The accomplishments of the 286 members of the Bellport High School Class of 2024 were celebrated during a graduation ceremony on June 28. As family and friends looked on, the class was praised for working to achieve important milestones in their educational careers.

Welcoming the students was Principal Erika Della Rosa. During her introductory comments, Della Rosa congratulated the students and wished them well in their future endeavors.

Also speaking during the ceremony were class essayist Daniel Lewkowski, salutatorian Jordan Truce and valedictorian Samantha DeLillo. Each reflected on their time in the South Country School District and offered advice to their peers for the future.

After the celebratory speeches, Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana certified the diplomas and announced that the seniors had completed the requirements for graduation. Board President Cheryl A. Felice then led the students in the traditional moving of the tassel, symbolizing that the seniors were now alumni of the South Country Central School District.

The Class of 2024 touts 113 students who graduated with an Advanced Regents Diploma, 14 who graduated with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors, seven graduates who earned a Seal of Biliteracy, and 258 graduates who earned a Seal of Civic Readiness. A total of 228 graduates will continue their education at colleges and universities and eight graduates are entering the armed forces. Additionally, 30 students are seeking technical school career education.

Click here to view the Hats off to the Bellport High School Class of 2024 slideshow.

Date Added: 7/2/2024

Wearing white graduation gowns, members of the Bellport High School Class of 2024 recently strolled down the halls of their former elementary schools to both reminisce and serve as inspiration to current students. The graduates were met with cheers, applause and colorful signs bearing messages of congratulations.

Date Added: 6/26/2024

Bellport High School valedictorian Samantha DeLillo was among those honored at the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association’s 30th annual Valedictorians Luncheon at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. The tradition, established by the SCSSA, honored the enviable accomplishments of the county’s highest-achieving graduates from the Class of 2024 and was attended by school district superintendents, high school principals, valedictorians and their parents.

SCSSA President Dr. Timothy Hearney noted that leadership begins with one’s mindset. He advised the graduates to reflect on what matters and to find purpose and meaning in what they choose to do in life. He added, “Leadership is about finding joy,” and encouraged the students to “work hard to find joy in what you do.”

Guest speaker Matthew Cohen, president and chief executive officer of the Long Island Association, defined the group of valedictorians as “people who are going to think out of the box to find solutions.” His heartfelt speech included the advice to “take advantage of all the opportunities offered to you” and to “stick with things, no matter how hard.”

The valedictorians were then called to the stage, accompanied by their school district superintendent and high school principal, to receive a certificate of recognition, the book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss and a journal from SCOPE.

Date Added: 6/24/2024

Bellport High School U.S. History & Government classes recently enjoyed a trip to New York City to tour Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Students were in awe as they entered the same facility where millions of immigrants were vetted and registered before entering the United States to become an integral part of our nation's history. Following the historical tours, the students visited the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square for lunch. Many students reflected on this trip as a memorable close to the 2023-2024 school year.

Date Added: 6/20/2024