North Salem News Graduation Section

Congratula�ons

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

June 28, 2018

This Special Section was made possible through the support of:

• The Blazer Pub • Kingsley’s Market
• Hayfields • Raymond Opticians
• Heritage Fuel & Heritage Propane • Salem Golf Club
• John Jay Youth Football • Senator Terrence Murphy

Page 2 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – June 28, 2018

North Salem HS Class of 2018

Alpizar, Mariana Coverdale, Jalil Amir Graham, Timothy Prisciandaro, Zachary
Alterio, Christopher James Coverdale, Joshua Yasin Houlihan, Hannah Mairead Quinn-Wohl, Liam M
Arcese, Giancarlo omas Cuascut, Shayna D Intrieri, Natalie Reiner, Charlie
Bass, Lauren Curro, Nicholas Jacobsen, Daniella M Ribaudo, Mark
Bass, Michael D’Innocenzo, Anthony Jenkins, Cassidy Rose Rienzi, Victoria eresa
Batuyev, Evgeniy D’Innocenzo, Sandra Jesser, Benjamin David Roach, Kevin
Baumler, William DeSanto, Olivia Kappes, Christian John Sandbank, Roman
Behler, Shane Diamond, Alexander Lanyi, Jacob Schembri, Matthew
Bond, Matthew DiGiacomo, Frank Laqueur, Julie Claire Shabshis, Julia Sophia
Bonzani, Claire DiMella, Alina Anna Leonard, Amberlyn Rose Sheth, Devyn R.
Booth, Maxwell Dong, Daphne Littenberg, Chase Skelton, Connor
Brahimaj, Denard Donovan, Ryan Mazurek, Matthew Stanislaw Spennicchia, Mikaela A
Brethower, Aaron Ely, Joseph McCarthy, Kelly erese Starace, Dylan Joseph
Bruni, Nicholas Feeney, Braden McGuinness, Molly Catherine Starace, Hailey
Burdett, Gibson Fetterolf, Amy Mirza, Yahya
Buzzetto, James Flayhan, Amira Mohammad, Christopher ayer, Kaitlyn A
Caetano, Isabela Fornara, omas Moreno, Kaycee Ayleen Van Kleeck, Jackson B.
Cantarella, Catrina Fox-Mills, Finn Needle, Matthew Cole Vellone, Alexander
Carminucci, Nathaniel Christopher Giacchetto, Justin O’Leary, William Verdi, Michael Joseph
Cervoni, Julianna Gilbert, Kayla D. O’Toole, Kelly Elizabeth Videla, Cameron
Cipriani, Mikala T Goldstein, Ryan Perez, Brianna Marie Wagner, Kathleen
Colletes, Lucas A N Gomez, Bryan Posa, Analisa Weinstein, Lili
Cotter, Shane O’Connell Good, Byron R Posa, David S Werlau, Lydia R
Wiegelman, William J

Graduating Class of 2018

PHOTO: DEENA BELL

June 28, 2018 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – Page 3

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Page 4 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – June 28, 2018

