The Carle Place High School Class of 2019 gathered for one last time to celebrate their accomplishments and receive their high school diplomas on June 28. Sitting on the high school field under blue skies, the graduates smiled, sharing this milestone with each other and their families.

Superintendent of Schools David Flatley presided over his final commencement at Carle Place before officially retiring. “As I bring my own career to an end tonight, I think of the 13 years we have spent together, and I consider myself an honorary member of the Class of 2019,” he said. “We should reflect on the challenges and triumphs we have shared.”

Valedictorian Gabriella Deninno addressed the class, sharing a quote that she said the senior class has heard many times from Mr. Flatley: “To those to whom much has been given, much will be expected.” Gabriella said that throughout their years in Carle Place, the senior class has been given a lot. “Therefore it’s expected of us to work hard, to strive for greatness, and when we can, give to others so they too can achieve,” she said.

Salutatorian Christina Kapralos thanked all of those who helped the senior class to succeed and reminded her peers of their special connections. “The bonds we formed will always have a special place in our hearts,” she said.

Board of Education trustees Anthony Bulzomi and Neal McLaughlin each shared inspiring words with the Class of 2019 and their families. Bulzomi offered 10 tips for a successful future and McLaughlin applauded the group’s successes.

Class President Julia Winer also addressed her classmates and Caroline McLaughlin gave the farewell address before Principal Thomas DePaola
presented the Class of 2019. 

Students filed onto the stage to receive their diplomas, and senior Kerry Carrera fell to her knees and was brought to tears when she was surprised by her father, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Luis A. Carrera, who returned home from deployment overseas to see his only daughter graduate from high school. 

With an emotional end to a meaningful education, the Class of 2019 now has one more memory of Carle Place that will stay with them forever.

At their June 6 meeting, the Carle Place Board of Education gave a fond farewell to Superintendent of Schools David Flatley and three other dedicated members of the Carle Place School District family who announced their retirement this year. 

Joining Mr. Flatley in retirement are Rushmore Avenue School teacher Lynn Benov (30 years of service), Cherry Lane School teacher Mary McDermott (22 years) and Carle Place Middle/High School special education teacher Laurie Papa (31 years). Mr. Flatley has served Carle Place for 16 years, beginning as assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel in 2003 before being promoted to superintendent of schools in 2010.

Additionally, five members of the Carle Place School District were awarded tenure by the Board of Education: Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Philip Molnar, Chairperson for Special Education Allen Foraker, Carle Place Middle/High School special education teacher Jenna Iannone, Cherry Lane literacy teacher Danielle Emmel and Rushmore Avenue teacher Jacqueline Gardiner.

Congratulations to all of our tenured staff and retirees for your dedication to the students of Carle Place! 




 




 

 

Under the direction of technology teacher Erik Tonner, Carle Place Middle/High School Life Skills students recently built homes for some feathered friends, one of  many projects they completed during the school year to take home.

At their June 20 meeting, the Carle Place Board of Education gave a special thank-you to several community members who have volunteered their time this year to help make the Carle Place School District a better place for students and the community. Those honored received certificates of recognition from the Board. Additionally, several staff members were acknowledged for their service on various committees.

Thank you to the following people who have contributed to a wonderful school community this year:

Shared Decision Making Committee 
Kim Ribarich and Lisa Mancuso 

Health Council 
Catherine Masiello 

Scholarship Committee 
Dr. Joy-Anne D’Anca, Thomas DePaola, John DiFrisco, David Flatley, Lucille Hughes, Joseph LoCurto, Maria Maiale, Gordon Mays, Mary Schultz, James Spangler and Ronald Vestuto

Volunteers 
Lou Ann Bonomi – PTA Council President, Safety Team Member and Health Council 
Anthony Giordano – Cherry Lane School 
Michael Going – Audit Committee 
John and Barbara Heslin – President and Director of the Carle Place Seniors 
Lisa Mancuso – Rushmore Avenue Ave. PTA President, Shared Decision Making Committee 
Chris Padilla – Community Partner, Proprietor of Très Bon Cleaners 
Darcia Padilla – Community Partner, Proprietor of Très Bon Cleaners 
Dayna Mandolese – SEPTA President 
Darlene Marshall – Cherry Lane School 
Edward Muller –Flag Day Celebration at Cherry Lane (plays “Taps”)
Kim Ribarich – HS/MS PTSA President, Shared Decision Making Committee 
Kim Scaccia – Cherry Lane PTA President 

Volunteer Coaches 
Tamar Adams – Varsity Girls Basketball 
Maria Buffolino – Varsity Girls Track 
Agostino Cavallaro – Varsity Baseball 
Elias Costidis – Varsity Boys Bowling 
Salvatore Delio – Varsity Boys Basketball and Varsity Baseball 
David Evans – Varsity Girls Soccer 
Jack Kearney – Varsity Baseball 
Dylan Klein – Varsity Boys Soccer 
Steven Martello – Varsity/JV/MS Football 
Paul Mila – Varsity/Middle School Tennis
James O’Hagan – Varsity Girls Basketball 
Nicole Scicolone – Varsity Girls Track 
Matthew Teemsma – Varsity/JV Football 
Jennifer Vento Johnson – Varsity Gymnastics 






 




 

 

This year, the Carle Place Middle/High School Student Organization was honored to award Jeananne Sullivan the Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Sullivan is a dedicated and hardworking teacher who is always there for all of her students. We would like to thank Mrs. Sullivan for everything she has done throughout the year.
 
The Student Organization also awarded two very special community members the Citizen of the Year Award: Nick Deninno and Jamie Tirone. Both of these community members have helped the school and community in many ways. They are both hard working and very generous individuals. Thank you for everything that you all have done.
 
Congratulations to all on earning these very special awards.