THE
senior issue
Massapequa High School mhsthechief@gmail.com
The Chief Congratulations
Vol. 64– No. 5
June 16, 2016 www.thechiefonline.com
Massapequa High School’s Chief Source of News
Class of 2016 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Valedictorian Joe Prusan is much more than a savvy student BY DAVID MARQUES COPY EDITOR
Earlier this year, few were surprised when Joe Prusan was named valedictorian of Massapequa High School’s Class of 2016. Joe is an ambitious student, taking some of MHS’ most rigorous courses and earning a stellar GPA of 99.872. While he is well known around the school for his academic success, Joe is also highly involved outside of the classroom, particular-
ly in the fields of science and medicine — his interest in the medical field began in childhood while observing the doctors who have treated him for
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Study and work hard, but make sure [to] spend plenty of time with friends and family.
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diabetes and reading articles about the search for a cure. At MHS he has participated in Science Olympiad and the Science Research Club, in which he designs and conducts original scientific experiments. In addition, he is a founding member of Aerify 3.6, an environmental awareness team that seeks to educate the Massapequa community on issues such as climate change. Joe balances his academic and personal lives, and values
the “close relationships developed with the students and faculty at MHS.” His sense of humor is often on display (his name on Instagram is “The Diabetic Wonder”), and his amicable personality never fails to liven spirits. In his free time he likes to hang out with friends, listen to music, and play football at John Burns Park. His advice to the classes of 2017 and 2018? “Study and work hard,” he said. “But make sure [to]
spend plenty of time with friends and family.” This fall, Joe will begin his freshman year at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where he is majoring in biological engineering. He plans to become a neuroradiologist, hoping to gain experience at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center and then work in either California or Austin, Texas following graduation. We wish Joe the best of luck in his future endeavors.
Congrats to the inspiring class of 2016 salutatorian, Juliet Remi BY KAITLYN LUCEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Those who only know the academic side of Juliet Remi are missing out. The wisecracking, hard working, and compassionate sides of Juliet are truly the ones that make anyone who calls her a friend so lucky. Remi is the Class of 2016’s salutatorian, an honor she has undoubtedly earned. Her success in the classroom is a result of her outstanding intellect, as well as her unmatched desire to learn. Juliet finishes high school with an impressive 99.85 average,
having taken a total of eleven Advanced Placement tests. Juliet was aptly voted “Most Likely to be a Millionaire,” by the Class of 2016— a distinction that summarizes her impact on the MHS community perfectly. As co-captain of the highly esteemed mock trial team and a recipient of several medals for exceptional performances on the National Spanish Exam, Juliet is not a stranger to success. There is no doubt that she will continue to achieve after her time at Massapequa High School comes to a close.
She cites her family as her inspiration to strive to achieve her goals. “I would attribute my success to my parents,” Juliet said. “They’ve always encouraged me.” What’s next for one of MHS’ brightest students? An even brighter future, no doubt. This fall, she is excited to continue her education at Cornell University, where she will study Industrial Labor Relations. “I want to attend an excellent law school and become a lawyer,” Remi said.
An avid reader and S’mores Blizzard enthusiast, Juliet looks fondly on her time at Massapequa High School, although she regrets her late start on some of her favorite extracurricular activities.
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If I could do it all over again….I would try to get involved earlier in high school.
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“If I could do it all over again...I would try to get involved earlier in high school,” Juliet said. “I became very active in clubs, like mock trial, and other activities, like Safe Halloween and Hoops for Hope, when I was a junior and senior but I wasn’t as active in Ames and during my first year at the high school.” Although Juliet’s future is an essentially a blank canvas, she will indubitably find success in whatever she puts her mind to. Juliet, The Class of 2016 salutes you.