North Salem HS valedictorian

Kaitlyn ayer

We gave this accomplished student one two of those years, playing as a defensive back. play some music and to accomplish the goal of
more piece of homework to complete At Northern Westchester Hospital, I served riding every coaster in the park.
before the year was up with some
questions about her experience in high as a representative for North Salem on the Are there any teachers that you want to
school and what she plans to do after. President’s Junior Leadership Council, pro- give a shout out to?
Here’s what she had to say: moting community health. I also have been the
editor of the school newspaper, worked as a ca- My two main in uencers in high school were
What activities were you shier at Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard (we Mrs. Bratt, my AB calculus teacher, and Mr.
involved in at high school and in make the best donuts!), been the president of DiGaetano,my honors chemistry,AP chemistry,
the community? the Math Honor Society and treasurer of the and former science research teacher. Mrs. Bratt
National Honor Society, played both the ute reminded me just how fun math could be (nerdy,
In high school I was involved in quite and the piccolo with the North Salem Band, I know) and that if one really wants to achieve
a lot. I was on the varsity eld hockey kickbox regularly,and have been a cast member in some practice, whether it be math, the arts, or
team for four years and a captain for of the annual school musical for ve years. anything, really, one must really concentrate on
evolving the mindset that will lead them to their
Valedictorian Kaitlyn Thayer I do not like to turn down the opportuni- goal and stick to it. I really enjoyed her class, and
ty to participate in any discipline! I have also I still have her “GANAS”poster in my room!
PHOTO: DEENA BELL achieved excellence in all subjects, won the
Golden Dozen Award for excellence in aca- I also really credit my love for chemistry to
demics and eld hockey, was elected to receive Mr. DiGaetano. He really taught me to look
the North Salem Foundation for Learning at this discipline as not just a bunch of letters
science scholarship, and am a Hugh O’Brian connected by lines that make up compounds
Youth Leadership alumni. one must memorize to do well in a class, but as
the science of the matter that surrounds us and
What does it feel like to be named its intricate interaction with itself and energy.
valedictorian? He also lled our classes with great humor; he
gave me a new appreciation for really bad puns!
It is pretty cool, and I am glad to have the
opportunity. It comes with a lot of extra work, How has North Salem High School
I’ll tell you that, but I am extremely grateful prepared you for the future?
for the title.
I think North Salem has allowed me to
Where are you going to college, what will develop as a rather independent individual
you major in and how did you decide on the that can communicate with others e ciently.
college and major? North Salem really did not baby the students
too much, allowing us to make decisions on
I will be attending the University of Penn- our own and to develop some adult responsi-
sylvania and will be enrolled in its School of bility. e small classrooms for discussion also
Engineering and Applied Sciences. UPenn is allowed for some re nement of argumentative
my absolute dream school and I still cannot and interpersonal skills, that is, if a student
believe I was accepted. It has the vibrant intel- chose to speak up regularly.
lectual community coupled with a social, out-
spoken student body I so desire all in the set- What are some goals you have for the future?
ting of the bustling urban environment I have Some goals I have at the moment are to
always wanted. Chemistry and calculus were complete college and get an internship abroad
my favorite subjects in school, so I have decided during that time,maybe get my MBA after col-
to pursue chemical engineering as my major of lege, and then move to Germany. I know this is
choice.I love the innovative nature of chemistry very speci c, but I am a very plan-oriented in-
and how it is truly a blend of the mathematics I dividual; however, I am open to change! I also
love and the science I am captivated by. hope to have a family and maybe a few dogs.
What will you miss most about high
What is a favorite memory of yours from school and North Salem?
high school? I think I may miss the ability North Salem
students have to have close relationships with
My favorite memory from high school has their teachers. ere is not too much stigma for
to be the annual trips of the North Salem a student to come after school and ask for help
Band to Six Flags Great Adventure amuse- or to stay quickly after class to ask a question
ment park down in New Jersey for the Music on the day’s material. I appreciated that aspect
in Our Parks competition. I am a big fan of of the small North Salem community.
roller coasters, and I really enjoyed returning to
the park year after year with my band friends to

June 28, 2018 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – Page 5

Kennedy Catholic High C n r t l o s
School graduates to the

Kennedy Catholic High School Class of 2018 had 158 graduates who were awarded CLASS OF 2018 !
a total of $49.2 million in college scholarships.
Y i
ge
e graduates from North Salem are:
Bisaillon, Angela: Fashion Institute of Technology
Dooley, Aidan: Providence College
Li, Yijie (Lily): University of Massachusetts, Amherst

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNEDY CATHOLIC

Father Mark G. Vaillancourt, principal of Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers,
welcoming the graduates and their parents and relatives.

Salem Golf Club Salutes the
North Salem High School Class of 2018!

The Best
is Yet to Come!
Congratulations!



ment to North Salem News – June 28, 2018 Page 7

Throw your cap in the air!

Michael Bass, Connon Skelton, Chris Mohammad, Nicholas Bruni Shane Cotter

Shayna Cuascut

Strike a pose!

