate about that I will carry for the
rest of my life.”
Raymond Colon
“Mr. Gabriel--he always found fun ways to
keep students engaged.”
Michael Varrone
“Mr. Gabriel--He helped not just with
school, but life.”
Daniel Dacos
“Mr. Storck--One of the most kind people I
have ever met. He is also very resourceful
and helping to all that approach and ask
him.”
Gabriel Kent
“Dr. Rubenstein--She’s the best teacher
to make friends with. She will push you
to do your best and won’t let you fail.”
Samantha Sperling
“Mrs. Gould--She's a really nice teacher.
She's really funny, and she makes me
laugh every day. She has a sweet smile,
and I feel happy when we are together.”
Spencer Sanchez
“Mr. Gabriel--He was always the teacher that I truly knew cared about
his students and was always supportive, in and out of the classroom.
Each and every day in his class was a learning experience. He was
always engaging, teaching us interesting things that caught our
attention, and he taught one of the few classes in high school that I
actually looked forward to every day. His style of teaching made sure
everyone was on the same page and really kept everyone into it for the
entire period, which I think is the most important part of teaching.”
Aidan Drost
“Obviously I have to shout out Mr. Gabriel. He completely engages you
in his lessons and is able to relate to students. He becomes one of your
best friends in school and is always there for support if you need it. If
you go through high school without talking to Mr. Gabriel or taking any
of his classes you will have missed an amazing part of your high school
experience.”
Nikolas Ferraro
“Ms. Davis--She has always been someone I
was able to confide in and is a very
relatable person. I have high respect for her
as a person and teacher. She is a teacher I
would come back after graduating to say
hello to.”
Makayla Josephs
​“Mr. Barry and Ms. Gilroy--Although I
would always struggle in Mr. Barry’s class,
it was always a good and interesting time.
He really cares about you. And for Ms.
Gilroy, I don’t think I’ve ever been closer
with a teacher than her. She’s so funny.”
Madeline Rutkowsky
“Over the years, many teachers have had an impact on me. However,
one in particular stands out. Mrs. Mitchell embodies the person I strive
to be. She has had a tremendously positive influence on my high school
experience and has truly shaped me to the person I am today.”
Elle Schepis
“Mr. Gandt--I had him for three years, and he was the most
understanding of the other work we had going on and held a fun
class.”
Madison Borkowski

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 3
Editorial
Pushing through the obstacles
Sasha Medvedeva
Heather Tepper
Editors-in-Chief
As cases of Covid-19 around the world increased, the chances of
returning to school decreased. With schools closed, graduation and
prom for the class of 2020 was up in the air. The last few months of
school with the people we grew up with were demolished, and the
seniors became more and more disheartened.
When it was announced that the building would not be opening for the
rest of the year, seniors were heartbroken. Some reminisced by
uploading pictures on Instagram from their high school years. Megan
Greene posted several pictures with the caption, “Definitely not the way
I expected senior year to end at all.” She also added some advice to
underclassmen: “Cherish every moment!” Many seniors are regretting
not living in the moment when they had the chance, and now that it’s all
over, they can’t even safely say goodbye to teachers and peers.
On May 1 at 8:20 pm, in districts throughout Long Island, including
SWR, families flickered their porch lights and banged pots and pans to
honor graduates so that they could see and hear the support through the
entire community.
The flickering lights was one way that SWR has displayed its unity
during a time like this. Members of the community have also shown
their support by creating a heartwarming sign that reads “SWR
STRONG!” on 25A right by the high school for drivers to see as they
pass by.
On May 18, the varsity girls’ lacrosse team decorated their senior
players’ porches and left them snacks and posters to celebrate their
graduation and commitment to college. These seniors posted videos on
Snapchat to show their appreciation and love for their underclassman
team members.
Another positive in this negative situation is that the administration
has allowed students to drive by the school on May 26 to say hello to
teachers and staff. This was not only available for high school students;
there was also time allotted for all schools in our district to hold a drive
by so every student has the opportunity to wave to the staff they haven’t
seen for months.
The format of graduation is still up in the air, but administration is
planning to hold a virtual graduation event on June 26 with plans for an
in-person ceremony later in the summer. With 12 years of hard work
under our belts, we deserve a normal graduation and prom like everyone
else, but the virus has made this a mere fantasy.
