to the John Jay High School Class of 2023 Congratulations SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO JUNE 29, 2023 2 TRACKS
PAGE 2 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 HALSTON MEDIA SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky (845) 661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Subscribe To request weekly delivery for your local paper, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected] subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for first class mail. NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY HALSTON MEDIA, LLC MAIN OFFICE 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC Olivia Addorisio Lendina Ahmetaj Michael Aiello Violet Alterio Adam Andrade Abigail Andrew Isabella Assumma Rachele Bachmann Ariel Barniv Ara Beigi Kayla Benson Sylvia Berger Nikoleta Berisha Oliver Berke Pierce Berke Talia Bernheimer Aoife Birdy Olivia Blank David Bond Jeremy Boubli Oscar Boudreau Caroline Brand Orion Brandt Annabel Brennan Hailey Brown Madelyn Browning Arnold Brugger Grace Brunner-Bright Amanda Buchman Liam Burke Charles Burt Hayden Byrne Brianna Camaj Ryan Campbell George Caratzas Lucas Celetti Carolina Cerna Anthony Ciccone Jeremy Cisneros Lillian Colaco-Curry Michael Compagnone Meghan Condon Kristel Cruz Najera Sawyer Cummings Sofia Cunha Isabelle Daviau Philip DeNoia Jonathan Diaz Galvan Christopher DiChiara Lucy DiChristina Dean DiGuglielmo Olivia DiLeo Elena Dinallo Sofia Dinallo Nicholas DiNapoli Christopher DiTomasso Brenna Doherty Leo Duarte Wyatt Dutton Daphne Edgar Alexandra Einhorn Jasper Emus Christopher Engelhardt Elizabeth Epstein Scott Esposito Ian Ferman Natalie Feroce Isabella Ferrajina Haley Fiderer Jordan Fiderer Danielle Frame Jonathan Frenz Craig Galea Gerard Garofolo Christopher Gebbia William Gereghty Ryan Giner Benjamin Gold Mia Goldberg Sidney Goldberg Julia Golis Sadie Goodman Tess Goodman Mia Gottesfeld Ty Graygor Alexander Green Kevin Greenberg Nathaniel Greenspan Caroline Gressler Abbey Grzymala Spencer Hadlock Lusitania Halaifonua Stephanie Halsey Abel Hansonbrook Reilly Harty Charlotte Henrich Mia Holbrook Nicholas Holbrook James Ingersoll Claire Jahaly Peter Jovanovic-Monti Andrew Junquera Ellie Kaplowitz Ava Kelley Jacob Kempin Grace Kenny Caitlin Kerrigan Jesse Kim Joseph Klettner Maren Kreutzer Zachary Kuszynski Shyamal Lakhanpal Caleb Lee Brooke Legenzowski Nathaniel Levinson Senna Levy Rachel Lewis Sophia Lind Jet Lipari Andrew Lombardi Sasha Lovitz Kai Luongo Samantha Luper Alison Lustig Marlee Lustig Liam Lynch Frank Magistro Marco Maiuolo Zoe Manarel Dylan Mangla Christopher Marchini Cailyn Mariuzza Jessica Martin Miranda Martin Hope Masic Ian Maslow William Matthews Alexandre Maurice Aidan McCarthy Elle McMahon Sofia Meineck Lacie Melillo Michael Mendicino Zachary Miller Tyler Miritello Kalen Mogil Jennifer Morataya Garcia Maya Nelsen Maya Nitta Shannon Nolan Allison Novak Anna Novakaj Michael O’Donnell Lily O’Shaughnessy Walter Oestreicher Lavi Ohana Suzanna Orlovitz Daniel Orta Luna Pagan Julianna Percoco Jason Perry Kayla Petre Kyle Petschek Zackary Pezone Paige Phillips William Pollitt Mia Popovic Ilana Posner William Preddice Elysa Prelvukaj Reed Pritt Margaret Puccio Brandon Quackenbush Nikolai Raimondo Ian Rhodes Emma Richman Jason Rietsch Julissa Rivera Patrick Rockett Dylan Rogers Kacie Rooney Sydney Rossi Cassidy Rubin Abigail Rudin Johannah Ryder Cameron Sandell William Sanz Sydney Sarner Anton Sattler Gwyneth Schmitt Owen Scinicariello Josie Scott Christian Shapiro Jack Shapiro Renee Shaw Jamie Siegel Madeline Slogoff Jake Sperling Luke Spieler Jack Spinak Olivia Stabile Lily Stein Olivia Sullivan Joseph Summa Holden Sussman Cameron Swee Gabriel Tambor Marisol Tan Getuarba Tetaj Karli Thea Alexa Tuchman Conrad Tusa Jaideep Uppal Elizabeth Valdes Grant Vialardi Nicholas Von Helms Paul Vorbeck Caitlin Walsh Jon Walworth Hannah Weigert Miranda Wein Luke Weiser Evan Weissleder Chloe Whalen Declan Whelan Brendan Willingham Byron Wilson Brandon Wootten Kyle Wortman Lillian Yousef Austin Anthony Zacccagnino Information provided by Katonah-Lewisboro School District. John Jay High School Class of 2023
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 3 $99SEASONAL TUNE UP EXPIRES 9/1/23 SPECIAL $250.00 ANY INSULATION OFF IMPROVEMENT EXPIRES 9/1/23 $500.00 ANY HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING OFF REPLACEMENT EXPIRES 9/1/23 BASEMENT WATERPROOFING & REMEDIATION www.countycomfort.com | GOOGLE guaranteed Congratulations to all of the Graduates!!
