Oh, the Places You'll Go! - Bayport-Blue Point School District

Bidding Farewell
to the Class of 2012
On June 23, the Bayport-Blue Point High School
Class of 2012 took their final steps on school grounds for
the district’s annual commencement ceremony. Musical
highlights included special performances by the high
school band and orchestra as well as senior members of the
high school choir, who sang “Seasons of Love” from the
Broadway production “Rent.”
Prior to the presentation of the diplomas, the soonto-be
graduates listened to a variety of inspirational and
encouraging messages imparted by select members of the
administration, Board of Education and Class of 2012.
“Make me proud!” enthused senior class president
Kathleen McKeveny. “I have high hopes and expectations
for this class and I don’t like to be disappointed!”
Salutatorian Stephanie Warnken encouraged her fellow
graduates to “not be afraid of failure, for success can only
come to those who try.” Valedictorian Emily Sarich also
offered words of reflection to the audience. “We really are
quite lucky to live where we do. Our school has provided
us with so many tools to succeed, no matter where the
future leads us,”she said.
In his remarks to the class, Principal Dr. Timothy
Hearney stated, “This class is very special to me because
we started at the high school together. Seniors, you moved
up from the middle school and I transferred from another
district. We have shared the past four years together, and
what a learning experience it has been!” Addressing the
graduating seniors before him, he said, “I know what you
have accomplished in four years, and I hope that as you
face your future you will not use phrases like ‘I wish I did,’
‘I should have’ or ‘I could have’ when faced with obstacles,
because you’ve proven that you can these past four years.”
After honor medallions were bestowed upon select
students, members of the Board of Education presented
eager graduates with their diplomas. Sen. Chuck Schumer
then gave a brief farewell address to the crowd. Once
officially announced as graduates, the class celebrated by
tossing their caps into the air. Following the recessional
march, they reunited with their loved ones as official
alumni of the Bayport-Blue Point School District.
“We have shared the past four
years together, and what a
learning experience it
has been!”
- Principal Dr. Timothy Hearney
Summer 2012

Honoring the Top Two Graduates of 2012
#1 Emily Sarich
Valedictorian
Middlebury College, Vt.
#2 Stephanie Warnken
Salutatorian
Colgate University, N.Y.
B a y p o r t - B l u e p o i n t S c h o o l D i S t r i c t
Bayport-Blue Point High School is proud to
announce Emily Sarich and Stephanie Warnken as
the Class of 2012 valedictorian and salutatorian,
respectively. Both students have attended the district
for the duration of their academic careers and have
worked diligently to achieve high levels of success.
Emily boasts an exceptional and well-rounded
resume that reflects a variety of school and
community activities. As the recipient of numerous
honors and awards, the standout senior was named
an AP Scholar with Distinction, placed among
the top five at the regional and state levels of the
New York State Science Olympiad competition
and received an “Outstanding” score for NYSSMA
vocal solos for three consecutive years. Her love of
music and theater naturally led to her success as
a member of the jazz choir and concert orchestra,
in which she plays violin, and a participant in
school musicals, and talent shows. Among her
extracurricular involvements, she has volunteered her
services to raise funds for several causes, including
the Great Strides Fight for Cystic Fibrosis and the
Salvation Army.
“I am intrinsically motivated to attempt to
be the best at whatever I set out to accomplish,”
commented the top student. “I want to be successful
in my endeavors, which doesn’t necessarily mean
wealthy, but it does mean happy with where I am.”
Top 10 Graduates of 2012
#3
Bryan Szeglin
State University of New
York at Stony Brook
Stony Brook, N.Y.
#4
Sarah Mardovich
University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, N.C.
#5
Shannon Murphy
Macaulay Honors
College at City
University of New York
New York, N.Y.
#6
Tiffany Harrington
University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, N.C.
#7
Paul Chiappetta
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute
Troy, N.Y.
Emily plans to study environmental science at
Middlebury College in Vermont this fall. “I’ve
always liked science, and if I can use my interests in
a way that would benefit the environment, I would
consider myself a success.”
Equally impressive are the accomplishments of
Stephanie, an AP Scholar with Distinction who
placed in the top three in the New York State
Science Olympiad Regional Competition. She is the
vice president of the National Honor Society, a Safe
School Ambassador, a member of the Tri-M Music
Honor Society and a scholar-athlete. Athletically,
she has earned All-League and All-County status as a
volleyball player and has played on the high school’s
softball and basketball teams. In addition, she has
volunteered her services for many organizations that
benefit a variety of causes, including breast cancer
awareness and world hunger.
When exploring her motivation, Stephanie
explained, “I am someone who must finish
something once I’ve started it. I am a lover of
learning, especially math. I love to know how things
work, and that motivates me to delve deeper.”