Seniors have had to endure the loss of what could have been a
traditional farewell to high school. Instead of the anticipated memories
of the outro from grade school into new beginnings, we were dealt a
different hand of cards this year. This one came with uncertainty and
disappointment. However, even with unusual circumstances, this is still
a time to celebrate and push through the obstacles that our grade,
especially, went through.
Our class is stronger and closer than ever, and we will always have
connections because of our unusual situations. We will be moving
forward in life, facing our bright futures filled with new opportunities.
This virus will make us even more indestructible and adaptable to
difficult barriers.
We will get out through the other side of this dark tunnel together,
leaning on each other for support, as we have been for the last 12 years.
“Our class is stronger
and closer than ever,
and we will always have
connections because of our
unusual situations.”
Wildcat
Pause
Volume XXXII Issue 4 Senior Issue June 2020
Shoreham-Wading River High School Route 25A Shoreham, NY 11786 (631) 821-8140
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Senior Issue Layout: John Basile, Brianna Cohen, Sasha Medvedeva, Heather Tepper
The mission of the Wildcat Pause is to provide, entertain,
and enlighten students and faculty with well-informed and
accurate information. With a clear vision, we aim to
create a more conscientious student body by connecting
the community with ideas and events while staying true
to who we are as a school.
Editors-in-Chief
Sasha Medvedeva
Heather Tepper
Staff
John Basile
Sarah Cain
Mike Casazza
Brianna Cohen
Brendan Donnelly
Brooke Powers
Jared Sciarrino
Noell Spuhler
Kayla Tezcan
Advisor
Jean Branna
Distribution
Peter Christ
Jack Como
Christian DeCastro
Michael DeCastro
Dylan Dejesus
MaKenna Elio
Francis Fontinell
Skye Greco
James Hunt
Bobby King
Hunter Lange
Logan Melhus
Steven O’Shea
Jack Rubin
Spencer Sanchez

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 4
Our biggest regrets about high school
“With everything going on right now, I
would say my biggest regret of high
school was not making the most of
every moment. I feel like high school
flew by, and now that we are missing
out on the last few months of high
school, I wish I appreciated
everything a little more in the
moment.”
Sarah Sheridan
“Not being myself from the start.”
Kevin Beagen
“Waiting till senior year to stop caring.”
Ryan Grant
“The only regrets I have in life are the
chances I didn’t take.”
Noell Spuhler
“My biggest regret about high school,
now that I look back on it, would be
not cherishing every moment while I
was in it. Being present is a big thing
for me now as I've evolved as a person,
and I realize how not present I was. It
goes by fast and you don’t realize it
until it’s over. Other than that, I
couldn’t complain.”
Xavier Arline
Our best
individual sports moments
“Winning the NY State
Championship with my team.”
Alison Devall
My favorite sports moment
was pitching against
Bayport-Bluepoint in my
junior year. I threw a
complete game and didn’t
give up any runs.”
Cullen Santa Maria
“Pitching
my first
year on
varsity in junior year and
being part of a season I’ll
never forget, where I got an
All-League award.”
Blake Osness
“My favorite sports moment
was playing football senior
year and having the
opportunity to win a Long
Island Championship with the
guys I grew up with.”
James Lavalle
“My proudest moment in high
school was winning states.”
Elizabeth Shields
“Winning an LIC in football.”
Matt Zahn
“Winning states for lacrosse
junior year.”
Liam Daly
“Wrestling and getting
second in the county.”
Connor DeLumen
“Winning the state
championship for lacrosse.”
Trevor Kessel
“During my junior year, I played
ice hockey for Middle Country
High School and was able to
score the tying goal as well as
the tie-breaking goal with 30
seconds left to beat Half Hollow
Hills, a top-tier team, 2-1. Also,
qualifying for counties during
my senior golf season was
extremely special.”
Matthew Baylous
“The starting line at XC
Divisions when we started
the black panther chant.”
Camden Sisler

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ ​ June 2020 page 5
-- Congratulations --
Class of 2020

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 6
We’ll miss you, SWR!
“Knowing I have someplace to
be every day and being
around people I know.”
Raphael Roa
“Being in my
comfort
zone and
seeing the
people I
grew up with
every day.”
