This is the official e-newsletter for the Rocky Point Union School District.

As the 2019-20 school year took an unexpected turn in March, students, staff and families came together in many ways that define the true meaning of community. Our teachers adapted their lessons to online classrooms; students navigated their digital instruction; virtual variety and art shows, athletic accolades, car parades and so much more became the new normal; and a renewed sense of family and fellowship was formed.

In the community and at all grade levels, stories of resiliency emerged. Hundreds responded to our call to highlight frontline Hometown Heroes, and students have continued to contribute to the larger world with their charitable efforts, talents and accomplishments: Mrs. Carrie Casswell’s first graders sent positive messages, drawings and photographs to the Bristal Assisted Living Facility in Lake Grove; third grader Lilianna Bonacasa was honored by the Promise of Hope Foundation for Lily’s Toy House, a toy drive that she founded in memory of her father who was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan; seventh graders were lauded as young heroes for their work as junior firefighters and high school students shared dozens of messages of gratitude and inspiration with the doctors, nurses and medical staff at Mather Hospital.

Leading the Rocky Point High School Class of 2020 were three young women – Hope Lantz-Gefroh, Molly Lambert and Kiana Hammorth – valedictorian, salutatorian and exhortation speaker, respectively.

Hope’s diversified high school career includes president of the National Math Honor Society, member of the National Honor Society, a member of Compassion Without Borders, a math and science tutor, and a regional team dancer and dance teacher. She will join the freshman class at Texas Christian University, where she will be on the premedical educational track.

Molly’s list of achievements is comprehensive and includes being a member of the National English Honor Society, the National Honor Society, the New York State Mathematics Honor Society and the Thespian Society. She was selected to represent Rocky Point School District at the New York State School Music Association’s All-County and All-State conferences as a senior, took part in the high school’s Pocket Theater Productions for three years and has been a leading character in numerous high school musical productions. She took on the responsibility of assistant director on the school’s most recent show, “Fiddler on the Roof.” She intends to major in biology and minor in English at Colgate University in the fall.

Kiana has excelled in the classroom, on the stage and in the arts studio. An AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit Scholar semifinalist, she filled her senior class schedule with numerous AP courses. Kiana has been a leader in the arts program, serving as president of the Arts Honor Society, and receiving a Mark Twain Award in art or writing for all four years of her high school career. She received an honorable mention in a national scholastic poetry contest and had her work displayed at the Art League of Long Island. Kiana will head to Alfred University in the fall and plans to double major in business and political science.

“In addition to being at the top of their class, these exceptional students are well-rounded in their academics and interests,” Principal Jonathan Hart said. “Their ambitions and defined goals will lead them to greater achievements, and we all look forward to hearing about their successes in the future.”

Excitement filled the local streets on June 12 when more than 70 staff members from throughout the district volunteered to deliver caps, gowns and yearbooks to seniors. The teams of messengers set out in groups to cover all the neighborhoods – sharing the fun with decorated cars, festive music and their best Rocky Point gear! “It was great to see the students and to congratulate them on their accomplishments,” Assistant Principal Lauren Neckin said. “They seemed so excited, happy and really appreciated it.”

Although the spring athletic season was canceled, Rocky Point made numerous outstanding efforts to honor student-athletes with various virtual celebrations. Director of Health, Physical Education, Intramurals and Athletics Mr. Charles Delargy and district coaches created a video congratulating all the students and highlighting major moments of each of their Rocky Point High School athletic careers. The school’s college commitment day in June virtually honored the 14 athletes who committed to play a college sport:

Julianna Calo, field hockey – SUNY Oneonta

Holly Calore, field hockey – Hartwick College

James Curley, cross-country – SUNY New Paltz

Gavin DaVanzo, track and field – Stony Brook University

Justin DeMonte, lacrosse – Mercy College

Maggie Donohue, lacrosse – George Mason University

Sean Flynn, football – Stevenson University

Daniel Heneghan, soccer – SUNY Geneseo

Calista MacArthur, cheer – Hofstra University

Sydney McNamee, cheer – Florida Atlantic University

Jack Meyers, lacrosse – University of Tampa

Anna Raicovi, soccer – Georgia Military College

Joseph Schley, lacrosse – Mitchell College

Dakota Strong, lacrosse – Hartwick College

They join an additional seven students who were honored at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Signing Day in November:

Savannah Feinberg, lacrosse – Southern Connecticut State University

Clare Levy, lacrosse – Stony Brook University

Logan Sciotto, wrestling – United States Naval Academy

Jason Staudte, lacrosse – Caldwell University

Katie Wilbur, softball – Limestone College

Kailee Woods, lacrosse – University of New Hampshire

Anna Zahradka, lacrosse – Stony Brook University

Rocky Point Middle School Principal Mr. James Moeller virtually congratulated the eighth grade class on their continued path to success as they enter grade 9 in the fall. Student speaker Sofia Haviland encouraged kindness as she addressed her peers and reflected on shared events and the teachers she considered role models. Assistant Principal Ms. Dawn Meyers then presented subject awards, guidance counselor Ms. Courtney Honan followed by introducing the students, music teachers Mr. Nicholas Butcher and Mrs. Meghan Walter performed The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and teachers and staff members offered their congratulations to the Class of 2024.

Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School Principal Linda Murphy congratulated the fifth graders on their promotion to middle school during a special virtual ceremony at the end of June. Try your best, become involved, be proud of yourself, tell the truth and smile were among her suggestions to the students. Teachers congratulated their students, and Ms. Jaimie Arnesen and Ms. Lauren Boyle created a special poem for their class.

A virtual moving-up ceremony for second graders included an important message from Dr. Virginia Gibbons to learn a lot, laugh a lot and be kind. An additional virtual introduction to JAE was a fun way for the students to learn about their new journey next school year. All the third grade teachers had an opportunity to contribute to the video and share what it will be like to be a part of their class, and students learned about the different subjects and daily schedules.