Twelve seniors who are going into military service upon graduation from Walt Whitman High School this year were honored at the South Huntington School District’s annual Military Breakfast on June 12th.  It’s one of the largest groups of students in many years to decide to enlist, or enroll in a college ROTC program.  Local dignitaries, active service members, and veterans joined family, administrators and school board members at the James Kaden Administrative Offices to applaud the young men and women who have made the choice to serve our country in one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces.   

“Choosing to serve in the military is not just a career choice; it is a calling,” said Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia as he addressed students at the breakfast.  “It reflects a deep sense of duty, ensuring the safety and stability of all around you. Your decision to serve shows your commitment to the values that we, as a school, strive to instill in all our students: integrity, honor, and a commitment to service.”

Enlisting in the U.S. Army are Saira Amaya Siguenza, Joseph Ferdinando, Brendan Magerle, Lisandro Mejia, and Axel Sarmiento Cisneros.  Heather Kowalczyk and Evelyn McGorry have both enrolled in Army ROTC programs.

Juan Quintanilla Jr., Marilyn Santamaria Galdamez, and Christopher Vasquez Soto are joining the United States Marine Corps.  

Jordin Aguilar Chavez and Jamith Jimenez have both enlisted in the United States Navy.  Jimenez, who grew up in Colombia, said joining the Navy gives him the opportunity to serve his new country, travel, and earn a degree. “I believe college is a great option, but not for every single person. Every person doesn’t have the same financial opportunity. So the Navy opens the doors for all those people that don't have those opportunities, and they teach you leadership and so many skills, which for me will be engineering and construction,” said Jimenez.

Each student was presented with a “Key to the District” and a commemorative medallion with the seal of their respective armed services branch. They also received proclamations from the various politicians who represent Huntington on the town, county, state and national levels.

Whitman principal Dr. John Murphy presented each student with two gifts, including a compass “to always point you home.”  “Because no matter where you serve, we want you to return safely to your families, to our school, and to the community that will always be here waiting to welcome you back,” said Dr. Murphy.

Eight Whitman seniors, who are not going into military service, were also recognized by the armed services for their accomplishments in high school including distinguished scholastic, athletic, musical and leadership excellence: United States Marine Corp Distinguished Athlete - Matthew Gervasio; Scholastic Excellence - John Marr; Musical Excellence - Peyton Galgano 

United States Navy Outstanding Athlete Award - Grace Davis; Distinguished Scholar Award - Olivia Knudsen; Inspirational Leadership Award - Ashley Palacios Ayala 

United States Air Force Math and Science Award - Emmaleigh Goldfarb; Certificate of Appreciation - Matthew Cashman 

Thank you to our amazing South Huntington School Nutrition Services staff who provided our honorees and guests with a delicious spread of favorite breakfast foods.

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Active military members attended the breakfast to congratulate students and present awards.  Principal John Murphy presented the students with two gifts, including a compass to “always point you home.”

Keys to the District and commemorative armed services medallions were presented to each Military Recognition honoree.