Inside Insidethis Thisissue: Issue:
Class of of 2016 The Class 2016 Senior SeniorDirectory Directory
JUN 16, 2016
DEAR SENIORS
THE CHIEF
Dear the Class of 2016 and my fellow classmates, This is it. This is the moment so many of us have been waiting for — the moment right after we toss our caps in the air and realize that nearly six hundred of us are about to go our separate ways. Soon, we will have only one thing in common: Massapequa High School. When we began our education twelve plus years ago, we were children. We spent our days at school playing kickball at recess, sitting criss-cross-applesauce while we listened to our teachers read books to us, and drawing stick figures in art class. Soon, we will stand as adults, faced with the inevitability of the “real world.” Who will we become? Where will our life take us? I posit to you that the outcome of your life is entirely in your hands. The way that you choose to react to adversity and difficult situations gives you control of your fate — will you rise to the occasion? I encourage you to adopt this mantra of the United States Marine Corps and implement it into your everyday life: Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. For some of us, senior year went too fast. For others, it is finally coming to a close. Whatever your feelings are towards Massapequa High School, I urge you to reject the notion that your education was futile. I truly hope that the lessons that you have learned as a student at MHS will carry with you throughout your life. As students, we have learned how to conduct ourselves appropriately, how to treat others with respect, and how to learn from our mistakes; all the while succeeding in the classroom and beyond. We are a community of top notch athletes, artists, musicians, and scholars: let us revel in the glory that is our senior year. We’ve earned it. To those who feel that they have not found their stride yet: do not worry. Fortunately, the educational opportunities gifted to us provide us with an untapped future of endless possibilities. So go and conquer it — just stay true to your sense of self. Your qualities of an individual make you a valuable asset to society, and lying to yourself or others about your true identity will benefit no one. I advise all of you to celebrate your uniqueness — embrace your quirks and run with them. Nothing will bring you more success in life. I think it is appropriate to end my last piece written for The Chief with a quotation from the poet Oriah Mountain Dreamer. I fully believe that these words were instrumental in shaping me into the individual I am today and undoubtedly the person I will become, and I hope that they will have a similar effect on you: cey “It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, Kaitlyn Lu 2015-16 f ie h C and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.” in EditorDare to dream, Class of 2016. I wish everyone the best of luck. My very best wishes, Kaitlyn Lucey Dear Seniors, As you prepare to m ove on to the next sta pieces of advice. Main tain a healthy work-life ge of your life, you’ll hear a lot of balance; make sure to ple; always stay focuse meet new peod, but explore outside of your comfort zone. these are all legitimate Though cliché, tips for leading a healt hy life. However, if th would urge you to do wh ere’s one thing I en you graduate, it wo uld have to be to keep While we may have exploring. a pretty decent sense of still a bubble at the en co m m un ity he re, Massapequa is d of the day, just like many other towns acro of the excitement of gr ss America. Part aduating is being able to es ideas and passions that you may not have been cape this bubble and discover new able to fully realize he For the vast majority re. of you going on to att to find plenty of like-m end college, you’ll ev inded individuals with en be able the from one another. Wha t’s more, there’s nobody same interests, and be able to learn to judge you in college eryone is too busy doin . Frankly, evg their own thing to be concerned about what by are up to. Blunt as random passersthat statement may be, I see it as rather liberati do virtually whatever yo ng that you can u want whenever you want to. Personally speaking, m y best experiences from getting out of my com freshman year have com fort zone. Talking to ra e from ndom strangers in the taking classes in someth dorm elevator, ing unrelated to the m ajo ploring my campus an d beyond have rarely be r I was planning on doing, and exen anything but fascin have always been forg ating. Mistakes iven, and I’ve kept my head up high and learn ed from them. For now, though, this all probably seems a still have prom, gradua bit distant. You tion ceremonies and an entire summer to look forward to, and that’s total before college with yo ly fine. Celebrate your last summer break ur friends. Look back at your elementary or middle school yearbook , note how far you’ve come, and feel free to fantasize about where you’ll go from here. Lastly, for those of yo u who have chosen no traditional college educ t to pursue a ation, much of the sam e still applies to you. As a matter of fact, I’d lik guide you not just thro e to imagine that these principles should ugh your college life, but should stick with you throughout your en tire lifetime. In short: keep an open mind. Experiment a bi happy. t. Above all, be Wishing you the best, Nelson Gomez
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SENIOR DIRECTORY
JUN 16, 2016
New York “The Empire State”
A delphi University • Marisa McLeod — Chemistry • Kevin O’Sullivan — History/Music/Computers • Tommy Macri — Physical Education • Amanda Considine — Undecided
Baruch College
• Juliet Remi —Industrial and Labor Relations
Fashion Institute of Tech. • Meghan Goodwin— Illustration • Danielle Coggins— Marketing
Hofstra University • Andrew Cecora — Biology • Ryan Tierney — Buisness • Jessica Tangari — Business Management • Sarah McCaffrey — Accounting • Victoria Tropeano — Music Education • Mark Reff — Computer Science • Schuyler Dietzel — Management
H atwick College • Michele Popowytsch — Nursing • Dana Barcellona — Nursing
Hunter College • Christopher Lam — Marketing/Graphics Design
Ithaca College • Kyle Berna — Physical Therapy • Brian Smith— TV/Radio
John Jay College • Matthew Harrison — Criminal Justice
LIU Brooklyn • Patrick Clyne— Physical Therapy
LIU Post • Kimmy Haran — Psychology • John Sala — Forensics • Taylor LaPorta — Childhood Education • Gabriella Buffolino — Nursing
M anhattan College • Megan Lawlor — English
M anhattanville College • Jarrett Dellaquila— Computer Science
M arist College • Timothy Keuchler — Accounting • Bianca Furci — Biology • Michael Hiller — Finance
M arymount M anhattan Sabrina Diliberto — English
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What are you most looking forward to in college? Tweet us at @TheChiefOnline with your response!