Kate Vogeli
“I will miss all
of the friends
I have made
over the
years.”
Alexandra
Farron
“I will miss all of the great
teachers I've had, the fun
times in classes and clubs,
and most of all, my friends.”
William Wells
“I will miss a lot of things about high school but the things I will miss
most are being able to see my teachers and best friends every day. Due
to corona, I realized that I’ve taken many things for granted. I will miss
coming in during 4th period as a senior and having all of the senior
privileges like driving to school and getting to leave early. I will also miss
hanging out with my favorite gym teachers and friends during
homebase. High school meant a lot to me, and I’ve learned so many
things, like how to cope with different issues, and I’m going to miss
everything about it. I’m going to miss playing my favorite sport, lacrosse,
on the huge turf field and practicing with my best friends. That’s another
thing that I took for granted.”
Jamie Fioto
“What I'm going to
miss most about high
school is seeing my
good friends every
day and playing
sports. I love and
cherish all the
friendships school
and the sports teams
have brought me. I
love competing with
my teammates and
I'll miss it a lot. I'm
forever grateful for
the memories.”
Summer Steimel
“I will miss most the
moments I shared
with all my friends
and the relationships
I have made with my
teachers.”
Lauren Busch
“All of the amazing
memories I’ve made
here and seeing all of
my friends,
classmates and
teachers every day.”
Hayden
Lachenmeyer
“One thing I will miss
most about high
school is being able
to talk about the
game last night, or
the album that was
just released, or the
video game we just
played every day in
person before 1st
period or during
home base with the
ones who made that
experience special in
the first place.”
Michael Leonard
“I’ll miss being able to see the kids I
grew up with every day and my
favorite teachers and staff.”
Lana Wilcox
“Physically going to school”
Sophia Han
“I miss playing volleyball and
going to the football,
basketball and lacrosse
games.”
Michael Plagge
“Hanging out and seeing
friends every day”
Dylan Shiro
“I'm going to miss seeing the
people I grew up with every
day and the teachers who
have helped me so much over
the years.”
Courtney Palumbo
“Throughout my four years in high
school, I’m forever gonna miss the
growing memories I had on the
track and cross country team. Being
on the team has made me the
person I am today, strong,
determined, and confident to take
on the next chapter of my life. I will
always remember my coach, my
crazy fun teammates, and the
amazing journey I’ve been on with
them.”
Nicole Garcia
“I’m going to miss seeing my friends,
classmates and teachers every day.
Most of all I am going to miss all the
memories I have made along the
way.”
Abigail Korzekwinski
“Being around the people I’ve known
almost all my life.”
Dain Higgins
“I’m going to miss seeing my friends
every day at school.”
Melissa Hetzel
“The thing that I will miss the most is
being able to see my friends every
single day and making memories with
them every day.”
Victoria Dwyer
“Walking the hallways of the high
school and seeing all of my friends
and Rubenstein in the hall.”
Megan Greene
“What I will miss most about high school are the lifelong friends
a​nd memories that I have made.”
Amanda Padrazo

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue June 2020 page 7
Miss you more . . .
“I will miss all my friends and teachers the
most because I have built such strong
friendships with many people, and I'll miss
seeing everyone every day the most.”
Jessica Hitz
“I will miss the relationships I have created with
teachers and peers. Some of us went to kindergarten
together, so it's not easy to recreate the same type of
relationship.”
Brianna Cohen
“Just being able to enjoy life as a
teenager and being able to do whatever
you want whenever you want.
Especially senior year since we all have
the most freedom and can basically do
anything we want to do before starting
our real life in college and the
workforce.”
Patrick Mahan
“Seeing friends and
people every day
that I met as early as
kindergarten.”
Max Calovi
“The community of
teachers and
students”
Jackie Holden
“I will miss all my friends
and teachers.”
James Hunt
“Seeing my friends every day.”
Isadora Petretti
“All of the great people I’ve met.”
Thomas Riess
“I will miss it all: the
teachers, friends,
sports... Everything.”
William Cutinella
“Walking through the hallways as I
pleased and stopping to talk to teachers
all day long.”
Myles Garvin
“I’m going to miss a lot about high
school. Mostly, I’ll miss being able to
see my friends and favorite teachers
every day.”