PAGE 4 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 Good morning, everyone, and congratulations to the John Jay Class of 2023. I want to start off by acknowledging the determination, perseverance, and hard work that led us here today - know that it does not go unnoticed, and we should all be very proud of how far we’ve come. I would also like to thank all the teachers, mentors, and family members that supported us along our wild journey of growing up, from temper tantrums over Beyblades to 9 p.m. Michael’s runs because we really needed posterboard but didn’t feel like saying so until the night before the project was due - could we take a moment to give them all a round of applause? Now that I’ve checked the box of mentioning everyone else, I can finally use the rest of my time to talk about myself. Just give me a second. I was incredibly shy as a kid - hold on, sorry - I was incredibly shy as a kid, which is probably why I turned to knowledge as a source of confidence. Even if I wasn’t comfortable talking to people, at least I knew how to derive the quadratic formula, or what the capital of Lithuania is - that’s what would set me apart. Since I was young, I always did well on my tests and assignments, and my parents and mentors would frequently congratulate my intellect by calling me smart. What you just witnessed is exactly what you were expecting. A nerd. Someone who devotes his life to books. I have a terrible social life and do nothing but study with my cats, I complain about getting a 90 on a math test, I am awkward, I am annoying... I am smart. This was the definition of smart I discovered at school - while my parents would congratulate me, my peers would scoff, and I began to wince whenever the word smart was thrown at me. Imagine my reaction to being named valedictorian - I’ll tell you right now I can’t say the first word that came to my mind on stage. Now I was ultra smart, an ultra stereotype. And I had to make a speech? The thought of me having to be funny, relatable, and strand in front of hundreds of people? Bone-chilling. And yet here I am. The smart kid, telling you how I hated being smart. Throughout my entire high school career, my main goal was never to get the best grades - it was to be known as someone other than the smart kid. To be seen as creative, social, ambitious, funny, likeable, down-to-earth, honest, kind. Things that matter so much more than test scores, things that supercede the smart stereotype of valedictorian. At this point you probably believe that I will actually be talking about myself for the rest of this speech, but I promise, I was just kidding, and I’m actually about to get philosophical, so be prepared. Here’s the bottom line: for each and every one of us, as we venture into our lives beyond graduation, there are bound to be expectations and stereotypes placed on us. Your major reflects your intellect, participating in Greek life means you’re a jerk, choosing not to go to college right away or at all means you’re lazy, prioritizing studying over a party one night means you’re a nerd. Whatever it may be, stereotypes and generalizations will always exist. But what I’ve learned from being at John Jay is that you can be whoever you want to be, right now. Jocks can be gentle and kind. Geeks can be social butterflies. Popular kids can be humble. Horse girls can ride motorcycles. I can be in a rock band and get down to Nicki Minaj. Regardless of what category society boxes you into, that box is not made of steel - it can be molded, distorted, and escaped from entirely. Never let people pressure you into being a person you’re not just because it conflicts with their label for you. Once I stopped caring so much about what other people thought, I grew infinitely in confidence and personality, and even got a B on some tests. I know, I was in the trenches of my valedictory career. But as I escaped my “smart kid” box and started truly acting like myself, I didn’t end up isolated - in fact, I’ve never felt more of a sense of belonging. I’ll leave you all with this - each school year is beautiful because it ends. Let me just say that again, because it’s so important to realize: each school year is beautiful because it ends. Our freshman year, beautiful from distance learning and learning the Renegade dance on TikTok; our sophomore year, beautiful from learning how to manipulate teachers on Zoom; our junior year, beautiful from devious licks and the word “bussing”; and our senior year, beautiful from parting with the people we have grown up with for 13 years. Each of these years was beautiful, because we molded our boxes closer and closer into the people that we wanted to become, because one chapter of our self-growth ended and the next began. It is my hope that we will continue to mold our boxes as we enter the next beautiful stage of our lives, regardless of whether or not our boxes look like others expect them to look. Because in the end, no one remembers you based on what stereotype you seem to fit best - they remember you for the unique kind of person you are. They remember you for how you make them feel. They remember you for being you. Congratulations, John Jay Class of 2023, and as you continue to grow beyond high school, may you always strive to be you. Thank you. Joseph Klettner ‘As you continue to grow beyond high school, may you always strive to be you’ VALEDICTORIAN Photo: Emrin Leclair
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 5 Amherst College Amsterdam Fashion Institute Babson College Binghamton University Boston College Boston University Bucknell University Chapman University Citadel Military College of South Carolina Colorado College CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice Dickinson College Drexel University Eckerd College Elon University Emerson College Franklin & Marshall College Gettysburg College Grinnell College Hamilton College Indiana University at Bloomington Ithaca College Lafayette College Lehigh University Lynn University Middlebury College Morgan State University New York University Oberlin College Parsons School of Design, New School Penn State York Providence College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rice University Rochester Institute of Technology Rollins College Siena College Skidmore College SUNY Oneonta Susquehanna University Syracuse University Trinity College Union College University of Connecticut University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Miami University of Michigan University of New Hampshire University of Richmond University of Southern California Vassar College Wagner College William Paterson University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Students choose Harvey because they want an environment where they can become their personal best by challenging themselves, trying new things, and pursuing their passions. We view the college search the same way. Choosing a college or university is about finding a school that has the qualities and attributes that are in line with the student’s interests, personality, and aspirations. Our objective is to find the best fit for each individual student, starting in ninth grade and working with them throughout their Upper School career. Our graduates are ready to lead at any college campus, on any career path. Harvey goes here. CONGRATULATIONS to The Harvey School Class of 2023! The Harvey School is a college preparatory school enrolling students in grades 6–12 with boarding beginning in grade 9 Katonah, NY • 914-232-3161 • www.harveyschool.org
