On June 26, Connetquot High School’s Class of 2025, donning red and white caps and gowns, processed down the football field in front of cheering family, friends and faculty members for the district’s annual commencement ceremony. Under the direction of Gregory Johnson and Stacy Stollberger, the high school band performed “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Lakeland Fire Department’s Color Guard began the ceremony with the Presentation of Colors, while the senior chorus, led by Brad Drinkwater and James Nagle, performed both “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the school’s alma mater, “Brave Connetquot.”

Principal Michael Moran warmly welcomed the Class of 2025 and their loved ones, reflecting on the highlights of the school year and celebrating the accomplishments of a well-rounded, exceptional group of students. He urged the graduates to, “Go out and do great things.”

Board of Education trustee Jaclyn Napolitano-Furno addressed the class, stating, “Graduation is so much more than putting on a cap and gown. It’s about the early mornings when you didn’t want to get out of bed but showed up anyway. It’s the late nights spent studying, the small victories, the big lessons and the friendships that you carry through it all.”

Board of Education President Marissol Mallon followed with a message centered on grit, determination and the unwavering spirit of not giving up. “Success is not a sprint, but a marathon,” said Marissol. “The most remarkable achievements often come from those who refuse to give up, who keep pushing forward despite the odds. Success can be one step away, so keep going.”

One of the ceremony’s highlights was the announcement and recognition of the top 25 students in the Class of 2025, who were each presented with medals and their diplomas.

Salutatorian Valentina Gutierrez then shared an inspiring message with her fellow graduates. “There will be moments where we fail or fall short, but it is these moments that shape us,” said Valentina. “It is uncertainty that teaches us our strengths and weaknesses, and it is hard work that teaches us character.” She then encouraged her classmates to make an impact and aim to change the world around them.

Valedictorian Alexander DeVita continued the celebration with his moving speech. “As we prepare to spread our wings and take flight, let's remember the lessons we've learned and the friendships we've made. Let's embrace the future with the same enthusiasm and determination that we've shown throughout our time in the Connetquot School District.”

Senior Class President Marissa Latasso also addressed the class, offering advice rooted in confidence and self-belief. “Don’t allow yourself to be the reason you don’t pursue something more. Don’t hold yourself back from your full potential,” said Marissa. “Try new things, don’t be afraid to do something different. There will always be obstacles in life, but do not let yourself be one of them.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph T. Centamore then took the stage for the official certification of the graduates. Before diplomas were presented by the Board of Education, Mr. Moran and the high school’s assistant principals, Dr. Centamore reminded the graduates, “Remember, no matter where you may roam, Connetquot will forever be your home.”

As each senior’s name was called, students walked across the stage to accept their diplomas. The ceremony concluded with a celebratory cap toss, officially marking the Class of 2025 as graduates of Connetquot High School.

Click here to view the Congratulations to Connetquot’s Class of 2025! slideshow.

Date Added: 6/27/2025

Connetquot High School honored nine graduating seniors who have committed to serving in the United States military during a special recognition ceremony held on June 20.

The district celebrated Ayden Brandl (US Coast Guard), Nicholas Bruer (US Navy), Santiago Chavez Velez (US Marines), Caden McLaughlin (US Coast Guard), Justin Materazo (US Air Force ROTC), Lorenzo Marasciullo (US Navy), Molly Murphy (US Navy), Laura Sanchez (US Air National Guard) and Matthew Weaver (US Navy). In recognizing each honoree, Connetquot High School Principal Michael Moran expressed his gratitude and pride in these students for choosing a path of service and sacrifice.

The ceremony highlighted their commitment and the strong values they will carry forward as they embark on this honorable journey.

(Not pictured: Santiago Chavez Velez)

Date Added: 6/20/2025

Students in Mr. Bachisin’s advanced programming class at Connetquot High School participated in a Spring Gaming Expo, a simulated event where students took on the roles of recent college graduates hired by the fictional gaming industry leader, Bachisin Gaming Industry or BGI.

Acting as industry professionals, students presented the latest video games they created, offering a preview of their projects ahead of their official “market release.” Their inaugural assignment tasked them with designing and developing a game promoting computer science to middle school students.

Each student was involved in the entire development process, from conceptualizing ideas and collaborating in brainstorming sessions to implementing their concepts into functional game models. Throughout this project, students not only honed their coding skills but also cultivated essential professional abilities such as time management, teamwork and project reporting. They conducted independent research, completed voluntary assignments and iterated on their designs to bridge the gap between concept and reality within strict deadlines.

The Spring Gaming Expo served as a culminating celebration of their hard work and creativity, giving students a chance to showcase their final products, exchange feedback and experience the excitement of bringing their ideas to life!

Click here to view the Connetquot High School programming students showcase skills at fictional gaming expo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/17/2025

Connetquot High School proudly celebrates the accomplishments of the 15 graduating seniors who have successfully completed the rigorous Business Academy program as part of the Class of 2025. These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to their future careers by completing all coursework requirements, including Virtual Enterprise, Microsoft Office, Personal Financial Literacy, and at least one additional business elective. In addition, each student passed a culminating exam, a testament to their knowledge, skills, and dedication.

Graduation from the Business Academy is more than just a milestone—it is a significant credential. Each student earns a New York State Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement, signaling their readiness to pursue further studies or enter the workforce with a solid foundation in business education. Connetquot High School congratulates the following students for their achievement: 

Brandon Bartick
Jesse Bartick
Julia Coffill
Nicholas Daniels
Cody Fiore
Michael Fiorentine
Angelina Guadagno
Gregory Inserillo
Alek Itskovich
Akshat Kamboj
Ashley Nunez
Brennan O’Connor
Aaron Pace
Fernando Padilla
John Tax

The entire school community applauds their hard work and wishes them continued success in all their future endeavors.

Date Added: 6/16/2025

Connetquot High School student Zayr Habeeb has been recognized by the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium for his outstanding independent research project: the creation of an innovative medical chatbot designed to support patients with medical inquiries.

Developed using the Python coding language, Zayr’s chatbot allows users to ask questions such as, “What are the side effects of my medication?” A more advanced version of the program enables users to upload a medical history PDF and receive context-based answers. Zayr is currently developing a beta version capable of analyzing X-ray images.

The idea for the chatbot emerged from Zayr’s participation in the Carter Lab mentorship program, where his knowledge of coding sparked the idea for the creation of the chatbot. Zayr also took AP Computer Science Principles at Connetquot High School and a college-level course through Adelphi University to further his expertise in coding.

I am so proud of Zayr and all of our students who share a passion for technology—whether it’s programming, infrastructure or anything in between,” Director of Instructional Technology Elizabeth Weis said. “Zayr will be one of six students participating in this summer’s IT internship with our Connetquot IT team. This opportunity will provide him and his peers with valuable, real-world technical knowledge and hands-on experience in an educational setting. We’re excited to help nurture the next generation of tech leaders right here in our district.

Director of Science, FACS and Technology Education Stephanie Burns added, “Zayr's desire to develop a chatbot that would help fellow people in navigating the future of health infrastructure lends a human touch to what often seems to be the inhuman interaction with technologies that people currently experience.

Date Added: 6/11/2025