Gavin Barone
“Junior year--we had spring
sports.”
John Keane
“Junior year--I did really good in
school and partied a lot.”
Mario Rivera
“Sophomore year--I had a lot of
senior friends, so our entire friend
group was together.”
Joshua Sagat
Our favorite year
“Senior year-- The beginning of the year was
completely amazing. From being in ​Mamma Mia​ and
really connecting with people in the cast, to going to
All State for choir, it was really just an amazing
experience getting to see all the hard work I put in
coming to fruition.”
Nicolette Tingo
Most embarrassing moment
“T​he blood drive our junior year, I wanted to miss a few classes so I
signed up. I drank plenty of fluids and ate normally that day. I filled out
all the paperwork, laid down and gave blood; everything was fine. I was
sitting at the snack table eating cookies and drinking juice when I
started feeling very light headed. I told my friend next to me, and he told
me I would be fine. I ended up passing out. He caught my head and
held it while I slid out of the chair onto the floor. The people working the
blood drive held my head on the ground till I woke up. I woke up very
confused only to realize I was laying in a giant puddle of my own pee; I
guess this is why I then began sobbing. So, long story short, I passed
out and peed my pants all over the gym floor after donating blood junior
year.”
Gabriella Meli
“Going to all
the wrong classes
before home
base on the first
day of senior
year.”
Meg Panasci

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 8
The most valuable lessons we’ve learned
“Make the most out of the
opportunities you’re given
and get to know the people
you are with as much as
possible. Never take for
granted events like football
games and proms because
one day you won’t have those
opportunities again.”
Honore Cavaco
“​Definitely to live in the
moment and cherish the
present because before
you know it, some of the
best moments of your life
will be in your past.”
RoseMarie Minneci
“Only put effort in those
who will reciprocate it.”
Jillian Laper-Dowling
“Keep working hard, stay
positive, and help others
no matter how bad it gets
in high school and in your
future.”
Hunter Lange
“To respect others the way
you want to be respected.”
Alexander Tonetti
“How to be responsible. No
matter what the
circumstances were, I
always figured out a way to
get the work done.”
Samantha Nicosia
“​Friendships are very
important. You need to sit
down and think about who
you really want and deserve
in your life. I have stayed with
my best friends all
throughout high school, and
I couldn't have any better
friends in my life.”
Chris Anderson
“Always be true to yourself.”
Rocco Giordano
“While other people can
affect and impact your
state of mind, only you
control what you say, what
you do, and most
importantly, how you feel.
‘Life is just a bowl of
cherries, so live and laugh
at it all’ - Rudy Vallee”
Nicholas Mango
“Not to care what other
people think. If you like
something, go for it. If you
believe in something, then
stand up for it. Do
whatever makes you happy
because at the end of the
day, it's about what makes
you happy.”
Shannon Reilly
High school in one word
“Memorable”
Olivia Daleo
“Camaraderie”
Luca Romano
“Fast”
Dylan Jung
“Unpredictable”
Jacob Vogel
“Experience”
Sean​ Spitaliere
“Home”
Nathaniel Donohue
“Anticlimactic”
Sean Reagan
“Hot dumpster water”
Zoe Squires
“Interesting.”
Brooke Powers
“Eventful”
Sarah Cain
“Interesting”
Andrew Trezza
“Rapturous”
Jack Erb
“Fast”
Zachary Gregorek

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 9
How we have changed since freshman year
“I have learned to not care about what others think of or about
me at all, to be completely honest.”
Robbie Marigliano
“Freshman year was the experimental ground for the next
three years to come. The greatest changes I've experienced
were the change in environment and my redirected focus not
only to my studies but in my hobbies. I've taken more initiative
rather than passively setting goals. All these changes have
sculpted me into the person I am today, and I wouldn't change
it for the world.”
Fatou Ndiaye
“Since freshman year I've become much more outgoing. I was
very nervous about talking to new people, and I only joined
about one or two clubs. But after that first year of getting to
know the environment, I became more relaxed and finally
started shaping my personality. I've made so many great
friends, talked with teachers who've become my role models,
and found new activities which I hope to continue throughout
my life.”