A third-generation Bayport-Blue Point High
School graduate, Stephanie will be attending Colgate
University in Hamilton, N.Y. to complete a double
major in mathematics and physics.
#9
Robin Cooley
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
#10
Hailee Salvesen
Syracuse University
Syracuse, N.Y.
Graduates!
#8
Abigail Gruppuso
Congratulations
Wesleyan University
Middletown, Conn.
S u m m e r 2 0 1 2 • 2

Facts About the Class of 2012
Throughout their four years together at Bayport-Blue Point High School, the graduating Class of 2012
accomplished great things in all areas academic, athletic and artistic.
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
• 98 percent of graduating students received diplomas with
a Regents endorsement
• 72 percent of those receiving Regents diplomas received
the Advanced Regents endorsement
• 38 percent of those receiving Advanced Regents diplomas
earned the Honors endorsement, which means that these
students maintained an average of 90 or better on their
New York State Regents exams
• 92 percent of the class will attend two or four-year colleges
and universities
• One student will be studying in South America for a year
• Two students will serve the country as members of the U.S.
Armed Forces
• Four students will craft their skills at trade schools
• Three students will begin their career paths with full-time
employment
• The Class of 2012 earned in excess of $1.55 million in
scholarship money
• 19 teams qualified for the playoffs
• Nine seniors were named League Champions
• Four seniors were named Division Champions
• Four seniors were named Suffolk County Champions
Albany College of Pharmacy
Alfred University
American University
Belmont Abbey College
Boston University
Bowling Green State University
Bucknell University
University at Buffalo
University of California, Berkeley
The Catholic University of America
College of Charleston
The Citadel, the Military College of
South Carolina
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colgate University
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware (Honors
Program)
Elon University
Fairfield University
Florida Southern College
Fordham University
Franklin Pierce University
Gettysburg College
Green Mountain College
Greensboro College
Hamilton College
University of Hartford
Hartwick College
College of the Holy Cross
Iona College
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Kent State University
La Salle University
Lafayette College
Lasell College
Lehigh University
Loyola University
Macaulay Honors College at CUNY
Maine Maritime Academy
Marist College
University of Maryland
Marymount Manhattan College
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy &
Health Sciences
University of Massachusetts
Mercy College
Messiah College
University of Miami
University of Michigan
Middlebury College
Mount Saint Mary College
College of Mount Saint Vincent
Muhlenberg College
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of New Hampshire
B a y p o r t - B l u e p o i n t S c h o o l D i S t r i c t
• Three seniors were named New York State Champions in
spring track
• 17 teams were recognized as scholar-athlete teams
• 12 seniors signed National Letters of Intent to play at the
college level
• Over 96 athletes were recognized with post-season honors
• One male athlete was named a Lacrosse All-American – the
first in school history
• Eight teams were honored for Outstanding Sportsmanship
• Nine seniors were selected to participate in the All-County
Music Festivals
• Two seniors were selected to participate in this year’s LISFA
Festival
• One senior was selected to participate in the NYSSMA All-
State Music Festival
• Two seniors received nominations for the Islip Town Arts
Council “Teeny Awards” for their outstanding artistic
and theatrical abilities in this year’s high school musical
“Carousel”
• Twelve seniors received accolades at various town and
county art festivals
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Members of the Class of 2012 will be attending a wide variety of colleges and universities next year, including:
University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina
at Greensboro
Northeastern University
Ohio State University
Pace University
University Park
New York City Parsons The New
School for Design
Pennsylvania State University
Pratt Institute
Providence College
Purchase College
Quinnipiac University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Rhode Island
Rochester Institute of Technology
Roger Williams University
Sacred Heart University
Salve Regina University
Savannah College of Art and Design
School of Visual Arts
University of Scranton
Siena College
Skidmore College
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida, Tampa
State University of New York at Albany
State University of New York
at Binghamton
State University of New York at Buffalo
State University of New York College
at Geneseo
State University of New York
at New Paltz
State University of New York College
at Oneonta
State University of New York at Oswego
State University of New York
at Plattsburgh
State University of New York College
at Potsdam
State University of New York
at Stony Brook
Stevenson University
Syracuse University
University of Tampa
Towson University
Tufts University
Union College
University of Vermont
Villanova University
Washington College
Wesleyan University
West Virginia University
Western New England University
S u m m e r 2 0 1 2 • 3

Throughout the district, the month of June was
an exciting time to celebrate the end of another
successful school year. For many of the students, it
was also a time to celebrate new beginnings, with
moving-up ceremonies being held districtwide.
The youngest students recognized were those
preparing to enter the first grade. Donning
graduation caps and singing special songs like “First
Grade, First Grade” to the familiar tune of “New
York, New York,” kindergartners celebrated a
successful first year of school.