PAGE 6 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 Trustees of the Board of Education, Superintendent Selesnick and cabinet, John Jay faculty and staff, parents, friends and family members, and our graduating seniors, I first wish to express my deepest gratitude to some special people and groups. First, thank you to Miss Elissa Leventhal, our musical director, and our John Jay Orchestra for their pre-ceremony music with our student violin trio of Matthew Cazacu, Sophie Hunsberger, and Sasha Lovitz. I’d like to thank our staff for their commitment and skill that make this rite of passage happen every year, especially Ms. Patti Dente for her tireless efforts and chief organizer of this graduation day. Thank you to our custodial and maintenance staff, teachers and administrators in attendance today, and our clerical staff for their diligent work and care. Thank you to our Board of Education, for all their support including all the hours they log in their roles providing service to the district’s children and their consistently supportive presence at school events. It means a lot to us, thank you. My heartfelt thanks also goes out to the high school’s PTO and its officers: Mrs. Lisa Valdes, Mrs. Josephine Berisha, Mrs. Amy Buatte, and Mr. Paul Kuszynski, for all the work they do for the John Jay community from Campus Night, the inaugural Turkey Trot, Winter Wonderland, Teacher Appreciation Week, pancakes and bacon on Senior Seminar Day, there’s more but just all the goodwill and partnership they bring to the table - as well as their advocacy for ice cream trucks. Thank you, PTO! Our JJ Boosters led by Lorraine Gallagher, and her husband Peter, for their kindness, their partnership, and their dedication to our school with all the events they host and support in all types of weather. I also extend my deepest congratulations to the boosters on the sale of their 10 thousandth hamburger at a cold and rainy Jay Fest 2023. Those funds go back into enhancing the high school experience for our students and we cannot express our gratitude enough for all you do and for your generosity. Thank you to Colleen Cerami and Arts Alive for being an important presence at all JJHS Fine and Performing Arts events and for being such a powerful advocate for arts education. It’s been wonderful seeing Arts Alive reemerge so well post- COVID. No one makes it to graduation without having at least one special teacher or counselor, clerical, or those who work on their behalf as a part of district office leadership. As such, I wish to note some special retirees this year: She is a beloved Science teacher (not ready to say “was” yet), served as a teacher curriculum leader, and Science Research Program coordinator, a program which has touched so many students and catapulted them to greater heights, as well as being recognized by NYS as a certified Master Teacher, and a friend and mentor to so many, thank you to Mrs. Ann Marie Lipinski for all you have given to the students and the entire JJHS community - what a career! For students who found the first days of high school daunting and overwhelming, for parents who are engaging the college admissions process for the first time, for a new student who has just moved in nearing the end of 11th grade, and for students who may just be going through a rough patch and needed a sympathetic ear and only a caring, experienced, and compassionate guidance counselor can meet all those needs, often-times all in the same day, we have been so fortunate to have on our staff and say a sad farewell, but happy retirement to Mrs. Susan Tewksbury. Susan is extraordinarily humble and did not wish any public recognition, but I feel I would be remiss at best and ungrateful at worst to not recognize her contribution to the lives of her students and families. Thank you, Mrs. Tewksbury. And the first point of contact in the counseling office to receive any student for any purpose needs to convey interest and warmth, and Delia Farrell did that with such conviction and passion in her time at KLSD in general and in the guidance office of JJHS, in particular. Delia was at everything cheering on and supporting our students and always bragged about them as if they were her own. It was a regular occurrence that conversations about students with Delia started with her statement, “Let me tell you how great these kids are!” Thank you, Delia. What should students be taught? When? How are students doing? How do we know? How do we grow teachers’ capacity and skills? These, and many more such questions keep any Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction awake at night. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Dr. Mary Ford on these questions during her tenure at KLSD. Dr. Ford has been a wonderful partner and collaborator, as together we explored initiatives like Challenge Success, as we sought to find a more inclusive and wider lens in determining what constitutes success in a high performing high school beyond GPA. And while this work never ends, I’m grateful to Dr. Ford for opening our eyes to these important discussions and ways to enhance our students’ experiences, and I will miss her too. To the parents of the Class of 2023 - graduation day has arrived, congratulations. We know parenting is a lifetime commitment and a model of how love is rendered visible. From their first steps, first day of kindergarten, first bus ride, first goal or basket, first creation of art or music, all the firsts that have led to this moment and to come, including the first semester of college where so many of your children will leave home for the first time, has been a series of learning to let go and let go, we must. Class of 2023 - your parents love you. Be sure to thank them for all they have done for you and give them a big hug today. Also, be patient with them, letting go Steven Siciliano ‘The entire Class of 2023 has made it easy for us to have such high hopes for their futures’ JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Photo: Emrin Leclair SEE SICILIANO PAGE 7
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 7 is difficult... but don’t worry, they’ll get there, and they will forever be there when you need them... even beyond sending you money this fall if you overspend the meal plan and you’re down to your last three boxes of Ramen and mac and cheese in your dorm room. Parents, your children have been very special to us, thank you for sending them to us and for being such great partners along the way. You did a terrific job! And to our graduating Class of 2023, I surveyed your teachers a few weeks ago and asked for the adjectives they would use to describe this class. The two most reported were kind and resilient. In terms of resilience, this class was a shining example of Thomas Edison’s maxim of genius being one percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration. While we’re all rightfully tired of COVID references, nevertheless, it did inspire the need for resilience, kindness, and community. This class not only recognized this, but together they rebuilt it and grew it with painstaking effort in many visible ways: pep rallies became full school community events and celebrations under the leadership of LEAD JJ. We saw four Regeneron award winners through Science Research, and included a national finalist sent to Texas. The numerous playoff berths of our athletic program which included 8 league championship teams, 4 section semifinalists, 5 section finalists, 3 section champions, Girls Lacrosse as the NYS runner up, and 13 individual athletes competed at the state level, 34 all-section athletes, 12 all-section honorable mentions, 6 all-state players, and 5 academic all-Americans. Our unified basketball team that champions students with special needs had so many participants this year we had to create a rotation of playing squads and created a cheering squad called the “Howlers.” Sustainability