Emily Mulcahy
What we wanted to be when we were younger
“Astronaut”
Eilis Casey
“Ballet
teacher”
Sasha
Medvedeva
“​I've wanted to be a teacher
since I was young, and now
I'm living out my dream!”
Gavin Melandro
“​Physician”
Madisyn King
“A police
officer”
Jason Fioto
“A famous singer”
Heather Tepper
“A pet shop
owner”
Sara Hobbes
Where will we be in 10 years?
“Hopefully running my own business back
here in New York.”
Matthew Fischetti
“I will be a hairdresser and hopefully the
owner of my own hair salon.”
Lily Suesser
“I hope to have
started my own
brand label and
hopefully be
successful in the
fashion industry.”
Anna Baumeister
“I will already have my bachelors degree
and a job in the medical field.”
Gabrielle Garcia
“Living in NYC and working at one of the
Big Four accounting firms.”
Alexandra Borriello
“I hope to be working as a physical
therapist and hopefully start my own
practice one day like my Grandpa did.”
Alyson Mallon
“I hope to be a
police officer.
I've wanted to be
a police officer
for a while now,
and there is
nothing more I
want to do than
to serve and
protect others.”
John Basile
“I hope to be working at Walt Disney World
as a photographer!”
Jack Rubin
“I will be playing professional baseball.”
Aidan Crowley

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 10
Our advice to underclassmen
“Advice that I would give underclassmen is to
join as many clubs and activities as you can
in high school. You will meet so many
people, and you may be friends with them for
the rest of your life. Also, always remember
to treat others with kindness.”
Tara Mirabell
“If I could give one piece of advice to
underclassmen, it would be to always stay
open to change! Going through your high
school years becomes much easier if you
are open-minded and optimistic about the
future.”
Grace DelSeni
“Some advice that I would give to
underclassmen is to take high school slowly
and to appreciate every moment because
the time really does fly.”
Collin Gordon
“Dab on ‘em”
Brady Cummings
“Enjoy it while you
still can!”
Troy Cathey
“Don’t get
caught vaping.”
Dylan Anderson
“Enjoy every
moment!”
Jake DePaoli
“Believe in
something. Even if it
means sacrificing
everything.”
Denis Lane
“You don’t know
what you have until
it’s gone. Don’t take
high school for
granted because the
most important
things that matter to
you can be lost
quickly.”
Ryan Betcher
“Push your comfort zone and take some
risks. Don't worry about the judgements of
others.”
Maya Klatsky
“Make friends with your teachers . . . if you
get to know them, and you get on their good
side, they will always be more willing to help
with anything you might need.”
James Rose
“Be yourself and
don’t sweat the small
stuff. The years go
by way too quickly to
worry about the little
things, and one day
you’ll look back on
those things and
realize how stupid
they were. Also, be
yourself and never
change for anyone
because you're
happiest when
you’re you.”
Mike Casazza
“Cherish it!! I would
hear
upperclassmen/grad
uates say how fast it
goes, how much
changes, and how it
ends in the blink of
an eye. I never
believed it, but
they’re completely
right. It goes by so
much faster than you
think, and you really
have to savor every
moment.”
Gianna DeLuca
“Don’t take anything for granted. When I was
younger I would always say, ‘this is going by
so slow, I want to graduate already.’ All of the
seniors or even college students would tell me
‘you're going to regret saying that. Trust me,
it’s going to go by fast.’ I never believed them
until senior year hit, and you realize you're
going to college in just a few months and
leaving all of your friends behind. You don’t
realize how much something means to you
until it’s taken away from you. Corona took
away our last few months of senior year,
where everything was going to get super
exciting. We were looking forward to prom,
senior breakfast, senior nights and graduation.
We don’t even know if any of that is going to
happen anymore. You want to take advantage
of all of the activities in high school and
instead of complaining about school, try to
make it the best you can because it will go by
faster than you think. I was looking forward to
the future for when I would graduate when I
should’ve been living in the present.”
Angelina Anderson
“Coming in as a freshman, I really didn’t
understand the bonds and relationships I
would make with my peers and even teachers.
I took most things for granted, especially the
time we have together. So my advice to
underclassmen would be to fully cherish these
times you have with your friends and teachers
because time flies by way too fast in high
school. You only have four years of high
school in your entire life, so you should make
them count. Try your hardest in school and
have a great time with classmates.”