Molloy College • Annmarie Sivert — Psychology • Kortney Shea — Nursing • Jaime Zeller — Nursing • Michael McKenna — Business • Giovanni D’Angelo — Business • Isabella Rodier — Nursing • Evan Ryan — Finance
Mount Saint M ary College
• Carolyn Smith — Nursing • Christian Buonamassa — Accounting • Jake Viache — Management of Musical Enterprises
Cornell University
THE CHIEF
Nassau Community College
• Joe Amadio — Undecided • Sal Americo — Business • Matthew Caminiti — Undecided • John Cardis — Business • Jimmy Casey — Criminal Justice • Megan Carew— Speech Pathology • Matthew Cudia — Art • Blake Diaz — Computer Science • James Doyle — Undecided • Brittany Eckert — Nursing • Britta Gillespie — Elementary Education • Victoria Graci — Undecided • Rachel Heron — Nursing • John Kalinoglu — Graphic Design • Grace Kelliher — Mortuary Science • Kristina O’Brien — Pediatric Nursing • Nick Rogan — Undecided • Bubdley Saty — Pediatrics • Haley Schmidt — Mathematics/Education • Jaclyn Tompkins — Fashion Merchandising • Joseph Warnders — Technology/Construction
New York Isnt. of Tech. • Joseph Mottola —Computer Engineering • Adam Carrero — Computer Engineering • Brandon Fanizza — Undecided
New York University • Joseph Boroda — Biology • Brendan Hastings — Dramatic Writing
Pratt Institute • Francesca Farb— Illustration
Queens College • Olivia Smithwick — Education
R ensselaer Polytechnic Insti. • Thomas Clarke — Computer Science • John Merz — Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
Rochester Inst. of Tech. • Shane Murphy — Electrical Engineering
Siena College • Dana Gerraputa — Mathematics • Victoria Remi — Mathematics
School of Visual A rts • Kyra Levey — Fine Arts
Skidmore College • Nicholas Georgalas — Pre-Med
St. John’s University • Jen Calderone — Pharmacy • Anthony Mottola— Business • Lexi Ringle — Legal Studies • Brian Rogers — Accounting
St. Joseph’s College • Adriana Laurendi — Child Study •Justin McGowan— History Education • Kyle McLernon — Business
SUNY A lbany • Raven Evans — Sociology/ Women’s Studies • Ben Benitez — Digital Forensics/Cyber Security • Edward Rodier — Business Administration • James Gatti — Accounting • Jaynemarie Ferrari — Psychology • Deanna Derasmo — Business • Matthew Weiss — Business
SUNY Binghamton • Courtney Woods — Undecided • Matt Grzybowski — Undecided • Nicholas Aglietti — Biology • Arthur Stanwise — Undecided • Joe Bondor — Pre-Med • Steven Bordengo — Undecided
SUNY Buffalo • Greg Anto — Engineering • Gregory Slator — Accounting • Brian Kirschner — Business Administration • Alexandra Capus — Nursing
SUNY Cortland • Joseph Dubinsky — Education/Mathematics • Michael Pinou — Physical Education/Coaching • Grace Wakely — Education • Michaela Urban — Undecided
Syracuse University • Mike Brownfeld — Forensic Science
SUNY ESF • Zachary Arnold — Forest Resource Management