initiatives were championed and presented to the school and wider community that made us think about the state and future of our environment. Our fine and performing arts communities saw a resurgence in participation as our student actors, artists, and musicians nurtured their need for creative expression with and for others in the community (“9 to 5” absolutely killed, btw! on the stage and behind the stage, and I’m especially proud that JJHS has its own house band, Rte. 121 and they play many of the songs we grew up with). In moments of adversity, student leaders and other community members with critical messages to deliver emerged and told their personal stories which reminded us of our common humanity and responsibilities to each other. Lastly, I think our state champion robotics team, who qualified for world championships this year, also in Texas, truly embodied what this class is about and what the process of learning is supposed to be. If you ever saw the robotics classroom in action, it was inspiring. I think Edison would also be proud as their relationship with failure is the healthiest I’ve ever seen and captured the essence of what Edison meant when he also said, “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.” Everything about them and the entire Class of 2023 has made it easy for us to have such high hopes for their futures and ours. So, my hopes for you include that you get on with “it” and don’t put “it” off (whatever “it” means for you). I hope you work to bring that balance into your life we’re always talking about. I hope you keep in touch with your high school friends and attend your reunions. I hope you find meaningful and interesting work that fulfills you, sustains you, and serves you and others. I hope you come to understand that if you want to make everyone happy, sell ice cream. I hope you know your resilience will again be tested at some point. I hope in time you discover someone and they discover you, and you both learn together what love truly is. I hope you come back to see us, just please sign in at the front desk and obtain your visitors badge before you go visit teachers. Finally, I hope you realize your parents and family remain the most important influence and anchor in your lives; not only for their wisdom and life experience, but who unlike the rest of the world, love you unconditionally. And even if you don’t realize this yet, don’t worry, they’ll still send you the money this fall. Congratulations Class of 2023. SICILIANO FROM PAGE 6 Iona Preparatory Upper School 255 Wilmot Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 600-6154 Iona Preparatory Lower School 173 Stratton Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 633-7744 @IonaPrep in/IonaPrep IonaPreparatory Investing in an Iona Preparatory education is an investment in your son, and it begins as early as Pre-K. From a safe and nurturing kindergarten to the Class of 2023, which has earned nearly $35 million in college scholarships. Over 81% of the graduating class has earned those scholarships, with an average award of almost $60,000, proving an Iona Preparatory education pays for itself! They are #IonaPrepared IonaPrep.org/Discover For more information, please email [email protected] Discover the Iona Prep Difference! Grades 9 -12 | PK- 4 - Grade 8
PAGE 8 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 Good morning families, friends, faculty, and most importantly, the John Jay High School Class of 2023. How crazy is it that we’re finally sitting on this stage, moments away from embarking on the future everyone’s always been telling us about? It means the world to me that I have the opportunity to share my thoughts on such a surreal occasion, and to speak on behalf of a group as kind-hearted, ambitious, and hard-working as this amazing graduating class. I’d like to begin by sharing a quote I stumbled upon a few months ago, just as the second semester of senior year was beginning and the concept of high school ending felt more real than it ever had before. This is the part where I tell you I came across this quote while listening to my favorite podcast or reading an article from the New York Times, not that I actually found it hours deep into a 12 a.m. TikTok binge. Regardless of how these three short sentences made their way into my life, I thought they were worthy enough to share on a day like today, when everything exciting and new is laced with bits of self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty. It goes like this: “Come on, dance with me! The Earth is spinning. We can’t just stand on it.” Not many people would be able to find motivation in something as ordinary as the Earth’s rotation, but not many people have grown up in a place where finding joy in the little things is part of the everyday routine. Uncovering inspiration in the mundane is a hallmark of the KLSD experience. In a town that can sometimes feel like it’s home to more horses than people, John Jay students have perfected the art of making the most out of our woodsy, secluded suburb. Through a calculated mix of Bobo’s runs, hikes at Ward, trips to the Res, late-night excursions to Cam’s for Mac Bites and Cluckin’ Russians, themed Friday night football games, and sweet-tooth fueled drives to King Kone or Deborah Ann’s, we fill our days with meaning and connection. In classes, at club meetings, during practices and rehearsals, we’re driven by the support of our peers to pursue what we love with the utmost dedication and passion. We tackle each day knowing that the Earth is spinning at approximately 1000 miles per hour, and it’s vital that we match its energy. As we move on from our time at John Jay and look towards what’s to come, it’s hard not to feel a little apprehensive. Leaving high school and entering the ominous “real world” is not a step to be taken lightly. However, I can’t think of a group of people better suited to take on this task than the Class of 2023. If the perseverance and initiative that have characterized us for the past four years are any indication, I’m positive that we are capable of handling anything the real world throws at us, and I’m positive that we can change it for the better. So, whenever we’re in need of a shift in perspective or an extra boost of confidence, we must remember that each one of Earth’s rotations provides us with a brand new day to live life to the fullest. There are countless opportunities out there for us to turn our dreams into reality, as long as we don’t just stand around and let them pass us by. Let’s continue to treat the world like it’s our dance floor. Thank you, Class of 2023, for a truly memorable high school experience. I can’t wait to see what we do next. Congratulations. Olivia Blank ‘Let’s continue to treat the world like it’s our dance floor’ SALUTATORIAN Photo: Emrin Leclair
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 9 Berkelee College of Music Boston College Brandeis University Cornell University George Washington University New York University Northeastern University Pratt University The New School University of Connecticut Congratulations! to the Class of 2023 Top University Matriculations Now enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year www.efacademy.org A day for family and friends Jasper Emus celebrates with friends and family. Hannah Rubin and graduate Julissa Rivera Photos: Emrin Leclair Olivia Stabile and her family celebrate after the ceremony.
PAGE 10 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONA Pomp and Circumstance! John Jay High School Graduation - June 20, 2023 PHOTOS: EMRIN LECLAIR
AH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 PAGE 11 Superintendent Andrew Selesnick acknowledges the Class of 2023 as graduates.