Cristian Mercado
“I would tell the underclassmen to not stress
about every single grade. Just try to have
fun and make the best of your time with your
friends.”
Samantha Rutkowsky
“When you’re happy, stop and take in the
moment, not your phone. That’s the best
way to embrace life.”
Arianna McMorris
“While grades are important, don't let school
take over your life. Go to school games and
events. Spend as much time with your friends
as you can. Take pictures and videos to savor
every moment. One day you will be sitting
where I am, ready to say goodbye to high
school, with only photos and videos to remind
you of some of the best moments of high
school. Enjoy every second of high school
because it will end quicker than you think.”
Christina DeLuca

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 11
Our most memorable moments of high school
“I'd never considered myself to be a sports person, and I never had any
intention to join a sport when I first entered high school, but that all
changed when I met my softball group. I had zero experience, but my
parents bothered me to play a sport so that I could build the range of my
activities, making me a better candidate in the college application process.
Looking back at it now, I didn't stay on the team for that reason, I stayed
because I built a genuine love for the sport and a closeness with my
teammates. I joined in ninth grade, and of course I was terrible at first. I
almost quit because I didn't want to drag my team down, but the support I
had from my coach and team pushed me to continue so I came back in
tenth grade to play again. I changed a lot. I used to shake when I was up to
bat, I was hesitant to catch the ball, I was scared, but the more experience I
got and the more I was cheered on, the more confident I got. I loved being
on the field, catching the ball in my glove, practicing with my teammates,
playing against other schools, cheering each other on, and going up to bat.
I loved softball and my team. This was my most memorable moment of
high school.”
Tabina Ali
“Being part of Best
Buddies.”
Francis Fontinell
“School closing early
because there was no
heat”
Sean Franson
“Winning states my
senior year. That was
the best way to end my
varsity career, and it
was a once-in-a-lifetime
moment.”
Gianna Cacciola
“Being able to play softball
with my sister and
winning the League Nine
Title.”
Veronica Coman
“​The Middle​ by Jimmy Eat
World, which is about
resisting social norms and
peer pressure,
​Teenage Dirtbag
by Wheatus, and ​Loser
by Three Doors Down are
both about being a social
outcast, ​Baba O'Riley​ by The
Who, which is about partying
as a teenager, and ​Surrender
by Cheap Trick, which is
about rebellion.”
Terrence Nolan
“Meeting up with my friends before class every day for the last few years.
We called ourselves the StairWell Gang. We would meet up in the B wing
stairwell at 7:00, and we would all just hang out together. Vent about
classes, talk about nerdy stuff, laugh -- it was the best. And every
morning, Mr. Barry would come down the stairs, and he would go, ‘ADAM!’
and I’d go, ‘BARRY!’ It also occurred in reverse. Seeing all my friends before
the day started was amazing and made me feel great before going to class.
I will never forget it.”
Adam Zelin
Songs that remind
us of high school
“​Young, Dumb & Broke​ by
Khalid”
Carly Kjaer
“​Tongue Tied​ by Grouplove”
Julie Kadletz
“​I’ll Always Remember You
by Hannah Montana”
Carley Kanka
“Prom was a pretty
memorable time
because the whole class
came together.”
Gianna Marfoglio

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Wildcat Pause Senior Issue ​ June 2020 page 12
Our high school timeline
Freshman Year 2016 - 2017
Principal:​ Mr. Dan Holtzman
Assistant Principal: ​Mr. Kevin Vann
Student Government Presidents: ​James Logan and Haley Lindell
​ Productions: ​West Side Story​ and ​Play On!
Valedictorian:​ Anthony Peraza
Salutatorian​: Kyle Higgins
Wildcat Pause Editors-in-Chief:​ Natalya Baichan and Ava Gerardi
- Donald Trump elected president.
- Movie actress Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds,
pass away.
- Terrorist attack in Manchester during an Ariana Grande concert.
- The United States withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement.
- United States and Cuba relations thaw.
- The world’s largest dinosaur footprint was discovered in
Australia.
- The Chicago Cubs won the World Series after a 108-year wait.
- The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl in one of the
biggest comebacks in NFL history.
- Cross-country runner Katherine Lee competed in Nationals.