Page 8 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – June 28, 2018

North Salem HS salutatorian

Claire Bonzani

We gave this accomplished student special. I’ve also been a member of I’m also thankful for the op- and I’m going to miss it both lessons I’ll de nitely bring
one more piece of homework to the varsity softball team for three portunity to speak at graduation, so much next year. to college.
complete before the year was up with years and was All-League my though it is de nitely nerve-
some questions about her experience sophomore and senior years. racking. I’m really glad I get the Are there any teachers Almost more importantly,
in high school and what she plans to chance to welcome everyone on you want to give a shout North Salem’s small community
do after. Here’s what she had to say: is year, I received the North Monday; we’re a really interest- out to? has taught me many life lessons as
Salem Foundation for Learning ing group of teenagers (though well. It showed me the importance
What activities are you Scholarship in math, as well as I’m a bit biased) and I hope I can Yes,there are de nitely of having a strong support system,
involved in at high school and the New York State Scholarship convey that in my speech. some teachers who have as well as the importance of being
in the community? for Academic Excellence. I also had an impact—Mrs. in a close-knit group. is is prob-
received the Elizabeth Butler Where are you going to Falk, my BC calculus ably part of the reason why I chose
In school, I’m the vice president Team Spirit Award and Scholar- college, what will you major in teacher; Mrs. Bratt, my Colgate, because I wanted to con-
of the Math Honor Society and ship for playing softball. and how did you decide on the AB calculus teacher; Mr. tinue to learn in a small commu-
the treasurer of SADD (Students college and major? Mittelstadt, my APUSH nity similar to North Salem.
Against Destructive Decisions) What does it feel like to be and economics teacher
club. I’ve been a Girl Scout since named salutatorian? Next year I’m going to Colgate as well as my softball coach; and What are some goals you
third grade and in high school University. I’m not 100 percent Mrs. Drumm, my French teacher. have for the future?
I earned my Silver and Gold It’s honestly been a pretty cool certain of a speci c major, but Mrs. Falk and Mrs. Bratt have
Awards. Earning my Gold Award experience, and I’m grateful to as of now I think that I want to been instrumental in developing I really have no idea where the
has probably been my greatest my family, teachers, and friends major in math. I decided on Col- my interest in math. I’ve known future is going to take me, but I
achievement to this point and the for all they’ve done to help me gate after going to their accepted Mrs. Falk since I was in eighth hope I’ll end up pursuing a ca-
fact that all members of my troop along the way. ey’ve all con- students’ day and seeing all that grade, and she would always show reer path that I love. As of now,
earned it as well was also really tributed immensely to who I am they had to o er both in and out me interesting perspectives on any I think this career will involve
today in a way that I’ll probably of the classroom. ough I al- curriculum I was learning. ough math, but I’m still really indecisive
Salutatorian Claire Bonzani never be able to thank them. ways considered myself more of a I only had Mrs. Bratt for a year, and wouldn’t be surprised if this
science and math student, I never she provided me with a strong and changes. Depending on my major,
PHOTO: DEENA BELL wanted to give up pursuing any thorough knowledge of calculus after college, I might want to go
other subjects in college, so Col- that I took into BC calculus and to graduate school. I also know
gate’s liberal arts core was a good will take to college. that Colgate has some cool study
way for me to continue to take a abroad programs that make it easy
variety of classes while still focus- ough Mr. Mittelstadt taught for math and science majors to
ing on science and math. classes outside my academic also participate, so hopefully I’ll be
comfort zone, his classes were able to travel during my four years.
My interest in math has always always entertaining and full of
been strong ever since middle surprises. On the softball eld, What will you miss most
school, and I continued to enjoy he taught me the importance of about high school and North
it throughout high school. After con dence in anything you do, Salem?
taking AB and BC calculus, my and that’s a lesson I’ll certainly
interest was solidi ed and I’m bring to college and beyond. Mrs. North Salem has given me
really excited to explore all the Drumm also taught me in classes some incredible friends and men-
math classes Colgate has to o er. outside my comfort zone and I’ve tors that I’m really grateful I’ve
known her for 5 years. I also trav- gotten the opportunity to meet.
What is a favorite memory of eled to France with her and other It has also been a really great
yours from high school? classmates, which was a priceless place to grow up, and I’m going
experience. e enthusiasm and to miss it next year.
Outside of school, my favorite positivity she brings to each class
memory has been being on the is really inspiring.
softball team. We’ve had a lot of
fun and interesting memories, How has North Salem High
including winning sectionals School prepared you for the
my sophomore year and playing future?
in a college stadium. We were
lucky enough to graduate nine Academically, North Salem
seniors who have all been play- has prepared me for the future by
ing together since elementary allowing me to take a variety of
school. is bond we’ve created challenging classes. ese classes
has made playing on the team an have taught me the importance
incredibly enjoyable experience, of persistence and working hard,