Actor Chazz Palminteri was delighted to speak at The Harvey School’s 2023 commencement ceremony June 8, even if it meant keeping fellow actor Robert DeNiro waiting. The actor most known for his autobiographical play and film, “A Bronx Tale,” spoke to the Class of 2023 to share his advice on how to achieve their goals in life in a heartfelt address delivered in a warm, familiar style. Reflecting first on his time as a parent of a Harvey student, Mr. Palminteri said he fondly recalled driving Dante, Class of 2014, to campus and was happy to oblige the school’s request that he deliver the commencement address. The Bedford resident said he appreciated how much Harvey impacted his son, who went on to graduate from Berklee School of Music in Boston and is now a singer/songwriter living and working in Los Angeles. Mr. Palminteri shared that it was Dante who had encouraged his father to accept the invitation to speak. “My son said to me, ‘Dad, I love Harvey, I love the school,’” he said. In a lighter moment, the actor shared that when he agreed to speak at Harvey, he had forgotten he had a commitment to join Robert DeNiro at the opening of the Tribeca Film Festival. He quipped, “I just told Robert DeNiro that I’m going to be late, to be here to do this for you.” Sharing his own personal story of the struggles he had early in his acting career when trying to find success, the actor who has starred in more than 60 films in the last 35 years and has won three Emmys for TV roles, told the graduates about his decision to write a one-man stage play about a child who witnessed a gangland murder. In writing the play based on the killing he witnessed as a 9-year-old living in the Bronx, Mr. Palminteri said he dedicated himself to working long and hard. “I started writing each day, eight to 10 hours every day,” he said. “I performed at night theater, and I kept working and working, and after 10 months of working really hard, I performed this one-man show, and it exploded and changed my life.” The actor told the graduates that to reach their goals, they must be prepared to put in the work. “I’m telling you this story for a reason because it’s about working hard,” he said. “You can’t get around it. You cannot.” He added, “The saddest thing in life is wasted time.” Mr. Palminteri also told the graduates to be ready to deal with failure along the way. “You’re going to fail,” he said. “You’re going to be bad at something and you’re going to fail.” He shared that he had failed “constantly,” but kept working hard until one day he “hit it.” He advised that the young people realize that despite their failures, they need to keep trying until one day when they find success as he had. The actor said, “That’s how you’ve got to look at life. You’ve got to keep on trying, trying, trying.” He told the graduates that each of them has talent and with hard work they can succeed. He also advised them to choose their friends wisely. “You will be judged by the worst of your friends,” he said. “Never forget that. If you’re the smartest guy in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Learn from other people.” Turning his attention at the end of his speech to the parents of the graduates, Mr. Palminteri urged them to support their children in their attempts to find their way. “Don’t worry that they’ll get beat up,” he said. “If they’re not good at what they do, they’ll give it up. They will. If they get banged up enough, they’ll learn.” When he concluded his remarks, the graduates, their teachers, family, and friends gave the actor a warm round of applause. Then he was off to Tribeca to meet DeNiro. This article was submitted by The Harvey School. PAGE 12 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 Chazz Palminteri speaks at Harvey’s commencement ‘The saddest thing in life is wasted time’ Photos courtesy of Gabe Palacio “You’re going to fail,” Hollywood actor Chazz Palminteri told the Harvey graduates. But he urged the students to keep trying until they succeed. 2023 Commencement ceremony at the Harvey School on June 8, with Oscar-nominated and Emmy-Award winning actor, Chazz Palminteri, who is a parent to a 2014 graduate.
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 13 Emiliana “Emi” Knauer of Katonah was the valedictorian of The Harvey School’s Class of 2023 and delivered her address June 8 on the day of commencement with all the confidence the Amherst College-bound senior is noted for, despite having to deal with the fact that her father was sitting right behind her on stage only a few feet away. Harvey Head of School Bill Knauer sat beaming with pride as he listened to his daughter, the top scholar of the Class of 2023, address her classmates in a heartfelt speech. Awarded the honor of class valedictorian as a result of her No. 1 academic standing of a four-year cumulative adjusted GPA of 4.23, Emi Knauer spoke on on behalf her classmates. “We will always remember how deeply the teachers cared, and how easy it was to form such close relationships with the faculty,” she said. “The many moments we had at Harvey will not be remembered for their details, but for how they changed us as people.” She said the class leaves ready for the next chapter in their lives. “We will leave the Harvey community as people ready not only to change as we evolve and thrive, but also prepared to make some incredible change in the world.” Emi, who entered Harvey as a sixth-grader, has not only excelled in her academics, but has fully immersed herself in campus life at Harvey. She has performed in theater and dance productions, helped her varsity basketball team win this year’s Housatonic Valley Athletic League championship, and founded and led The Feminist Club. She is also an active member of the Westchester Youth Alliance, a committee of teens from area high schools who work to promote justice and understanding across the county’s diverse communities of faith, race and identity. Head of Upper School Phil Lazzaro offered high praise for the 2023 valedictorian. “Emi is an impressive student in the classroom, on the stage, and in the wider community,” Mr. Lazzaro said. “She represents our highest aspirations in the classroom and beyond, and I am proud to recognize Emi’s hard work and dedication.” One teacher who knows Emi well is English department chair Virginia Holmes. “Emi is one of the most impressive students that I’ve ever taught,” said Ms. Holmes, who had Emi in Honors English class, on The Harvey School stage, and in her advisory group. “In this time, it has become abundantly clear that Emi is the paragon of scholarship, the embodiment of artistry, and the epitome of citizenship,” Ms. Holmes said, adding, “Emi Knauer is truly a one-in-a-million student and person.” The 2023 valedictorian plans to study psychology at Amherst. The 82 seniors who received their Harvey diplomas at commencement represent the largest graduating class in the school’s 107-year history. This article was submitted by The Harvey School. Emi Knauer of Katonah, Harvey School Valedictorian Class of 2023 ready to make their mark in the world Photo courtesy of The Harvey School Harvey’s Head of School Bill Knauer is beaming at the dais, appearing immediately to the left of his daughter, the 2023 valedictorian, Emi Knauer.
