Ward Melville High School has been recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) as a 2019-2020 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction and Excellence winner. The application initiated by Kevin Finnerty qualified for this prestigious recognition and will be receiving the award honoring our scholar-athletes and teams sometime in the fall.

Below is the official announcement from NYSPHAA.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and stretching well into the summer, the Three Village Central School District community at large has come together in remarkable ways to help support those in need of assistance.

Most recently, after learning that the supply at the district’s food pantry, which has served thousands of food items since mid-March, was depleted, the district received a swell of donations to restock the shelves in the pantry.

“Our community is one that truly embraces the notion of lending a helping hand, and we have been overwhelmed by the support our residents have extended,” Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Pedisich said. “On behalf of my colleagues and, most importantly, the families that our pantry serves, I extend my deepest, heartfelt thank-you to all who have contributed. We could not do this important work without your support, and please know we are forever grateful for it.”

As a reminder, the food pantry remains open throughout the summer and is located at the North Country Administrative Center. It is run by appointment only and families can call 631-730-4010 to schedule a visit.

The resilient Ward Melville High School Class of 2020 officially marked the end of their journey through the Three Village Central School District in a unique way, as the district hosted 11 separate graduation ceremonies throughout the weekend of July 18-19.

Observing social distancing guidelines and wearing masks when within six feet of individuals other than their family members, the ceremonies featured many traditional graduation aspects and provided families with the chance to celebrate this momentous milestone.

Each ceremony began with a recorded version of “Pomp and Circumstance” followed by an in-person performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by graduating senior Jordan Amato. Class of 2020 Valedictorian William Sun and Salutatorian Matthew Fiorella delivered eloquent commencement speeches during each of the 11 ceremonies, imparting words of wisdom and collective sentiments about their hope for the future.

“We are at a peak of ambition and aspiration; we are all seeking to maximize our potential, (and) how we choose to capitalize on this moment will determine the brightness of more than just our own future,” Matthew said.

“More than any other generation, we know that taking small steps in large amounts can overcome large barriers,” William added. “If we take small steps to improve ourselves, we can better our lives and the lives of others instead of waiting around for the one person to solve our problems. … As an upcoming class of empowered youth, we don’t need to sit around and feel powerless. We don’t need to define ourselves by what we don’t have but can define ourselves by what we can have. We, not just a few of us but all of us, can change the world.”

During the ceremonies, Class of 2020 Student Government President Sarah Thornton announced that this year’s class gift would be a new tree, bench and rock inscribed with a quote at the front part of the school lawn, symbolizing the class’ continued growth and strength. In addition, Principal William Bernhard presented his congratulatory address in the form of a letter penned fictitiously by the graduates almost 50 years in the future meant as a reflection on this pivotal time in history and all of the potential that lay ahead.

Before ceremoniously turning their tassels with the help of Student Government Representative Jennifer Barnett and tossing their graduation caps into the summer air, each graduate was individually called to the podium to receive their diploma. Each was celebrated with rounds of applause and then was able to take a commemorative photo while observing social distancing guidelines.

The Three Village Central School District Board of Education officially commenced the start of the 2020-21 school year during its reorganizational meeting on July 8. During the meeting, reelected trustees Inger Germano, Irene Gische and Dr. Jeffrey Kerman were sworn in and began their new three-year terms of office. In addition, Ms. Germano was elected to serve as the new president of the Board of Education, Ms. Gische was reappointed to serve as the Board vice president and Deanna Bavlnka was appointed as the District Clerk Pro-Tem.

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P.J. Gelinas and R.C. Murphy Junior High Schools did not miss the opportunity to honor and celebrate this year’s ninth grade classes’ traditional passage from junior high to high school students this June as they hosted creative moving-up celebrations, mindful of social distancing guidelines.

Students and proud families arrived at the schools in decorated cars and drove through the front entrance of the school, where they were greeted by building administration and presented with their moving-up day certificates and individual awards. Many of the buildings’ teachers lined walkways and held signs, waving and extending their congratulations to the students as they passed by.