SUNY Farmingdale • Natalie Arguelles — Criminal Justice • Andrew Auletta — Criminology • Patrick Blaskey — Mechanical Engineering • Elisa Budani — Business Management • Johnny Campbell — Sports Management • Michael Comis — Criminal Justice • Dominick Corrao — Physical Therapy • Christian Corso — Aviation • Daniela Dempsey — Nursing • Dylan Dijan — Applied Math • Devon Dijan — Business • Kelly Devito — Liberal Arts • Erin Enright— Special Education • Melissa Fahey —Technological Science • Alex Meirhaeghe — Computer Science • Jake Messling — Sports Management • Shane Milano — Undecided • Emily Rodier — Bioscience • Joe O’Rourke — Business Law • Angelo Rutigliano — Liberal Arts • Ashley Vilardi — Undecided • Anthony White — Criminal Justice
JUN 16, 2016
SENIOR DIRECTORY
THE CHIEF
SUNY Geneseo • Laura Glynn — History • Michael Lazard — Political Science • Allie Aird — Undecided • Danielle Chimienti — Biology • Alyssa Burgois — Special Education • Daniel Nudelman — Accounting • Shannon Mattiolo — Accounting • Matt Brown — Business • Devin Hussey — Biology
SUNY New Paltz • Liam Byrnescunningham —Engineering • Daniel Long — International Business • Jaclyn Herer — Undecided
SUNY Oneonta • Nicole Devine — Biology • Ben Tristano — Nutrition/Athletic Trainer • Stephanie Ciullo — Business Economics • Nicole Fiorillo — Undecided • Sean Markey — Accounting • Douglas Alliano — Biology • Aidan Smith — Computer Science
SUNY Oswego • Evelyn Sokolowski — Marketing • Matthew Pascale — Business and Finance • Mario Festante — Business Administration • Gabriella Libardi — Childhood Education
SUNY Plattsburgh • Reesa Smocovich — Communications • Samantha Blasco — Communications • Meghan Farley — Psychology • Alyssa Bicchetti— Undecided • Jamie-Lynn Pomilio — Hospitality Management
SUNY Purchase • Stephen Pike — Fine Arts
SUNY Stony Brook • Michael Bitetto — Aerospace Engineering • Timothy Byrne — Chemistry • Richie Guerriere — Computer Science • Chris Keenan — Economics
Suffolk Community College • Stephen Graziano — Culinary Arts • Elizabeth Motis — Vet Tech
University of Rochester • Ryan McDonald — International Relations
Utica College • Matthew Fisher — Pre-Medicine • Christina DeVivo — Physical Therapy
Wagner College • Kalleigh Regan — Nursing
Alabama “The Heart of Dixie”
University of A labama • AJ Herrmann — Engineering • Luke Kmiotek — Cyber Security
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SENIOR DIRECTORY
JUN 16, 2016
THE CHIEF
s ~Dr. Sues Sacred Heart University • Nicole Modiest — Accounting • Brianna Nolan — Physical Therapy
Quinnipiac University • Amanda Biggin— Physician Assistant • Kevin Gannon— Accounting • Kellyann McClenahan — Physician Assistant • Allison Wick— Physician Assistant
Delaware “The First State”
California
University of Delaware
“The Golden State”
• Matthew Greene — Musical Composition • Valerie Schimmenti — Biological Sciences
San Diego State University • Kate Fahy— Undecided
Cinema M akeup School • Brianna Pineau — Art
Connecticut
“The Constitution State”
Fairfield University • Jennie Toutoulis — Communications • Meaghan Koster — Nursing
CT School of Broadcasting • Brian Bookstaver — Broadcasting/Communications
The
Chief
Senior Issue Editorial Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kaitlyn Lucey MANAGING EDITORS Tim Keuchler Kalleigh Regan
COPY EDITORS Jackie Angelo Jennie Toutoulis Dave Marques ADVISOR Elyn Coyle
Special thanks to Mrs. Coyle for putting up with us this past year and for her continuous support of the newspaper and freedom of the press.
