Huntington School Briefs
Thomas Lederer, a member of Huntington High School's Class of 1965, has made a contribution to North Shore LIJ – Huntington Hospital, in honor of the Class of 1965.
"These gifts will directly benefit patient care in the hospital emergency room expansion and renovation efforts," said Helen A. Dudkewic, director of development and community relations.
The Class of 1965 graduated on Sunday, June 27, 1965 at 3:15 p.m. in the high school auditorium. It was the 104th Huntington commencement. The high school band was conducted that afternoon by music teacher Rufus Kern. Rabbi Maurice H. Shatz gave the invocation and benediction. Principal Robert A. Cushman presented the speakers, with included salutatorian, Ellin Kaufman, honor speaker Walter R. Snow and valedictorian Katherine Kurshan. Superintendent Charles T. St. Clair presented class members while trustee William G. Lister presented seniors with their diplomas.
Alum Gets Married
Gregg J. DePasquale, a member of Huntington High School's Class of 1998, married Kristin D. Flaherty earlier this month at the Buttermilk Falls Inn north of Poughkeepsie.
The wedding party included many Huntington graduates including Chris Kaczor, John Paganas, Peter Spinella and Britt Wenzel from the Class of 1998 and Brian Wisnieski, from the Class of 1991. Huntington elementary grade level teacher Heather Flaherty, who is the bride's sister-in-law, was a bridesmaid as was Kristin DePasquale, the groom's sister and a member of Huntington's Class of 1995.
A reception for nearly 250 guests was held on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River. There was a festive after-party in a scenic lodge. Guests were also invited to a lavish breakfast the following morning.
Mr. DePasquale is a graduate of Stony Brook University. While at Huntington he starred on the wrestling team, placing second in the Suffolk Championships as a senior and helping the Blue Devils win the Section XI team title.
The newlyweds honeymooned for 2 ½ weeks in Vietnam and Thailand. They will be residing in Huntington.
Additional Honors Physics Section
Growing enrollment in Honors Physics has required an additional section of the course being added at Huntington High School. The course previously had two sections running at full capacity. "Current capacity cannot be exceeded due to safety concerns during the lab portion of the class," Assistant Superintendent Kenneth A. Card, Jr. said.
"The need is based on students currently enrolled in a pre-calculus course while simultaneously taking an advanced physics course," explained Dr. Card.
Enrollment Update
The latest enrollment report released by the Huntington School District showed a loss of two students from the initial report issued in early September.
The district has 4,476 students, including 1,290 at Huntington High School, 695 at J. Taylor Finley Middle School, 688 at Woodhull Intermediate School, 467 at Washington Primary School, 457 at Flower Hill Primary School, 454 at Southdown Primary School and 425 at Jefferson Primary School.
This year's senior class currently numbers 288 students. The freshman class, by comparison, totals 365 teenagers.
Hulsen Passes Away
Pete Hulsen, a 1951 graduate of Huntington High School, who later went on to serve as chief custodian at three district schools, passed away on Sunday, September 26. He was 77.
Mr. Hulsen worked in the district for more than three decades, serving as chief custodian at Robert K. Simpson Junior High School, Robert K. Toaz Junior High School and J. Taylor Finley Middle School. Mr. Huslen also owned a local business in Huntington Village for many years.
Save the Date
The Huntington Foundation's annual Reach for the Stars fundraising gala is set for Friday, January 21 at the Woodlands mansion in Woodbury. The evening will will celebrate public education. Barbara Cutrone, a longtime district PTA volunteer who is currently president of the Huntington Booster Club, will be presented with the 2011 Spirit Award for her years of dedicated service to the community.
The Huntington Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of the district's schools. Since parents created it in 1993, the Foundation has funded about $800,000 worth of educator-generated grants.
The evening will feature cocktails, music, dancing, dinner, raffles, silent and live auctions and much more. Tickets will go on sale later this fall.
The Foundation is inviting individuals and companies to participate in the festive gathering by purchasing journal ads, donating goods or services to be auctioned off or by making monetary contributions. For more information about the opportunities that exist call Karen Dwyer at (631) 421-4037.