While the ceremonies differed from those of the past, they were focused on the same core message: celebrating the students and helping to mark this momentous milestone.

Gelinas Pictures

Murphy Pictures

During the time of distance learning, kindergarten students in Jen Giambalvo’s class at Arrowhead Elementary School kept busy through a variety of hands on educational activities. Throughout the time, they put pencil to paper to create their own how-to books and sharpened their literacy and artistic skills by creating cards for essential workers, as well as documented their work through fun videos they shared with their classmates. 

Ward Melville High School rising senior Kaitlyn Ehlers placed second in the 2019-2020 Solution for Pollution competition supported by the New York State Sea Grant and sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The competition called for high school students to submit concepts for reducing trash in the nation’s waterways and beaches, in particular the Long Island Sound and associated harbors. The goal was to create cost-effective methods to return waterways to a trash-free sea. As a second-place winner, Kaitlyn was presented with a $300 reward.

Nassakeag Elementary School students had an uplifting and inspirational experience during distance learning when they attended a virtual assembly program with singer-songwriter Jared Campbell.

The event was done in a livestream setting, so students and staff had the ability to interact, sing along, comment and even request songs throughout the event. The focus of the program was on strong character skills, friendship and hope. The event was a great way to bring the school together, while staying apart.

Three Village’s youngest students – the pre-K Class of 2020 – were honored for completing the first part of their educational journey in special ways this June. At Arrowhead, the teachers and school staff hosted a drive-through car parade for the students. Proud family members decorated their cars with special signs, and the students received a special treat from their teachers before being officially promoted to kindergarten! 

After 13 years of hard work, dedication and perseverance, Ward Melville High School seniors William Sun and Matthew Fiorella have been named the Class of 2020 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Throughout their time in the district, both stellar students amassed impressive lists of accolades and honors.

William, who has chosen to attend Brown University next fall, had a strong focus on math and science during his time at Ward Melville High School. He was a member of the Ward Melville High School varsity Science Olympiad team and earned multiple state and national medals for his performance. He was also the president of the school’s math team and computer science club. Additionally, he was a Science and Math Research participant, qualified for the International Science and Engineering Fair, and won a silver medal at the Long Island math research competition. Musically speaking, William was the director, creator and manager for the Piano for Patients organization, and he played piano and violin in the school’s ensembles. He was named an All-State pianist, qualified as an All-State alternative for violin, and toured in Spain and Eastern Europe in eighth and 10th grade, respectively, through the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. William was named a National Merit Scholarship winner in 2020.

Matthew was an equally impressive scholar at Ward Melville. He was the president of the Junior Model UN, was a member of the National and Spanish honor societies and was named a National Merit finalist. Matthew was also a member of the school’s band, sitting as first alto saxophone and president of the wind ensemble. Outside of school, Matthew completed an internship at biotechnology startup Vascular Simulations, worked as a coach for the Three Village Youth Basketball organization and took part in the Sports Arena basketball team.

In colorfully decorated cars, trucks and vans, the members of the Ward Melville High School Class of 2020 kicked off the last month of their senior year during a commemorative parade in late May held in the school’s front bus circle. 

Escorted by proud family members, the students remained in their cars as they paraded through the parking lot, receiving cheers and words of praise from the teachers and staff remaining socially distant on the grounds. The event was filled with music performed by district teachers and included a grand entrance featuring the American flag, which was set up thanks to the Setauket Fire Department. 

The parade was highlighted on News 12 too! Click here to watch!

Please enjoy the videos below celebrating this year’s honorees:

Elementary

Junior High

High School

To help celebrate the Great Kindness Challenge Week, Ms. Connolly's Kindergartners met with Ms. McDowell's Pre-K class. They shared snack time and worked together to create special friendship bracelets. Future visits, will allow for the Pre-K students to visit Kindergarten.