Mary Pettit, an educator at Frank P. Long Intermediate School in the South Country Central School District, has earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities from Molloy University.

Dr. Pettit is a veteran educator with over two decades of experience dedicated to enhancing education and supporting student success. She earned her B.A. in psychology and elementary education from Roger Williams University, followed by an M.S. in education, specializing in special education and literacy, from Dowling College.

Since 1998, Dr. Pettit has taught grades one through five, showcasing her adaptability and versatility. Her educational philosophy embraces the evolving nature of the field, demonstrated by her pursuit of National Board Certification in literacy in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She received recognition for scholarly contributions at conferences like the Third International Conference on Literacy, Culture, and Language Education and she was acknowledged as the first recipient of the Sandra A. Morris-Aarons Alumni Scholarship Award.

Outside of education, Dr. Pettit actively engages in the literary community through her popular book blog and participation in bestselling-author advanced reader review teams, reflecting her passion for literature and lifelong learning.

“Her impact on education and her dedication to student success embody the spirit of a lifelong learner and compassionate educator, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encounters,” said Frank P. Long Principal Stefanie Rucinski.

The district congratulates Dr. Pettit on this impressive accomplishment.

Date Added: 5/16/2024

First grade students at Verne W. Critz Elementary School celebrated their mothers during in-class Mother’s Day celebrations on May 8. They sang songs and presented their mothers with tissue paper flowers that they had made. All enjoyed a variety of treats.

Date Added: 5/15/2024

Bellport High School junior Keshavi Shah is on her way to the top, having recently earned two impressive honors. She has been named a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and earned the Rensselaer Medal Award.

Shah earned both honors for her excellence in academics and dedication to her education. She was one of 3,911 applicants out of a pool of 16,000 to earn the QuestBridge award. As a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal Award, she will be provided with a $40,000 merit scholarship per year if she is accepted and attends Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“Both of these awards were unexpected and very much appreciated,” said Shah, who intends to study mechanical engineering in college.

Shah is a member of her school’s National, Math and Science honor societies, as well as Key Club, and participates in Stony Brook University’s Women in Science and Engineering Program. Outside of school, she interns at a STEM-based nonprofit organization and enjoys baking, cooking and painting.

The South Country School District extends its congratulations to Keshavi Shah on her recent successes.

Date Added: 5/14/2024

The South Country School District congratulates eighth grader wrestler Camryn Howard, who recently took first place in the 68 kg freestyle tournament, outscoring his opponents 54-9US at the U.S. Open Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas. The tournament serves as an age group qualifier for the right to represent the U.S. at the world-level competition. Howard finished with a 5-0 record and will be Team USA's representative in 68 kg at the UWW Pan-American Championships in June. He competed in the Greco-Roman tournament, as well, where he compiled a 4-1 record and second-place finish. Howard also holds All-County and All-State titles, which he first earned as a seventh grader.

Date Added: 5/13/2024