Community News, June 4

The Southampton Union Free School District is pleased to announce that it has appointed Sara Smith, a 14-year veteran of the district, as the new Southampton High School assistant principal, effective July 1.

“We are pleased to promote one of our own to this position,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nicholas Dyno. “Ms. Smith is well-deserving and dedicated to the students of the district.”

Prior to accepting the new position, Smith was the dean of students at the high school and a high school English teacher. As dean, she created and led a social-emotional learning committee and cultivated healthy and productive relationships with students and parents. Her 14 years in the district also included roles as an administrative intern, Common Core liaison, student council co-adviser and adviser for the high school’s literary arts magazine.

Before joining Southampton, Smith was an English teacher in the Hampton Bays School District from 2004-2008.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, a Master of Arts in teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University, and a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership and administration from the College of Saint Rose.

“I am honored and grateful to be appointed as the assistant principal of Southampton High School,” said Smith. “It is a place that I love and consider home. This accomplishment can be traced back to the support, collegiality and encouragement provided by the Southampton faculty and staff over the past 14 years.

Bridgehampton High School announced that seniors Madeline Grabb and Jaden Campbell have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2020. Madeline’s well-rounded high school résumé includes taking numerous college level, Advanced Placement and honors courses. She is a member of the school’s robotics team and the National Honor Society and has taken advantage of many educational opportunities while a student. From being a member of Guild Hall’s Teen Arts Council, editing college essays for her peers, serving as a volunteer for The Hampton Ballet Theatre School and Maureen’s Haven at Temple Adas Israel, receiving the Daughters of American Revolution Good Citizen Award, serving as a panelist for the East End Youth Leadership Conference and knitting hundreds of preemie caps for neonatal units across the country, Madeline lives by her motto of “If something interests you, spend time finding out why.” Madeline, who expressed gratefulness to her family and teachers for their compassion and engagement, will join the freshman class of Stanford University in the fall.

Jaden has also taken numerous AP, honors and college level courses in her high school career. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, marimba ensemble; drama club and varsity cheer team. She has participated in various volunteer opportunities including blood drives, beach cleanups and musical performances at a local retirement home. Jaden is dedicated to maintaining good grades and has consistently been named to the school’s High Honor Roll, she is a scholar-athlete and finds if you fully commit to both sports and academics, there is a way to achieve a successful balance.

Jaden left these inspiring words for future graduates of Bridgehampton High School: “create the future you want for yourself.” She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton has awarded a $3,000 scholarship to Gianna Ekstra, a senior at Pierson High School in Sag Harbor. Gianna will be attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in the fall majoring in fashion design with a minor in art. She hopes to combine her love of art and nature into her own clothing line. This scholarship, now in its third year, is underwritten by Ray Smith & Associates, master arborist based in the East End. "I see a lot of students (at LongHouse)," said Ray Smith. "It's amazing how interested they are in the reserve and some of the artwork they do is amazing. I thought I'd try to contribute the best I can."

At the recent virtual, annual meeting of the League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, Shelter Island and the North Fork, Southampton High School senior Brynne Rozzi was recognized as this year’s winner of the Betty Desch Scholarship for Leadership and Civic Engagement. Making the $2,000 scholarship presentation was Judi Roth of Southampton, co-chair of the League’s Education Committee. Betty Desch, whose bequest funds the award, was a longtime resident of Southampton who taught physical education at Southampton High School for 11 years, at one time served as chair of the women’s physical education department at Stony Brook University, and volunteered her time in many community organizations. Brynne’s leadership and civic engagement activities include being selected as her school’s ambassador to the Hugh O’Brien State Leadership Conference as a sophomore; serving as the Suffolk County leader of “Girl-Up International,” a United Nations organization that empowers and advocates for young women worldwide; fundraising for “Peruvian Hearts,” an international charity that educates and empowers Peruvian young women; and co-sponsoring a career symposium in October to educate young women on innovative career opportunities. Brynne also completed an internship last summer with the office of NY State Senator Phil Boyle, doing research on the new immunization law for school-aged children; answering constituent inquiries; and translating for the Hispanic community, when needed. “Brynne is a born leader and community volunteer,” said Senator Boyle. She will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall, with plans to major in business economics.

