Local Students Recognized at Annual Valedictorian Luncheon

Local students were recognized at the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association’s 21st annual Valedictorian Luncheon.

School superintendents, administrators and parents acknowledged and honored the highest achieving students of Suffolk County’s Class of 2015 during the event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Wind Watch Hotel in Hauppauge.

Alexandra Peterson, valedictorian of the Hampton Bays Class of 2015, attended the event with her parents, Superintendent Lars Clemensen and Principal Christopher Richardt.

Arianna Riemma-Cascone, valedictorian of the Westhampton Beach Class of 2015, also attended the event with her parents, Superintendent Mike Radday and Principal Christopher Herr.

The celebratory event was punctuated with music provided by the Islip High School Jazz Ensemble, who performed under the direction of Steve Campanella.

Congratulating the students on their hard work and academic achievements were Dr. Roberta A. Gerold, SCSSA president and Middle Country School District superintendent of schools; Susan A. Schnebel, SCSSA president-elect and Islip School District superintendent of schools; Dr. Charles T. Russo, SCSSA vice president and East Moriches School District superintendent of schools; and Clemensen.

Keynote speaker Roger Tilles, a member of the New York State Board of Regents, encouraged the valedictorians to always put things in perspective, develop a backbone, become proactive and involved, use imagination and creativity to propel forward, and find a job that matters.

“Love what you do and feel that it matters,” Tilles said. “There is no greater fun than that.”

Each valedictorian was called to the stage to receive a certificate and gift of recognition.

During their acknowledgment, the universities they plan on attending were announced, along with their intended majors.

The SCSSA and its corporate partners also awarded 10 scholarships to graduates planning to pursue a career in education or social services.

This was the only event in which the Class of 2015 valedictorians were honored together, and it was a truly memorable occasion for all in attendance.

Photo 1: Hampton Bays valedictorian Alexandra Peterson is pictured with her parents, Superintendent Lars Clemensen and Principal Christopher Richardt.

Photo courtesy of the Hampton Bays School District

Photo 2: Photo Caption: Westhampton Beach valedictorian Arianna Riemma-Cascone (second from right) is pictured with her parents, Superintendent Mike Radday, Principal Christopher Herr and the West Babylon High School valedictorian.

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Beach School District