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JUN 16, 2016
Florida
SENIOR DIRECTORY
“The Sunshine State”
F lorida Inst. of Tecnology • Paige Klingler — Meteorology
Stetson University • Olivia Glum — Pre-Law • Diana Golden— Integrative Health Sciences
University of Miami • Jaclyn Angelo — Communications
University of Tampa • Salvatore Corallo — Biology • Matthew McNally — Business • Mollie Biagini — Psychology
Georgia
“The Peach State” Savannah College of A rt and Design • Alison Agnew— Animation
Illinois
“The Prairie State”
University of Chicago • Dave Marques—East Asian Studies / English
Indiana
“Crossroads of America”
University of Notre Dame • Mark Fedoronko — Business • Caile Coughlan — Science/Business
Kentucky “Unbridled Spirit”
University of Kentucky • Joseph Lee — Undecided
Maryland “The Old Line State”
L oyola University • Laura Marques — Accounting
Towson University • Kevin Stallone — Music • Danielle Romano — Nursing
University of M aryland • Timothy Roy — Engineering
Massachusetts “The Bay State”
Bentley University • Kristen Moldovan — Finance
Boston College • Miranda McLeer — Business
Boston University • Nicole Ranallo — Neuroscience • Tanner Knabe — Engineering
College of the Holy Cross
THE CHIEF
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Centenary University • Will O’Connell — Criminal Justice / Economics
Georgian Court University • Leon White — Criminal Justice
Monmouth University • Taylor Rettig — Undecided
Seton Hall University • Joseph Mauceri — Business • Darby Pandolfo — Undecided • Sarah Woods — Nursing
Stevens Inst. of Technology
• Justin Lynskey— Business
Emerson College • Thomas Exposito — Film
Emmanuel College • John Carroll— Criminal Justice
Nichols College • Elizabeth Kahoud — Marketing
Northeastern University • Olivia Abele — Graphic Design • Ryan Gray — Undecided
Salem State University • Elio Benevenuto — Pyschology
• Alexa Shea — Chemical Engineering
Rider University • Andrew Walsh — Sports Management
R amapo College • Jake Coleman — Communications
The College of New Jersey • Lilly Bernardi— Health Sciences
OState hio Penn.“Birthplace University of Aviation” Kutztown University Oberlin College • Kaitlyn Lucey — Museum Studies / Business
Pennsylvania
Springfield College • Tommy Nash — Business • Casey Sheehan — Sports Management
The Boston Conservatory • Hannah Bentivegna— Vocal Performance
UM ass A mherst • Gabrielle Hartman— Hospitality Management
Western New England University • Dylan Nuzzi — Criminal Justice
Michigan
“The Wolverine State”
Ferris State University • Heidi Mueller — Nursing
Michigan State University • Adina Dicken — Business and Finance
New Jersey “The Garden State”
“The Independence State”
Bloomsburg University • Shannon Malone — Undecided
Desales University • Brendan Dulligan — Business
East Stroundsburg University • Sarah Campbell— Speech Pathology illanova niversity • Jack Chiffriller — Early Childhood Education
V
U
Misericordia University • Kelsey Hadsall— Occupational Therapy • James Magaldi — Business
Penn State University • Matthew Johnston — Business Management • Nicole Schiraldi — Biomedical Engineering • Cara Treble — Business
Swarthmore College • Giorgia Piantanida — Undecided
University of Scranton • Jamie Kafka — Business
Caldwell University • Kelle Lalier — Graphic Design
Villanova University • Gabriella Giordano — Environmental Science • Caroline McKeown — International Business • Morgan Pitek — Business
JUN 16, 2016
Stevens Inst. of Technology
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JUN 16, 2016
#TrendingTopicsFromK-12
THE SENIOR ISSUE Widener University
THE CHIEF
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Virginia
“The Commonwealth”
• Kayla Clemente — Nursing
York College of PA • Jessica Motis— Nursing • Logan Suntzenich— Intelligence Analysis
South Carolina “The Palmetto State”
Coastal Carolina University
James M adison University • Raquel Dash — Pyschology
Shenandoah University • Lindsey Reynolds —Nursing
Virginia Tech • James Graziano— Civil Engineering
• Carly Soucie — Homeland Security
Washington, D.C.
Rhode Island “Little Rhody”
Johnson & Wales University • Steve Buscemi— Finance
Roger Williams University Nicholas Kasin — Architecture
University of R hode Island • Megan Hegarty— Biology • Jamie Lerner — Business Management •Samantha Montella—Environmental Economics • Suzanna Storti —Pharmacy •Alex Turco—Textile Marketing
“The Nation’s Capital”
George Washington University • Danielle Altamura— Biology • Kevin Hitchings — History
Georgetown University • Dylan Nealis — Business
West Virgnia “The Mountain State”
West Virginia University • William Thomas — Engineering
Military Service Marine Corps • Harrison Anderson • Douglas Brust •K.C. Manzoor •Michael Rodriguez
U.S. A rmy • Travis Paradiso
Careers and Vocations • Cassidy Aquina — Esthetician School • Tami Buitrago — Cosmetology and Makeup • Patrick Franks — Landscaping, Art, and Pet Support
• Tim Holt — Electrical Construction • Mike Meehan — Undecided • Anna Straussman — EMT • John Scala — USPHL Premier League • Nick Troiano— Electrical Appliance Sales • Mayra Velasquez — Undecided