Under the advisement of Aimee Iuliucci and Nicole Colao, Bellport High School’s Center of Excellence welcomed 20 new members during an induction ceremony, held on Nov. 7. Attended by district administration and members of the board of education, inductees received a pin symbolizing both their membership and aspiration to explore college as a realistic, attainable and post-high school option. 

Ms. Iuliucci said, “Wear your pin with pride. Your futures are bright.”

During the 2018-2019 school year, the Center of Excellence club was reintroduced by Assistant Principal Dan Fauvell. Membership provides participants with an intensive college-awareness focus and emphasizes the building of successful academic behaviors, including calendar planning, prioritization, study habits, obstacle and roadblock coping strategies and smart decision-making. Students are held accountable for their personal goals, while embodying the leadership principles of professionalism, ambition, integrity, resilience and resourcefulness. There is also significant written and oral presentation work, combined with a focus toward college and career-readiness.  

Board of Education President E. Anne Hayes told the students, “Each of you have things in mind for the future. Don’t limit yourself but keep moving forward and you’ll be astounded at what you will have accomplished.”

Guest speaker and former Board of Education President Cheryl A. Felice told the students that they need to have the willingness to take risks. “Young people are important to our democracy,” she said. “You need to become involved in the process.”

The induction ceremony was preceded by a dinner, hosted by the high school culinary students. Nevaeh Tinsley led the salute to the flag, while and Destiny France sang the national anthem. Additionally, COE president Anecya Sutton, vice president Emily Hartmann and secretary Kaitlyn Stines announced the names of the inductees as they received their pins and certificates. 

Ms. Iuliucci also announced that the COE has received a $711 grant from the Brookhaven 7-Eleven, a $2,000 grant from the South Country Education Foundation and a $250 grant from Ms. Felice. 

The South Country Central School District congratulates the following inductees: (Grade 9) Jada Crowell, Catherine Chicas Fuentes, Aaron Dupaya, Eldrick Dupaya, Sara Epstein, Natali Gonzalez Romero, Ryan Grell, Justin Guzman, Wayne Heinecker, Meadow Lyn Moscatiello, Vanessa Perez, Ambar Ventura; (Grade 10) Sarah Elbaroudy, Andrea Giles; (Grade 11) Asha Golding, Sydney Rountree; (Grade 12) Janaisha Austin, Elsy Franco Argueta, Suzan Lunde and Mahogany Quinitchett.