PAGE 14 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 The John Jay High School Class of 2023 will be attending 117 different colleges across 25 states, Washington D.C., and Canada! CALIFORNIA Chapman University San Diego State University Stanford University University of California - Santa Barbara CANADA University of Toronto COLORADO University of Colorado - Boulder CONNECTICUT Fairfield University Sacred Heart University University of Connecticut Wesleyan University Western Connecticut State University DELAWARE University of Delaware FLORIDA University of Florida University of Miami University of Tampa GEORGIA Savannah College of Art & Design ILLINOIS Northwestern University University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign INDIANA Purdue University University of Notre Dame LOUISIANA Tulane University MAINE Bowdoin College MARYLAND Loyola University University of Maryland MASSACHUSETTS Amherst College Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Clark University College of the Holy Cross University of Massachusetts - Amherst University of Massachusetts - Lowell Mount Holyoke College New England Conservatory of Music Northeastern University Smith College Springfield College Stonehill College Tufts University MICHIGAN Kalamazoo College Michigan State University University of Michigan MISSOURI Washington University NEW HAMPSHIRE Dartmouth College University of New Hampshire NEW JERSEY Princeton University NEW YORK Adelphi University Alfred State College Bard College Colgate University Columbia University Cornell University Fashion Institute of Technology Fordham University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Iona University Ithaca College Manhattanville College Marist College Mount Saint Mary College New York University Pace University Paul Smith’s College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology Siena College Skidmore College SUNY Binghamton SUNY Buffalo SUNY Cortland SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry SUNY New Paltz SUNY Oneonta SUNY Oswego SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Purchase SUNY Stony Brook SUNY University at Albany SUNY Westchester Community College Syracuse University The New School Union College University of Rochester Vassar College NORTH CAROLINA Elon University Wake Forest University OHIO Case Western Reserve University Miami University Ohio State University OREGON Lewis & Clark College PENNSYLVANIA Bucknell University Carnegie Mellon University Dickinson College Lafayette College Lehigh University Pennsylvania State University Temple University University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Scranton Ursinus College Villanova University RHODE ISLAND Johnson & Wales University Salve Regina University University of Rhode Island SOUTH CAROLINA Clemson University College of Charleston University of South Carolina - Columbia VERMONT University of Vermont VIRGINIA George Mason University James Madison University University of Richmond University of Virginia Virginia Tech WASHINGTON D.C. American University The George Washington University WISCONSIN University of Wisconsin Information provided by KatonahLewisboro School District. Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 15 The American Association of University Women, Excellence in Writing Award Emma Richman The American Association of University Women, Outstanding Student Award Amanda Buchman The American Red Cross High School Scholarship Program Lavi Ohana Olivia Stabile Amy’s Kisses Foundation Memorial Scholarship Christopher DiChiara Lusitania Halaifonua Bedford Police Benevolent Association Nicholas DiNapoli The Lindsay Bates Award Meghan Condon Byron Wilson The George Collins Scholarship Mia Puccio Gerard Garafolo Ronald Lyons Memorial Scholarship Annabelle Brennan Christian Shapiro Lisa Talia Courage Award Jasper Emus Martin Todd Memorial Scholarship Shannon Nolan Gerard Garofolo The John Jay Boosters Club Athletic Scholarship Mia Puccio Craig Galea The John Jay Boosters Club Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Annabelle Brennan John Jay Unified Basketball Award Gerard Garofolo Reilly Harty Nicholas Holbrook Mia Holbrook Andrew Junquera Stephen Leavy Margaret Puccio Kacie Rooney Christian Shapiro Holden Sussman Kyle Wortman Class of 1977 Scholarship Rachele Bachmann Class of 1980 Scholarship Senna Levy The John Cunniffe John Jay Youth Lacrosse Scholar – Athlete Award Shannon Nolan Kyle Petschek Antonio and Mary Felice Citizenship Award Owen Scincariello Walter Alan Finlayson Music Award Sadie Goodman The Garabaldi Society of Lewisboro Brooke Legenzowski Goldens Bridge Community Association – Judith Fast Memorial Art Scholarship Award Maren Kreutzer Goldens Bridge Community Association - Social Justice Award Jake Sperling Goldens Bridge Fire Department – Paul R. Daur Continued Education Grant Lacie Melillo Hannah Weigert Goldens Bridge Fire Department – Henry T. Martin Memorial Scholarship Kalen Mogil Goldens Bridge Hamlet Organization – Neighborhood Award Kalen Mogil Peter Jovanivic-Monti The Good Neighbor Award Lucy DiChristina Charles T. Helmes Memorial Scholarship Sylvia Berger Increase Miller Faculty and Staff Award Olivia DiLeo Increase Miller PTO Scholarships Dean Diguglielmo Kayla Petre William Sanz Corporal James Jackowski Marine Memorial Scholarship David Bond John Jay Futbol Club Outstanding Youth Award Nicholas Holbrook Ava Kelley Zachary Miller Jason Rietsch John Jay High School Faculty Association Awards Nathaniel Levinson Abigail Rudin John Jay High School PTO Scholarship Alexandra Einhorn Spencer Hadlock Cameron Sandell Josie Scott Miranda Wein John Jay High School Senior Awards SEE AWARDS PAGE 17 We are hands on PTs! The professional services of the team at Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy include: www.lizelubbept.com [email protected] 914.875.9430 892 NY-35, Cross River, NY 10518 (blue office building) • Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Neurological Rehabilitation • Treatment of Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Conditions • Postural, Balance & Gait Training • Pain & Headache Management • Body Rebalancing through Diaphragm, Breathing & Pelvic Stability Wishing the 2023 John Jay graduates a bright future! phatoliveoil.com 87 Katonah Ave, Katonah, NY Congratulations to the Class of 2023! @phatoliveoil Olive Oils • Vinegars • Hot Sauces • Salts • Jams Home Goods • And more!
