Huntington Graduation Briefs
Liz Mormile introduced close friend and salutatorian Shannon Lee Connors to the standing room only crowd of more than 2,500 that packed into Blue Devil Stadium.
“Academically, Shannon Connors clearly stands out as a successful and intelligent young woman, but the things I have always admired mostly about Shannon have less to do with Shannon the student and more to do with Shannon the friend. As someone who has known Shannon Connors since the days of the YMCA preschool I must say that even back then she was smarter than all of us!”
Ms. Mormile said she has “always admired Shannon’s dedication to the things she loves, her ability to challenge the impossible and willingness to never give up. Determination is an understatement as she has proved herself time and again to be successful in all that she strives for.”
Ms. Connors is headed to Yale University in the fall. Ms. Mormile, who will attend the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in Manhattan in the fall, said her classmate’s “greatest accomplishment has been becoming the great friend that she is today. Her unique and witty personality and willingness to put others before herself and her own needs have always been what I have loved most about Shannon.”
Many years ago Kelsey Ferrari was a student at Washington Primary School. Now all grown up, she graduated last week with Huntington High School’s Class of 2008.
While a student at Washington, Ms. Ferrari’s principal was known other than current Superintendent John J. Finello. She introduced him to the crowd at the school’s 147th commencement exercises.
“Mr. Finello represents everything Huntington stands for; dedication, leadership and a tradition of excellence,” she said. “He has spent his entire career working in the Huntington school system and has helped shape it into the strong, honorable district it is today.”
Ms. Ferrari, who is headed to Manhattan College, said she hasn’t forgotten what happened one early September morning more than a decade ago. “My first memory of Mr. Finello was at Washington Primary on the first day of first grade,” she said. “Mr. Finello was principal at the time. Getting off the bus for the first time, I was terrified and overwhelmed. I remember seeing him greet the students off the buses and helping us get into the school. His smiling face and caring demeanor made me feel more comfortable and relaxed at a very scary time. Now as we graduate, he is here to send us off with best wishes.”
Laura Dabrowski and Class of 2008 valedictorian Madeleine Jensen are closer than mere classmates. “We look for a lot of things during high school: knowledge, friendship, relationships, a greater understanding of ourselves,” Ms. Dabrowski said during an introduction of Ms. Jensen at last week’s Huntington High School graduation ceremony.
“Though I hoped to find all of these in my quest for the quintessential high school experience, I never expected to find a sister,” Ms. Dabrowski said. “Someone once said that ‘Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.’ For the last four years, Madeleine Jensen has never left my side. We were sisters from the start. We share this uncanny connection that allows us to finish each other’s sentences, know exactly what the other is thinking and run instep on occasion.”
Ms. Jensen is headed to Columbia University while Ms. Dabrowski will attend Wellesley College. “Never have I met a more positive, optimistic person who frequently puts the needs of others before her own,” Ms. Dabrowski said about her close friend. “She is without a doubt the most thoughtful, humble and selfless person I have ever met. I think that the world would be a far better place if people aspired to be a little bit more like Madeleine everyday.”
Priscilla L. Ramirez has known Huntington High School Principal Carmela Leonardi for many years. Dr. Leonardi was once the principal of Huntington Intermediate School, where Ms. Ramirez, a member of the Class of 2008, attended as a youngster.
“I didn’t know her name exactly because I was only about 10 years old back then,” said Ms. Ramirez, who is headed for Dowling College in Oakdale, during brief remarks introducing the school leader at the commencement exercises. “But, she always used to be so kind and just smile and say hello.”
The pair later reunited at the high school, where Dr. Leonardi became principal in 2001. “During the four years I’ve been in high school, I’ve admired her dedication and love of the school.”
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