The fifth-graders from the district’s three
elementary schools – Academy Street, Blue Point and
Sylvan Avenue – were recognized at their respective
schools’ moving-up ceremonies, all held in the
auditorium of the high school. In attendance were
teachers, administrators and Board of Education
and community members who acknowledged these
Board of Education
James S. March, President
John D. Lynch,
Vice President
Leonard Camarda
Rebecca Campbell
Diane D’Angelo
Molly E. Licalzi
William Milligan
District Administration
Neil Lederer
Interim
Superintendent of Schools
Miriam D. Flynn
Interim
Assistant Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instruction
Michael S. Cipriani
Assistant Superintendent for
Finance and Operations
Moving on Up
young graduates for their accomplishments. Awards
were presented to select students who displayed
outstanding achievement in different areas.
The principals of these schools presented students
with certificates that signified their moving up and
offered them words of encouragement, recognizing
them for all of their hard work and achievement
during their time in elementary school. Students
were acknowledged for their contributions to
the community as well as the district, and were
encouraged to continue their hard work in the future.
All fifth-graders will come together to attend James
Wilson Young Middle School next year.
While elementary school students were celebrating
their soon-to-be arrival at James Wilson Young,
eighth-grade students were preparing to head to
Bayport-Blue Point High School during their annual
moving-up ceremony.
Seniors
Recognized
Members of the Bayport-Blue Point High School’s senior
class were honored with over 90 scholarships and awards
during the recent Senior Awards Ceremony held in the
school’s auditorium. Sixty students, approximately one-third
of the senior class, received accolades from Principal Dr.
Timothy Hearney and members of the faculty and staff, as
well as additional presenters from the community. Honors
ranged from memorial scholarships and leadership awards to
departmental recognition for outstanding work.
The evening began with Dr. Hearney quoting Nancy Sim’s
poem “Winners Are People Like You.” He commended the
students for their positive thinking, resilience and promise for
years to come. These words of praise were echoed throughout
the night by groups such as the Bayport-Blue Point Teachers’
Association, Bayport Civic Association, Women’s Club of
Patchogue, MSG Varsity, Rotary of Sayville and many more.
In addition, family members of beloved Bayport teachers and
students whose passing left a lasting impact on the district
were there to bestow more than 10 awards in memory of
their loved ones. Awards included the first William “Billy”
Schettino Memorial Scholarship to recognize the late 2011
graduate, and the Douglas Monsell Memorial Award, in
honor of the treasured Bayport-Blue Point High School
business teacher who passed suddenly in May.
Class valedictorian Emily Sarich, whose appointments
include National Honor Society Chairwoman, Tri-M Music
Honor Society Vice President and member of the Ecology
Club, Jazz Choir and Science Olympiads, was presented
with multiple awards throughout the night. Emily, who
will be attending Middlebury College in Vermont to study
environmental science, said of the evening, “I am so honored
to be here. Everyone has worked so hard and has a lot to be
proud of.”
In addition to being acknowledged at the awards
ceremony, seniors Lindsay Brucculeri, Olivia Caravella,
Tiffany Harrington, Sarah Mardovich and Emily Sarich
were invited to attend the Recognition of Excellence dinner,
James Wilson Young Principal Susan Haske
offered words of welcome and thanked the
educational community for their efforts, which had
helped to make the graduating students so successful
as individuals and as a group. Class advisors Deborah
Lena and Colleen Johnson, who had spent the year
with students participating in a variety of educational,
social and philanthropic activities, took the podium
to describe the drive and unity of the class.
Three eighth-grade students – Victoria Andriano,
Leanna Bonetti and Yahaira Scott – shared memories
of the class that featured the past, present and future,
after which the student-elected speaker, mathematics
teacher Karen Hicks, delivered the final message to
the class.
To conclude the ceremony, students met Principal
Haske center stage as their names were called to
receive their moving-up certificates.
Recognition of Excellence dinner attendees (left to right) Tiffany Harrington,
Lindsay Brucculeri, Olivia Caravella, Sarah Mardovich and Emily Sarich.
held at a local restaurant. The evening recognized the
accomplishments of these five talented students and honored
the individual educators who have made an impact on
them. Students were nominated by a committee comprised
of teachers, support staff and administrators based on the
following criteria: service to the school and community,
respect for fellow students, strong moral character, academic
achievement, commitment and appreciation of school ideals,
participation in school activities and the ability to express him
or herself.
Upon acceptance of the honor, each student was asked to
nominate the staff members who had most influenced their
educational careers. “These students have not achieved their
excellence by chance,” remarked Dr. Hearney, “but because
they believe the work they put in is well worth the outcome.
They truly represent what Bayport-Blue Point is about, and
we are proud of all of them.” Addressing the educators who
were honored, he continued, “Thank you for playing such an
important role in the lives of these outstanding students. You
should be proud to know that you have inspired them in such
a way.”