PAGE 16 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 Hello, Class of 2023, family, friends, teachers, and administrators. My name is Abby Rudin. Today you are going to hear from some very impressive students and faculty. You are also going to hear from me. But really, I am very excited to be speaking to all of you together one last time. In elementary school, I remember getting our back-to-school shopping list. Over the years the list hasn’t changed very much. We still get all the basics. Notebooks, folders, and pencils. The box of crayons is the only thing that has fallen off the list, replaced with boring black and blue pens. We all remember sitting at our desk in elementary school with a box of crayons and the feeling of freedom to create anything we wanted. The possibilities seemed limitless. With 64 wonderful and whimsical colors you could create just about anything. We drew horrible stick figures of our family and flowers that were bigger than people and the sun. This was how we told our stories; these images were our classrooms, our family, our friends, our dreams and our goals. By high school, the crayons we all loved were not needed anymore. We had something new on the list: black and blue pens. These basic black and blue pens helped us take notes as we learned to follow proper grammatical rules and use our words to create those stories that our crayons used to create. We had to find new ways to use our imagination and creativity. We no longer had 64 colors, we only had two. Black and blue. But here’s what I think. Those crayons never really went away. Replaced, maybe. But gone, no. These crayons remain and color the creative child that will always live inside each and every one of us. We have learned to use pens to write grammatically correct paragraphs, fill in circles in our exam sheets, write labs, and take notes. But we still need to find our inner crayons and use them to color our young adult lives like we did with the crayons of our youth. As we enter the next chapter of our lives, whatever that might be, I beg you to not just be a black or blue pen but instead try to express yourself in all of the 64 colors again. You are brave. You are bold. You have the power to make positive and impactful change in the world around you. Don’t let anyone stop you from doing what makes you colorful. We have utilized our black and blue pens to change the world so much already. Look at our seniors and what they have accomplished. Our girls’ lacrosse team won sectionals. Our robotics team won states and a chance to compete in Texas. Our seniors showed creativity in their direction of multiple school-wide theater events. After each and every one of these events our grade in some way came together to celebrate each other’s successes. Our class members started clubs to help bring positive and effective change to the world around us such as Bring Change to Mind, Jays Talks, Amnesty International, and so many more. What is even more special about these accomplishments is none of these were individual efforts, but rather team efforts. We did this together. We all accomplished so much together. We wore horrible white jeans on the 8th grade boat trip together. We stressed about applying and getting into college together. We rushed the field after football games together. We draped the hallways in red for spirit week together. We became a mob of ruthless assassins together. We celebrated John Jay at pep rallies together. We colored our world together. And I am so honored to be graduating together with all of you today. As graduates let’s take our black and blue pens from high school and continue to strive for greatness. But my final words to my fellow graduates are, do not ignore our inner crayons anymore. Don’t forget to sometimes color outside the lines. And most importantly don’t forget to make it a great day or not - the choice is yours! Thank you, John Jay! Abby Rudin ‘You have the power to make positive and impactful change in the world around you’ Photo: Emrin Leclair SENIOR SPEAKER
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 17 John Jay High School Retired Teachers Award Ava Kelley John Jay Middle School PTO Scholarship Samantha Luper Kyle Wortman John Jay Youth Football Scholarship Gerard Garofolo Linda Kandel Memorial Scholarship Ara Beigi Katonah American Legion Scholarship Michael O’Donnell Kyle Petschek Katonah Chamber of Commerce – Donald M. Foulke Memorial Scholarship Kyle Petschek Katonah Elementary School PTO Award Nathaniel Greenspan Sasha Lovitz Walter Oestreicher Margaret Puccio Katonah-Lewisboro District Association of Administrators and Supervisors Nicoletta Berisha Jesse Kim Elizabeth Valdes Katonah-Lewisboro District Teachers’ Association Joseph Klettner Olivia Blank The Katonah Poetry Series/ Billy Collins Poetry and Creative Writing Scholarship Luna Pagan The Katonah Village Improvement Society Benjamin Gold Katonah Village Library Scholarship Ellie Kaplowitz Mia Popovic KLSD ArtsAlive! Scholarship Music: Ari Beigi Technical Theatre: Sydney Sarner and Alison Lustig Performing Arts: Nathanial Greenspan Visual Arts: Isabella Ferrajina Sonia Lanman Fine Arts Award Tyler Miritello Lewisboro Garden Club The AP Environmental Science Award: Maren Kreutzer The Seminar in Environmental Studies Course Award: Senna Levy The Sustainability Club Award: Ariel Barniv Lewisboro Land Trust Environmental Stewardship Award Ty Graygor Lewisboro Lions’ Robert J. Gallo Scholarship Abby Gryzmala Lewisboro Lions’ Stephen Plevka Scholarship Dean DiGuglielmo Lewisboro Police Benevolent Association Suzanna Orlovitz Lewisboro Senior Adult Award Jeremy Cisneros Meadow Pond Elementary School PTO Scholarship Sydney Rossi Ian Ferman The Meadow Pond Spirit Award Carolina Cerna Nancy Mongillo Scholarship Elizabeth Epstein Nathaniel Greenspan William Glenn Monti Scholarship Peter Jovanovic-Monti The New Dawn Family Resource Center: Richard B. Lyman Civic Engagement/Service Memorial Scholarship Kalen Mogil New York State Comptroller Achievement Award Sydney Rossi Ordinary Wishes Kevin Greenberg Jennifer Morataya-Garcia Pound Ridge Police Benevolent Association Mia Holbrook Nicholas Holbrook The Lucie Bigelow Rosen Music Scholarship Lusitania Halifonua Valerie Saldutti Scholarship Christian Shapiro Tony Schembri Memorial Scholarship - Rolling Thunder 3 New York Kyle Petschek Judge Susan C. Simon Award Byron Wilson The Statesman Award Ellie McMahon Jake Sperling Provi R. Svensson Memorial Award Rachel Lewis The Arthur and Dorothy B. Talmadge Memorial Scholarship Olivia Blank Triple “C” Awards – The State of New York Office of the Attorney General Annabelle Brennan Walter Oestreicher AWARDS FROM PAGE 15 SEE AWARDS PAGE 19 914-232-5201 fifffflffiflffffiflflfflfifffflffiflff fifffflffiflff fredshairsalon.com fifffflffiflflflffiflflffiflflffifffflfflfffl fl ffifffflflffiffflflfifflffflffiffffl fiffl flfl ffffl Walk-ins Welcome! Bringing Your Hair to Life Since 1982 Best Wishes Congratulations 14 Main Street I Bedford Hills NY I 10507 I 914 218 3296 • Sales • Service • Fitting • Accessories BICYCLE Now open!
