July 29 began the Connetquot High School marching band, kickline and color guard’s annual weeklong summer camp, preparing the 175 students for the school year’s many performances.

Led by band directors Greg Johnson and Stacy Stollberger, the student-musicians practiced their fall show titled, “T-Bird Land” for the year’s upcoming football games, homecoming and Newsday’s marching band festival. As part of the show, the students will be performing three songs, “Malagueña”, “Hey Pachuco” and “Bird Land”.

To close out the week on Aug. 2, students put on a special preview show for their parents, featuring student skits, a march-off and a preview of their fall show. For the skit portion, each section of instruments gave an improvisational performance, using marching techniques they learned throughout the week. The march-off determined who the best marcher was in each grade as well as in the band. Parent booster group, ORBBA, also provided ice cream for the musicians.

“We’re super proud that they worked so hard and are appreciative that they give up a week of their summer to do this,” Band Director Greg Johnson said. “I also want to thank the parents, Connetquot’s administrators and our board of education for supporting us and allowing us to do what we do. We’re excited for a great 2024-2025 school year.”

Date Added: 8/5/2024

On June 26, Connetquot High School’s senior Thunderbirds, donning red and white caps and gowns, proudly 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 played, “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The Bohemia Fire Department Color Guard began the ceremony with the Presentation of Colors before National Honor Society President Brianna Krall recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Under the direction of Brad Drinkwater, James Nagle and Nicole White, members of the senior chorus performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” and a powerful rendition of the school’s alma mater “Brave Connetquot”.

Principal Michael Moran then warmly welcomed the graduates and their loved ones, noting how proud he was of the class as a whole and the joy he had in watching them grow. “Live a life that makes you happy and try to make the people around you better just by being in your company,” he encouraged. He then announced the top 25 students of the Class of 2024. Each student was presented with a medal and their diplomas as they walked across the stage.

Then, Salutatorian Nicholas Marotta stepped to the podium, recounting his childhood experience with an illness and how it shifted his perspective. “It’s inevitable that we run into hardship,” said Nicholas. “We cannot prevent it, but we can control how we respond to it. We all have this control over our lives, and we have the power to make the best of our situations.”

Valedictorian Shayaan Ahmed offered advice on how to know when it’s the right time to act, while also remembering to do what works best for you. “All of these amazing individuals behind me, whether they’re going into the military, into the trades, taking a gap year or going straight to college, they all are going at their own pace and doing what they truly believe they are ready for. And now, here we are, all ready for the next chapter of our lives,” said Shayaan.

Next, Senior Class President Manal Nawaz reminded the Class of 2024 that not all last moments have to be sad. “Always try to look on the bright side of things,” she said. “Time flies by so fast, so try to make the most of it.”

Mr. Moran then called upon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Centamore for the certification of the graduates. Dr. Centamore reminded the students that graduating is an accomplishment to cherish and that Connetquot will always be home before he, the Board of Education trustees and 12th grade advisors Meaghan LaMano and William Bedell presented the seniors with their diplomas.

Students eagerly threw their graduation caps in the air in celebration before the Class of 2024 recessed to “The Thunderer” and were officially declared graduates of Connetquot High School.

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Date Added: 6/27/2024

Eastern Suffolk BOCES Regional Alternative High School students were celebrated at the 14th annual end of year celebration. Students from Connetquot, East Islip and Bayport- Blue Point school districts earned their high school credits and were awarded with diplomas from their respective schools. The remaining rising juniors and seniors will continue to work toward meeting their graduation requirements in the upcoming school year.

Date Added: 6/25/2024

On June 21, Connetquot High School held a special ceremony recognizing seniors who have enlisted in various branches of the military. Principal Moran handed out certificates of appreciation, noting the Connetquot school community’s gratitude for their service.

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Date Added: 6/24/2024

Members of the Connetquot High School treble choir and combined orchestras had the opportunity to compete at the Music in the Parks Festival on June 1. The dedicated students exhibited excellence both on and off the stage.

The ensembles performed at Grice Middle School in Hamilton, New Jersey. Each group performed three pieces for a panel of adjudicators. Under the direction of Peter Coffin, the Connetquot High School combined orchestra took first place in their division and earned a rating of Superior, the highest rating that is designated by the festival. The Connetquot High School treble choir, under the direction of James Nagle, also took first place in their division and earned a rating of Superior.

After their respective performances, the students were able to enjoy the rides and attractions of Six Flags Great Adventure.

Date Added: 6/20/2024