June 28, 2018 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – Page 9

Message from Principal
Vincent DiGrandi

To the graduating Class of 2018, I wanted lems through critical and creative thinking!

to wish you all continued success in your future I am con dent you will accomplish

endeavors. I could not have asked for a better great things and look forward to hearing

group of individuals to lead our school in my about your successes! Please remember

rst year. I so appreciated getting to know each you always have a home at North Salem

and every one of you, what you are passionate High School and it has been an honor

about, and how you plan to make the world just and privilege to be your principal this year.

a little bit better each and every day. Whether it

was watching you from the sidelines, popping

into classes daily, or attending one of the many

events we had this year,you all always impressed

me with your compassion, empathy, and caring

for one another.

Many of you stood out as leaders both in the

classroom and beyond:We had Girl Scout Gold Congratulations
to the
Award winners, Boy Scout Eagle Scouts, sports North Salem
High School
captains, AP scholars, and those who starred on
Class of 2018
stage and in the classroom. You and your class-

mates will be attending colleges and universities Kaycee Moreno
in over 20 states and the District of Columbia.

ere is much you should be proud of and I ask

that you remember the North Salem mission as

it has served you well these last four years. Con-

tinuously learn, question, de ne and solve prob-

Chase Littenberg

Principal Vince DiGrandi -The O’Leary Family
welcoming parents.

PHOTOS: DEENA BELL

Page 10 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – June 28, 2018

Oh, the places you’ll go!
North Salem students make college picks

Students from the North Salem High School Mercy College-All Campuses Sacred Heart University e George Washington University
Class of 2018 will continue their education Montana State University, Bozeman Siena College e University of Alabama
at the following: Northeastern University Stevens Institute of Technology e University of Scranton
Pace University, New York City (3) SUNY Adirondack e University of Tampa
Binghamton University (8) Pace University, Westchester Campus SUNY College at Geneseo University at Bu alo e State University
Boston University Providence College SUNY College at Oneonta of New York
Bucknell University Purchase College State University of SUNY Delhi University of California, Berkeley
Champlain College SUNY Fredonia University of Connecticut (2)
Clarkson University New York (3) SUNY Maritime College University of Delaware
Clemson University Quinnipiac University (3) SUNY New Paltz (2) University of Massachusetts, Amherst (2)
Colgate University (2) Rhode Island School of Design Temple University University of Miami
Connecticut College Rochester Institute of Technology University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Elon University Roger Williams University (2) e College of Saint Rose
Endicott College University of New
Fair eld University Haven
Florida State
University of North
University Carolina at
Franklin Pierce Wilmington

University University of
Gettysburg College Pennsylvania
High Point University
Hofstra University University of Rhode
Indiana University Island (2)

at Bloomington (2) University of Utah
Kenyon College University of Vermont
LIM College Virginia Tech
Westchester
(Laboratory Institute
of Merchandising) Community
Marist College College (4)
Western Connecticut
State University (2)

Kaitlyn Thayer, Brianna Perez,
Mikaela Spennicchia, Claire
Bonzani and Charlie Reiner

PHOTOS: DEENA BELL

June 28, 2018 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – Page 11

Proud families Graduate Alina DiMella Graduate Will Wiegelman III
with her parents Jackie with his parents Alison and Bill
and Chris

Connor Skelton holding his cousin Isabella Graduate Jalil Coverdale with his Aunt Melinda, Grand-
mother Priscilla Mccoy and Uncle Andrew Simmons
JOHN JAY
PHOTOS: DEENA BELL
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The Class of 2018

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Page 12 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to North Salem News – June 28, 2018

Congratulations to the

North Salem High School

Class of 2018

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