“Brynne’s achievements in civic engagement fit exactly with what the League is encouraging in young people,” said the League’s Education Committee co-chair Judi Roth.

Harriet DeGroot, a daughter of Douglas and Kathryn DeGroot of Bridgehampton, graduated on May 18 from the University in Pennsylvania, where she received summa cum laude honors and double majored in psychology and criminology with a minor in mathematics. Ms. DeGroot was valedictorian of the Bridgehampton High School class of 2016.

Abigail Gianis of Sag Harbor earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. She was among approximately 4,050 undergraduate and graduate students who earned degrees during the Spring 2020 semester. Students were celebrated during a virtual celebration held on May 1. They will also be honored during in-person commencement ceremonies to be held on campus later this year.

Elisia Ivey of Southampton recently graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication.

Devon Brown of East Hampton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education during commencement ceremonies on May 17.

Chase Bushman of East Hampton earned a degree in English from McDaniel College.

Evan Castillo of East Hampton earned Bachelor of Arts in History from Bucknell University.

Andrew Mosolino, son of Julie and Michael Mosolino of Southampton has been named to the Dean's List at Binghamton University for the second semester. He received a GPA of 3.67. Andy is a history major, and is starting his junior year at Binghamton in the fall.

Nicholas Auletti '20 of East Quogue was named to the Lycoming College Dean's List for the Spring of 2020. Auletti is majoring in Theater, minoring in History.

Emma Diesing of Southampton was named the Saint Mary's College Dean's List for the Spring 2020.

Aleksandra Maya Decker was born on May 28th, to Richard Decker and Olga Yakovleva of Sag Harbor. Aleksandra is the 14th grandchild of family Matriarch Elizabeth Decker of Southampton.

Genna and Donnie Downs of Hampton Bays welcomed baby girl Willow Irene, 5lbs, 13 oz. on May 27th Every one is happy and healthy.

The solemn liturgy and commencement exercises for the Our Lady of the Hamptons Class of 2020 will be held in virtual form, including the diocesan celebration of Catholic education of June 12 and the OLH graduation on June 14. Both commemorations will be visible on YouTube.

On Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday June 24, Kate Mueth and The Neo-Political Cowgirls and the East Hampton High School are calling for community involvement to create a visual congratulatory celebration “Together/Apart” art installation project for the EHHS graduating seniors. Participants will come to the high school and will be given a square of fabric on which they can write a congratulatory wish, poem, or bit of wisdom. The squares will then be hung on the fence at the high school to act as a visual celebration of the seniors. The project hopes to give support in sending the seniors off onto their next journey in life during these challenging times. Those interested in adding a positive note are invited to come to the High School on the 23rd and 24th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All social distancing protocols will be in effect. Each participant must be wearing a mask or face cover, and only one person/family will be allowed to the table at a time to take part. Time slots are in increments of 5-10 minutes will be given to each person or family to add their written message. All patrons must be six or more feet apart in observance of social distancing protocols. Materials will be provided. For more information or questions please contact Anna Skrenta at annaskrenta@mac.com or Kate Mueth at npcowgirls@gmail.com

There will be socially distanced African drum and dance classes outdoors

at the North Sea Community House outdoor space on Wednesday and Thursdays.

The dancers and drummers will be spaced at least 6 ft apart at all times in classes masks are encouraged.

The classes are outdoors so please bring layers to keep yourself warm or cool.

The Dun Dun Dance with Kate is Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

African Drumming with Paul is Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

African Dance with Charity and live drummers is Thursday 6 to 7:30 p.m.

There is a suggested donation of $10.

Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue has announced they will continue to host their Farm Animal and Nature Virtual Classroom via Zoom every Wednesday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. through the month of August. The Farm Animal and Nature Virtual Classroom allows children to visit the farm animals and learn about their traits and care. The program is free and features horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, chickens and more. The program is free and will be hosted by Equus Life Coach, Marisa Striano. The program is supported by Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue’s Equine for All Initiative, (www.spiritspromiserescue.org/equineforall ) which funds free and reduced equine related programs, services and events on Long Island. Those interested may register by visiting https://bit.ly/2yb4fn8