- Seniors Maria Smith, Payton Capes-Davis, Amanda Dwyer, and
Allie Hayes competed at Nationals for track and won for the 4x1
mile.
- John DeLuca placed first in the Greater New York Automobile
Dealers’ Association National Automotive Technology
Competition.
- SWR Boys’ Varsity Football won the Long Island Championship.
- SWR Boys’ Varsity Baseball and Lacrosse won counties.
- Seniors won back the annual Disney trip and only had to pay
$200.
Sophomore Year 2017 - 2018
Principal:​ Mr. Frank Pugliese
Assistant Principal:​ Dr.. Michael Winfield
Student Government President:​ Emily Goldstein
Productions:​ ​Kiss Me Kate​ and ​The Curious Savage
Valedictorian:​ Christian Wesselborg
Salutatorian:​ Calvin Schmalzle
Wildcat Pause Editors-in-Chief:​ Declan Beran and Grace Schepis
Senior Trip to Washington D.C. is approved, 4 students sign up
and trip is cancelled.
- Cardi B breaks Lauryn Hill’s record for longest streak of song on
#1 chart for female rappers.
- U.S. Embassy moves to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
- Repeal of the Individual Mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
- Former First Lady, Barbara Bush, passes away. She had
worked to raise literacy rates in the U.S.
- Steven Hawking, Tom Petty, and Avicii pass away.
- Former TV star Bill Cosby is convicted of 3 counts of aggravated
indecent assault.
- Rap musician Meek Mill freed from Pennsylvania jail.
- Active shooter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School kills
17 students and teachers, sparking nationwide protests.
- President Trump applies economic sanctions to Iran, killing the
Iran Nuclear Deal.
- Relations between North Korea and the United States relax.
- Royal wedding between Prince Henry and American actress
Meghan Markle.
- First SWR Career Day.
- Katherine Lee earns All American Honors in one mile race, sets
county record for 1,000 meter race.
- Wayne Wadington takes first place in SkillsUSA competition.
Junior Year 2018 - 2019
Principal:​ Mr. Frank Pugliese
Assistant Principal:​ Dr. Michael Winfield/ Mrs. Mary Castiglie
Student Government President:​ Brennan Gorman
Productions: ​Chess ​and ​Clue
Valedictorian:​ Mahdi Rashidzada
Salutatorian: ​Katlynn McGivney
Wildcat Pause Editors-in-Chief:
Caroline Morgan, Maggie Passamonte, Ryan Nowak
- Rapper XXXTENTACION is shot.
- George H.W. Bush dies at age 94.
- U.S. Government shutdown for 35 days.
- Empire actor Jussie Smollet attack scandal.
- Massive college admissions cheating scandal snares Hollywood
stars Lori Loughlin, Felicity Huffman.
- Alabama passes an anti-abortion law.
- Measles outbreak continues.
- Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” tops Billboard 100 chart for nine
weeks.
- SWR lacrosse team wins State Championship.
- The Thomas Cutinella Memorial Field concession stand is built.
- First year SWR student ID cards are scanned to enter and exit
the school.
- Classroom doors must be kept locked.
Senior Year 2019 - 2020
Principal:​ Mr. Frank Pugliese
Assistant Principal:​ Mr. John Holownia
Student Government President:​ Megan Greene
Productions:​ ​Mamma Mia!
Valedictorian:​ Jacqueline Holden
Salutatorian:​ Stephanie Searing
Wildcat Pause Editors-in-Chief:
Sasha Medvedeva and Heather Tepper
- Australia in crisis from bushfires.
- Rapper Juice Wrld passes away.
- Professional basketball player, Kobe Bryant, and daughter,
Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, killed in a helicopter crash.
- Iranian general killed in strike.
- President Trump’s impeachment trial.
- High school undergoes complete renovation-- lobby, parking lot.
- High school recognized as Blue Ribbon school
- Chromebooks assigned to each student.
- Motivational speaker Ed Gerrity joins us for winter pep rally.
- SWR varsity football wins fourth Long Island Championship title.
- SWR girls’ varsity soccer wins the state championship.
- COVID-19: the coronavirus pandemic shuts down much of the
world.
- SWR’s last day of in-school classes is Friday, March 13.
- Students complete the school year through distance learning.