Huntington School Briefs
A retirement party honoring Huntington High School teachers Rosanne Brienza, Kim Damore, Stephen Henry and Eliana Oranges will be held at Black and Blue Restaurant on Tuesday, June 11.
The cocktail hour begins at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. There will be a choice of four appetizers and five entrees along with a champagne toast to the retirees. Dessert, soda, coffee and tea will be served. There will be a cash bar.
Tickets priced at $50 are on sale now through June 6. Checks payable to HHS Gift Fund can be sent to Martha Ironman or Patricia Dillon at Huntington High School, Oakwood & McKay Roads, Huntington, NY 11743.
H-ton Senior Bound for Ithaca College
Huntington High School senior Matthew Beeby will head to Ithaca College for the fall semester. "I made my decision to go to Ithaca fairly early on," the teenager said. "It was the first school I got accepted to and it was my first choice, so I never really considered anything else after that."
Mr. Beeby is a fine student and a sensational musician. The senior is known for his ambition and willingness to seek out and take on challenges. A member of the Blue Devil marching band for the past four years, the teenager was the low brass section leader for three years and the brass captain this past year.
"At first, it was the programs that drew me in," said Mr. Beeby about his decision to attend Ithaca. "They had a very unique major in their communications department called 'emerging media.' It basically involves working with computers to develop games, apps, social networking sites and other things like that. I also knew that they had an amazing music program, which was perfect because I wanted to minor in music."
Mr. Beeby has been a member of Huntington High School's wind ensemble, jazz band and pit orchestra. "When I first visited the campus, I knew it was where I wanted to be," Mr. Beeby said about Ithaca. "It was a beautiful place right on the edge of a lake and the atmosphere seemed so alive and exciting. It was a place I could see myself going."
Kids for President!
The Child's Play Touring Company was a hit as Washington, Jefferson, Flower Hill and Southdown primary schools when it came calling on students. Child's Play's "Kids for President!" program "is all about giving voice to children's feelings and thoughts about the challenges America and our elected president will face," according to a program description.
Sponsored by Huntington's arts-in-education program the "Kid's for President" writing project gave students an opportunity to write stories about what they would do if they were elected president.
The Huntington School District's AIE committee presents programs designed to enhance the study of literature, humanities, mathematics, science, fine and performing arts, health and character education.
Child's Play actors performed stories created by students from each of the district's four primary schools. There was a special awards presentation during each of the assembly programs at which time Certificates of Creativity were awarded to the students who created the best stories.
Joan Fretz Retirement Party
A retirement party in honor of Huntington School District Director of Fine and Performing Arts Joan R. Fretz is planned for Wednesday, June 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Head of the Bay Club in Huntington Bay.
Ms. Fretz is retiring at the end of the school year after a long career in the district. There event will include a buffet dinner, live music and a cash bar. Tickets are priced at $60, which includes a contribution toward a gift.
The affair will utilize both indoor and outdoor areas overlooking Huntington Bay. Several speakers are expected to offer their reminiscences of Ms. Fretz's long tenure in the district.
To secure a ticket, send a check payable to "Janet O'Neil" to: Huntington High School Music Office, Oakwood and McKay Roads, Huntington, NY 11743. Tickets will be sold through June 5.
Author Visits Kindergarteners
Tracey Delio, a dynamic children's author and certified speech pathologist, visited Huntington School District kindergarten students this spring. The youngsters enjoyed an interactive presentation of her first book, The Secret Adventures of Louie V, which chronicles a mischievous Siamese cat who is left alone all day while his owner is at work. The book received honorable mention recognition at the 2009 San Francisco Book Festival.
"Tracey shared her love of write and her cart, Louie V," said Valerie Capitulo-Saide, Jefferson School's principal. "It was a fun and wonderful learning experience for all."
Taylor Palmer to URI
Huntington High School senior Taylor Palmer is headed to the University of Rhode Island in the fall to study journalism. She is closing out a wonderful four year run that included participation in the Blue Devil marching band and the varsity swimming team, which she captained this past year.
The teenager has been a member of Huntington's wind ensemble and pit orchestra. Classmates voted her "Most Popular." Earlier this spring, Ms. Palmer was honored as one of the Class of 2013's Distinguished Seniors in recognition of her outstanding academic performance.