Samuel Sainthil Earns
Biggest Laughs
Soft-spoken Samuel Sainthil earned the biggest laughs at Huntington High School’s 149th commencement exercises last Friday night. The Columbia University-bound scholar introduced Principal Carmela Leonardi to the overflow crowd and did so with wit and humor.
Mr. Sainthil opened his brief remarks by thanking teachers, parents and district officials. “We are in deep debt to you for your patience, your commitment and your tireless efforts in furthering our education,” he said.
“As I introduce the next speaker, let me remind you all that she is Huntington High School’s big cheese, big kahuna and head honcho,” Mr. Sainthil said. “These terms are ironic because she barely clears five feet. I mean, when I stand next to her, my self-esteem gets a really big boost.” The crowd erupted in laughter.
Mr. Sainthil explained that Dr. Leonardi immigrated to the United States from Italy when she was 16 years old. “Imagine being the new kid at school, but this school is in a whole other country where you can barely speak the language.”
Dr. Leonardi went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at Queens College and a Ph.D. at Hofstra University. Since coming to Huntington she has been principal of the Woodhull Early Childhood Center, Huntington Intermediate School and the high school.
“She would like us all to know that she loves the school, the district all of its children and she loves teaching,” Mr. Sainthil said. “I’m sure this love is genuine because she once told me that ‘You can’t fake what you believe in.’”
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office