Month: June 2021

Miller Place High School Students Celebrate Commencement at Stony Brook University

MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (JUNE 2021) – The Miller Place School District recently held its annual commencement ceremony for Miller Place High School graduating seniors at Stony Brook University. The Class of 2021 was celebrated collectively for their hard work and perseverance throughout all four years of their high school careers, but especially for their resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One by one, graduates were called up on stage to receive their diplomas and commendations for all of their hard work during the past four years. Members of the Miller Place School District Board of Education, superintendent and high school administration congratulated each student and offered best wishes for the future.

“You learned to live on the edge of change, with the constant shifts and unexpected turns, the likes of which we have never experienced,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of the Miller Place School District, while addressing the graduating class. “To say as a class that you are amazing individuals is an understatement. Our community looks forward to watching you succeed in the future as your journeys help you grow into the fine and respectful people you are destined to be.”

During the ceremony, Valedictorian Kyla Bruno and Salutatorian Jason Cirrito took the podium to reflect on the last four years of their journey in high school and to wish their fellow classmates well and encourage them to continue to work hard and to follow their dreams. Principal Kevin Slavin also shared motivational words of encouragement to the graduates as they begin the next chapter in their lives.

Kyla Bruno and Jason Cirrito Named Valedictorian and Salutatorian of MPHS

MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (JUNE 2021) — Kyla Bruno and Jason Cirrito have been named the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the Class of 2021 at Miller Place High School. Kyla earned the highest grade point average (GPA) of the 2021 graduating class with a weighted GPA of 102.34, with Jason having the second highest GPA of 101.30. Finishing at the top of the class academically is testament to the intelligence and dedication possessed by Kyla and Jason. 

Kyla has achieved many academic awards including Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Honors, Performing Arts Teeny Award for Outstanding Instrumentalist, and has been recognized by the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program. She has consistently achieved High Honor Roll and is enrolled in the maximum number of AP/honors courses. Kyla has received Special Recognition of Excellence in language arts, geometry, Spanish, orchestra, and was named an All-State Musician.   

Kyla is currently serving as the vice president and founding member of the Tri M Honor Society. She also is an active member of the National Honor Society, Service Club, and the Foreign Language Honor Society. She is a very active athlete and has won the Scholar Athlete Award for tennis and track, being a member of both the winter and spring track teams. She has been recognized as All-League and All-County on her tennis team.

Kyla plans to attend Northwestern University and major in mathematics with a minor or double major in music.

Jason has also achieved High Honor Roll for every marking period since 9^th grade and has received multiple academic awards such as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Honors, as well as the Geometry Honors Award. In addition, Jason was awarded the Outstanding Acts of Kindness (OAK) Award for helping others in need without expecting any reciprocation.

Jason is currently a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Service Club, Foreign Language Honor Society, and Mathletes. In addition, Jason volunteers to help coordinate events at the Port Jefferson Library and was an assistant coach for the Miller Place Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) basketball team. Jason has been an involved student athlete as a member of the cross country, soccer, PTO basketball, and winter and spring track teams. He was captain of the spring track team and cross country team and recognized as All-League for both teams. 

Jason will be attending Vassar College in the fall and plans to major in math education and become a secondary math teacher.

Eight District Retirees Were Honored for Their Commitment to Student Excellence

MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (JUNE 2021) — The Miller Place School District recently took the opportunity to recognize eight staff members who have served the Miller Place School District community and will officially be retired at the end of this school year. During the most recent Board of Education meeting, District retirees were celebrated for their commitment to the students, parents and staff of the Miller Place School District.

“We are extremely grateful for the years of dedication and commitment that our retirees have provided to our District,” said Dr. Marianne F. Cartisano, Superintendent of the Miller Place School District. “These staff members helped make a positive difference in the lives of our students, and our school community. We wish all of them the very best in the next chapter in their lives.”

The eight retirees, which include teachers and clerical staff members, collectively totaled 174 years of service to the Miller Place School District, with the most experienced retiree starting in 1990.

The Board of Education extends their thanks and well wishes to this year’s retirees including special education teacher, Donna Doherty; social studies teacher, Thomas Moran; elementary teacher, Eva Marie Pere; teacher aide, Debra Fiore; teacher aide, Jo-Ann Hegeman; clerical, Nancy Lepre; teacher assistant, Joanne Parrella; and central office clerical, Linda Lee.