PAGE 18 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 Thank you all so much, I’m so honored to have been selected by the Class of 2023 to speak today. I have taught 150 of the 229 graduates sitting on the stage with me today. So, to say I know them well as students but also as people would be an understatement. I’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and analyzed many historical documents with members of the Class of 2023, and those shared moments will stay with me for many years to come. But if I am being honest, when I found out I would be speaking in front of all these students, families, and administration, I felt a little overwhelmed. I thought to myself, talking about George Washington’s Farewell Address was easy to a group of 28 students, but talking to a large crowd might present some different challenges. So, I did something that I am sure no member of the Class of 2023 has ever done, I went to chat GPT. My searches included: “write me an opening line to a graduation speech,” “make me an emotional graduation speech,” and most desperately, “make me a funny graduation speech.” I promise you; I need all the help I can get. But in my quest to find the perfectly appropriate, perfectly timed, and perfectly funny speech I couldn’t help but think to myself how hollow that would be. How anything done “perfectly” often lacks the true moments, the real moments, the moments that make you feel connected to each other. I thought to myself, chat GPT couldn’t account for the pride I feel when I see the successes of our student-athletes. It couldn’t express the simple joy I feel when I stand outside my classroom door and get to say “hey” to seniors heading to AP macro or psych. And it certainly could not articulate how unbelievably lucky I feel to have worked with such a wonderful group of young men and women. I have seen and shared many great moments with the Class of 2023, and I would be remiss not to highlight a few. Watching the cast of “9 to 5” sing so powerfully, act so convincingly, and leave the audience utterly jaw-dropped. It was without a doubt one of my highlights from this school year. Watching the improbable run of the John Jay Robo Mob make it to Worlds. I can confess that as I watched the live stream of the competition, I had no idea what was going on. But it was exciting nonetheless! Learning what poison ivy looked like from my Wilderness class students. I appropriately learned what it looked like as I walked through it. Certainly, memorable but not one of my favorite moments from the school year. Discussing historical developments such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, Robber Barons from the Gilded Age, McCarthyism during The Cold War and a myriad of other intriguing topics with perhaps the most impassioned student I have ever worked with. APUSH Period 2, you all know who I am talking about! Watching the boys’ football, basketball and baseball teams string together several upsets to make it further than anyone expected in their sectional tournaments. And perhaps most impactfully, watching the leadership, dedication, and growth of the young female athletes that I’ve had the absolute pleasure to coach. So as this uncommon group of 229 students move into the next exciting stage of their lives, I ask you to consider a few simple things. The genuine moments you spend with your friends and family will make memories for a lifetime. Enjoy them! Go outside the box when you might previously be hesitant to. Tell people when they fill your life with joy. Be honest when you are faced with difficulties and need someone to talk to. When you take a misstep, address it, and learn from it. And more than anything else, surround yourself with genuine and true people who will help cultivate those lasting memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Find the true moments, the imperfect moments, the real moments... as I have found with you. Surround yourself with the types of people that are worth being around every single day of the week, and even twice on Sunday. Class of 2023: Thank you all for the memories, I will never forget them. Kaitlyn McCarthy ‘Tell people when they fill your life with joy’ Photo: Emrin Leclair JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 19 The Dr. George Soze Vilakati Memorial Scholarship Maya Nitta Vista Fire Department – Johnny Lengyel Memorial Scholarship Ian Ferman The Alison Weingarten Memorial Fund Christopher Gebbia The David Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Ian Rhodes Dona Whyte Memorial Scholarship Shannon Nolan Illana Posner The Women’s Civic Club of Katonah Oliver Berke Pierce Berke Grace Brunner-Bright Isabella Ferrajina Stephaine Halsey Joseph Klettner Sophia Lind Kalen Mogil Jennifer Morataya-Garcia Kayla Petre Jake Sperling ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Excellence in English: Oliver Berke MATH DEPARTMENT Excellence in Mathematics: William Sanz American Math Competition Award – Highest JJHS Score: Michael O’Donnell SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Excellence in Science: Maya Nitta, Cameron Sandell Future Scientist Award: Senna Levy Weinstein’s Science Award: Joseph Klettner SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT Excellence in Social Studies: Oliver Berke TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Excellence in Architecture: Jennifer Morataya-Garcia, Zachary Kuszynsky Excellence in Business: Grant Vilardi Excellence in Computer Science: Dean DiGuglielmo, William Sanz Excellence in Engineering: Spencer Hadlock Excellence in Marketing: Brandon Wooten Excellence in Robotics: Kai Luongo, Jack Shapiro WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT Excellence in Latin: Ara Beigi Excellence in French: Rachel Lewis, Margaret Puccio, Emma Richman Excellence in Spanish: Rachel Lewis ART DEPARTMENT Excellence in Art: Isabelle Ferrajina, Paul Vorbeck PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT Director’s Award for Technical Theater: Alison Lustig, Sydney Sarner Arturo Toscanini Orchestral Studies Award: David Bond Sanford Meisner Drama Award: Nate Greenspan National School Choral Award: Mia Holbrook John Philip Sousa Band Award: Ian Rhodes Excellence in Music History & Theory: Alexa Tuchman Excellence in Music Technology: Tyler Miritello OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP TO CAMPUS CONGRESS Rachel Lewis Jake Sperling Excellence in Physical Education Award Hayden Byrne Jasper Emus Rachel Lewis JAY AWARD RECIPIENTS Abigail Andrew Rachele Bachmann Pierce Berke Annabel Brennan Amanda Buchman Meghan Condon Sawyer Cummings Christopher DiChiara Haley Fiderer Craig Galea Mia Holbrook Nick Holbrook Ava Kelley Grace Kenny Christopher Marchini Shannon Nolan Walter Oestreicher Lily O’Shaughnessy Kyle Petschek Margaret Puccio Will Sanz Owen Scinicariello Josie Scott Luke Spieler Declan Whelan Byron Wilson Kyle Wortman The State Education Department: 2023 Scholarship for Academic Excellence Award Olivia Blank Dean DiGuglielmo Joseph Klettner Maya Nitta Emma Richman William Sanz Kyle Wortman National Merit Finalist Joseph Klettner Michael O’Donnell The Principal’s Award Rachel Lewis Lavi Ohana AWARDS FROM PAGE 17 So long, seniors! JJHS Salutatorian Olivia Blank and Valedictorian Joseph Klettner Caleb Lee, Sophia Lind, Maya Nitta, and Byron Wilson all earned awards at Westchester Science and Engineering Fair. Annabel Brennan, Brooke Legenzowski, Shannon Nolan, and Mia Puccio will continue their education and athletics in Division 1. Oliver Berke achieved a perfect score on the AP United States History Regents exam. Violinist David Bond was accepted into the prestigious Area All-State Festival. Photos courtesy of KLSD Thanks for the memories! Grant Vialardi received a proclamation from Sen. Peter Harckham for his fundraising work with Project Honor.
PAGE 20 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 29, 2023 862 Route 6 • GOODROW BUILDING Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 SOUTHEAST EXECUTIVE PARK 185 NY-312 • Suite 301B Brewster NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 www.aonpt.com The Road To Recovery Starts Here Now at OUR NEW MAHOPAC LOCATION! CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2023 High School Graduates! “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”